Judge Judy Sheindlin is making a return to linear television through a multi-year broadcast syndication deal between Amazon MGM Studios, Sox Entertainment, and various station groups in over 100 U.S. broadcast markets. Nexstar, Sunbeam, Cox Media, Weigel, and Mission Broadcasting are among the prominent players involved in this syndication agreement.
In an unusual move for the television industry, the streaming show “Judy Justice,” originally featured on Amazon Freevee, will be syndicated to local TV stations. This agreement, orchestrated by Sox Entertainment CEO Scott Koondel, encompasses a broad reach, including stations in all top 10 markets, and is set to premiere in the fall of 2024.
While “Judge Judy” continues to be distributed in syndication by CBS Media Ventures, the syndication of “Judy Justice” to local TV stations adds a unique dynamic to the landscape. It raises the possibility of a faceoff between the two Judge Judy shows in certain markets.
The syndication deal, which spans more than 100 U.S. broadcast markets, marks a significant milestone for “Judy Justice,” a series that has produced nearly 250 episodes on Amazon Freevee. Judge Judy Sheindlin expressed her excitement about this development, stating, “What a full-circle moment. This continues to be quite an adventure!”
Sox Entertainment CEO Scott Koondel, who also serves as the executive producer of “Judy Justice,” highlighted the significance of bringing the show to linear television nationwide. He emphasized the compelling and thought-provoking legal experience viewers can expect with Judge Judy Sheindlin at the helm, now in high definition for the first time in broadcast.
Launched on Amazon Freevee in November 2021, “Judy Justice” features Judge Sheindlin presiding over the courtroom, accompanied by law clerk Sarah Rose, court stenographer Whitney Kumar, and bailiff Kevin Rasco. Season 3 of the series commenced on Freevee and Prime Video on January 22, with new episodes airing every weekday through April 5.
Reflecting on the journey, Lauren Anderson, Head of AVOD, unscripted, and targeted programming at Amazon MGM Studios, acknowledged Judge Sheindlin’s pioneering risk in bringing the show to a streaming service. Anderson expressed delight in the success of “Judy Justice” among Amazon customers and the opportunity to deliver the show back to broadcast markets across North America in partnership with Sox Entertainment. The executive producers of “Judy Justice” also include director Randy Douthit and co-executive producer Amy Freisleben.
