Judith Sheindlin Inks New Deal with CBS TV Distribution Extending ‘Judge Judy’ and ‘Hot Bench’ Through 2020

Retired Manhattan Family Court Judge Judith Sheindlin's contract with the CBS Global Distribution Group has been renewed through 2020, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As renewed, the contract also includes a first-look production deal with Sheindlin's Queen Bee Productions, the company responsible for the long-running Daytime Emmy Award-winning reality courtroom reality series Judge Judy and the recently-launched panel-based court show Hot Bench.

According to Deadline, Judge Judy has been the highest-rated show in first-run syndication for the past five seasons. Now in its 19th season, it is averaging 10.3 million viewers. Hot Bench, which debuted just this fall, is the No. 1 freshman show in syndication, averaging 2.3 million viewers.

Armando Nuñez, President and CEO of CBS Global Distribution Group, in the press statement announcing the deal. Said: "We could not be more excited to continue our longtime relationship with Judy. She is a true television icon who entertains and inspires millions of fans each day on Judge Judy. We look forward to continuing to provide our station partners with her highly successful show and to working with her to create the next generation of hits."

The 72-year-old Sheindlin for her part said: "I'm thrilled to be working with my CBS family for five more years and very excited about this new adventure in production. I loved the experience of creating and developing Hot Bench and look forward to replicating its success with more new, compelling and smart TV."

Judge Judy, produced by Big Ticket Pictures, a division of CBS, is distributed by CBS Television Distribution. Directed and executive produced by Randy Douthit, the show presents Sheindlin adjudicating real-life small claim disputes within a simulated courtroom set. Season 19 premiered on September 8, 2014. Typically, there are 260 new episodes per season. At least one new episode is aired for every weekday, except during the seasonal breaks and holidays.

Hot Bench, which is executive produced by Douthit with Maureen FitzPatrick, features Patricia DiMango, Tanya Acker and Larry Bakman comprising the three-judge panel which acts as arbitral tribunal. The half-hour strip is produced by Big Ticket Pictures and Sheindlin's Queen Bee Productions and is distributed by CBS TV Distribution.