Syndicated ‘Hot Bench’ A Go For Fall 2014

CBS Television Distribution (CTD) has sold the new syndicated court strip Hot Bench in 75% of the country for a fall 2014 launch, it was announced today by Armando Nuñez, president-CEO of the CBS Global Distribution Group.

Created by Judge Judy Sheindlin, the half-hour court show has been sold to stations belonging to CBS Television Stations, Tribune Broadcasting, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Cox Media Group, Meredith Corp., LIN Television Corp., Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Journal Broadcast Group, Gray Television and Cowles Publishing Co.

The strip will air mostly in afternoon and early-fringe time periods.

“Judy Sheindlin has been a very important part of the CBS family for many years, and everyone at our company is excited to launch this new show and bring Judy’s creative vision to the air,” Nuñez said. “Court has traditionally been a strong performer for stations, and we’re sure this unique take on the genre will be a great addition to the lineups of our station partners.”

Hot Bench features a panel of three judges hearing court cases, arguing the merits of the case amongst themselves and rendering a verdict. Hot Bench is a term used to describe a court where the judge or judges frequently interrupt lawyers’ presentations with questions, often leading to lively exchanges.

Hot Bench’s trio of judges are Judge Patricia DiMango and attorneys Tanya Acker and Larry Bakman.

DiMango is a New York State Supreme Court judge in Brooklyn. Acker is a Los Angeles-based practicing attorney and political, social and legal commentator. Bakman, a member of the State Bar in California and New York, has had a private legal practice in Los Angeles since 1983.

Hot Bench is created by Judge Judy Sheindlin and executive produced by Randy Douthit, who currently serves as executive producer and director of Judge Judy.