Judge Judy's New Deal Keeps Her on the Bench Until 2017
Judge Judith Sheindlin will be sitting pretty for the next four years as she continues ruling from the bench on CBS. Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, signed a contract to renew the popular show through 2017 after her current contract ends in 2015.
The series averages more than 9 million viewers per day, which is more than any other daytime series. It is one of the longest-running shows, with 17 seasons under its belt; now it's poised to be on-air until season 21.
"Twenty-one is a terrific number," Sheindlin said in a statement. "It's when you officially become an adult, it's a winning hand in blackjack, and it's the number of seasons we will have hit in 2017. I am so fortunate to have a job that I still love, working with a staff I respect and with a company who is at the top of their game."
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CBS is also thrilled that Sheindlin signed on for two more years, Armando Nunez, CBS Global Distribution CEO, said in an official statement.
"We are grateful to Judy for her continued unparalleled ratings and her one-of-a-kind style. She is truly the Queen of Daytime and we couldn't be happier that she will continue her trademark sense of justice and humor with CTS and her stellar station line up through 2017," Nunez said.
Sheindlin currently makes $45 million annually for her work on CBS, and a spokesman had no comment as to whether she will receive a raise for her continued work. The 70-year-old judge has a huge fan following, including several celebrities.
"Judge Judy has signed another deal to 2017. RuPaul must be smiling ear to ear! Bingo!" RuPaul tweeted earlier today.
"Judge Judy is one of my favorite people on this earth; she definitely makes top 10 for sure," tweeted Richard Ayala.
Of course, the Judge has had her own legal woes lately. First, she was accused of taking a high-price China set. Then, not even two weeks later, her son was accused of interfering in a child rape case.
"The sole focus of this story should be the investigation as to whether a young girl was the victim of a very serious crime," Sheindlin said in an official statement. "Shifting that focus to celebrity does the justice system a grave disservice."
"Judge Judy" airs at 4:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
