#1 and #2 Court Shows “Judge Judy” and “Hot Bench” Renewed Through 2025-26 in 95% of the Country

The top two court shows in syndication – JUDGE JUDY and HOT BENCH – have been renewed in 95% of the country through the 2025-26 season, it was announced today by Greg Guenther, SVP of domestic sales for CBS Media Ventures.

“JUDGE JUDY and HOT BENCH are a powerful one-two punch for stations,” Guenther said. “Together, these two shows account for 67% of all minutes watched in the nationally syndicated court genre. Our station clients can’t get enough of this premium product and were eager to keep both shows in their daytime lineups.”

HOT BENCH

HOT BENCH was re-upped for two more years by CBS Stations in major markets, as well as stations owned by Sinclair, Nexstar, Tegna, Scripps, FOX Stations, Gray and Weigel.

“HOT BENCH is the only court show to grow year over year this season, increasing +14% in total viewers and +13% among the key women 25-54 demographic.” – Greg Guenther

JUDGE JUDY

In addition to previously announced deals with CBS Stations and FOX Stations, JUDGE JUDY was renewed for multiple years by stations owned by Sinclair, Nexstar, Scripps, Tegna, Gray, Hearst, and Weigel.

“In the third year of its library run, JUDGE JUDY is the most powerful court show on the air, averaging 6.1 million viewers and ranking #4 out of all shows in national syndication. No other show can claim a proven track record like JUDGE JUDY.” – Greg Guenther