Judge Judy rules daytime television

While Oprah spent decades getting daytime audiences to live their best lives, Judge Judy Sheindlin has been doing the same thing, though she operates from a judge’s bench instead of a yellow couch.

The host of Judge Judy has presided over court for the past 17 seasons admonishing people for wallowing in petty conflicts, dishing out common sense in sound bites, handing down swift judgments and facilitating resolutions to problems that were stagnating her guests’ lives.

The veteran of New York’s family court system has been dominating ratings for the past three years in her time slot (averaging 9 million plus viewers, according to Neilson), even edging out the talk show queen in her final season.

On Monday, she moves her show (and her signature lace collar) to CBS WFOR Channel 4 at 3 p.m.

Have you ever had a situation where you just wanted to jump across the bench and shake someone?

No, that doesn’t happen. A judge is supposed to control the situation. People may want to jump at me, but I have to be in control of my courtroom.
How would you describe what goes on in your courtroom?
People who allow minor things to get in the way of their enjoying life. We try to resolve [problems] so they won’t be bogged down with what usually are petty irritations. They are situations that distract people from enjoying life’s journey, and I try to help them.
How did it feel to have your show surpass Oprah’s in her final season?
I just think that it’s wonderful that a program that is 17 years is still going strong.

Have you ever had a guest or a case on your show where you really felt like you had a teachable moment that got through to both parties?