What Happened to ‘Hot Bench’ Judge Michael Corriero? Inside His Exit From the Show
Hot Bench is back for Season 12, but a familiar face is missing. Judge Michael Corriero is no longer on the panel with Rachel Juarez and Yodit Tewolde, whom he’d been presiding alongside since Season 9.
Corriero joined the show during Season 3 as original co-host Larry Bakman’s replacement. He sat alongside Tanya Acker and Patricia DiMango, both of whom had also been on the show since Season 1. Acker and DiMango left after Season 8, paving the way for Juarez and Tewolde to join the show.
So, what happened to Corriero and why is he no longer part of the show? Scroll down for everything we know.
What happened to Judge Michael Corriero?
Corriero, who is in his 80s, retired from the show after Season 11. He announced his decision in early 2025 and revealed that this had been his plan for a while.
“At the beginning of this past year, after almost nine years on Hot Bench, I made it clear to everyone that this would be my final season,” Corriero said in a statement, per Deadline. “It was time to pass the torch or, should I say, the gavel. I will miss the challenge, my beloved colleagues, and the entire Hot Bench team.”
Corriero’s exit isn’t the only change for Season 12. Bailiff Sonia Montejano also left the show after 11 seasons, while production was relocated from Los Angeles to Connecticut for financial reasons.
Who replaced Michael Corriero on Hot Bench?
Daniel Mentzer was announced as Corriero’s replacement in March when filming began for Season 12. It was also revealed that retired NYPD detective Gina Findley has replaced Montejano.
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Mentzer was featured on Judge Judy Presents: Justice on Trial and has been a legal analyst on Court TV. He’s a “seasoned litigator,” according to his website bio, and has tried more than 90 felony cases. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, he received his Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo Law School, then later received a specialization in tax law from William & Mary Law School.
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O
Michael is my favorite, I admire that he always brought more than just a legal perspective he brought a deep sense of morality and ethics. I will miss him 💜
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G
I missed Judge Corriero the very first day of new shows. His heart and soul and wRmth are missed! A fine gentleman, not easily replaced.
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B
I agree with you100 percent! My husband and I tape the show and watch it every night like clockwork! We have really enjoyed watching the show but today was different. Unfortunately neither one of us were impressed with the new judge or the new bailiff! I guess it is time to make a change of our own and find something new to watch! It was good while it lasted!!
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O
I completely agree!
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O
I thought the same thing when corriero replaced the first judge and the the other 2 judges left. Give it time you'll grow to like the changes.
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C
I don’t think the new judge will have the empathy and grace that judge Correiro has. I have seen one episode of the new season.
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G
I thought he’d retire. I had noticed a raspiness in his voice toward the end of the season. I wish him well.
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R
O will miss Judge Michael. But I am glad it’s retirement and not illness. As far as his replacement. Watched 2 episodes and so not sure. I will comment when I am sure. God bless Judge Michael Corriero
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B
Will miss him. He's my favorite judge but I do appreciate all judges of Hot Bench. No yelling or name calling but make their point clear. Always professional.
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O
I will miss Officer Montejano, she was always in control of the courts room
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A
The two bests judges are now gone: Patricia Di Mango so funny and sharp. Michael Corriero cute, kind, and feisty with the ladies every so often. I'm afraid the program may lose more of its spark.
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G
There are no actual judges on the panel anymore. None of the three have ever been on the bench.
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G
He was such a nice judge. Loved his personality. I wish I had started watching him sooner. Lovely man.
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C
Michael was a very fair judge..
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G
I loved him on Hot Bench. He looks much younger than 80. He is missed, and i hope he enjoys retirement
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O
Judge Mentzer looks like he means business and takes no mess!! Haha!! Im here for it but will miss Corriero.
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P
I can’t believe Judge Corriero is in his 80’s. I was so disappointed when I tuned in and didn’t see him.
He was my favorite Judge on the panel. He will be missed
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O
Corrieron was the empathy as you called it but his empathy often got in the way of the rule of law.Judges Juarez and Tewolde are more practical and fact based and followed the written laws as they should,they don’t let their feel Get in the way. That’s why they often over ruled Corriero. Feelings have no place in a court room for a judge tv show or not.
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P
Because it's a "law" it doesn't make it it right. That's where empathy comes in to play...
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C
I watched three episodes so far. Time to make a change as I do not like the new judge. Judge Michael Corriero was the voice of reason on the show. He showed respect to all involved. Plus he was "easy on the eyes". This new judge doesnt even seem to ask the appropriate questions leading me to believe he never had much experience in a courtroom. He also looks like he needs to wash his hair......
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B
Michael such a great part of hot bench!
Miss your empathy and values.
All the best👏👍
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O
I liked her since her day on Judge Joe Brown
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B
Judge Corriero gave the show kindness and warmth, which this World needs more of. The show will not be the same
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C
I only recently discovered Hot Bench, and enjoy and admire all three judges. Just now hearing of the updates, I'll definitely miss Judge Michael Corriero!! What a smart, erudite, and extremely wise and genuinely kind man. The courts in this country have been lucky to have him, and he'll be missed in this unique show, this court setting! God speed! ❣️
Judges Juarez & Tewolde are equally freakin' awesome! I learn something from them with each episode. 👍👍 Welcome to their new colleague, Judge Mentzer, and to the former & current officers who maintain order & safety, I apologize I do not know your names right now, but your service and backgrounds are all impressive. We are all grateful to have you there to keep everything running smoothly and respectfully!
Have a great new season, all!
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O
I was so sad to see that Michael Corriero had retired. I didn't know he was in his 80s, but I understand. I hope this new judge bring some life to the show along with the ladies.
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P
Absolutely!
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C
Don like new judge doesn't fit in at all
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C
I felt, Michael Corriero, was the "empathy" in the 3 Judge panel. I enjoyed his
examination of the two people involved in the case. I can't believe he was 80.
I will miss him on the panel. He had such charisma.
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A
I like the new Judge Mentzner, he seems to be a kind and very understanding person but that Judge Juarez she wants everything to go her way. She talks only to Judge Tewolde when she's wants to be right about a case, she will not look at Judge Mentzner and she seems bossy. She seems to hurt people of color when she's ruling so I am not very fund of her. As far as Judge Tewolde, please grow a spine and stop letting Judge Juarez get into your head and change your mind about the law and your color, take a stand and be a fair judge.
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D
True that
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C
That is NOT true.
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C
I just fell in love with Judge Corriego! ...What a great man, inside and out! So handsome. and I found him to be so calm and reasonable when the ladies whom I liked too, but were so emotional at times. He brought reasonable decisions to the panel of judges and I liked his style. A good, intelligent and caring Man that I greatly miss! Caroline.
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R
I watched show yesterday, ALL from Baltimore channel has not shown New Judge yet!!
Michael was asking 2 females questions in a Nasty tone!!
So good riddance to guy with Menapause!!!
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P
In your "best trio", the other two would turn their backs on him and decide the case between them, while he waited politely to express his view, which they felt free to ignore. It was smart to put him in the middle in the next trio
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B
But the law is the law and should be followed as such. Don’t like it? Change it the right way
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D
Tell that to the White House!
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P
Wow, I can't believe he was in his eighties he will be sadly missed. I enjoyed his calm nature and his empathy for many of the clients. Enjoy your retirement
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G
I think the show has gotten really boring. Nobody has a sense of humor, and I find two of the judges to be outright annoying. Best trio was Acker, DiMango, and Corriero. Great chemistry and great humor.
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O
Michael Corriero as judge was often too much of a “ softie .”
I perceived him to be a nice person , but needed a little more toughness in his justice position . I, too, wish him well in his retirement .
So far, I like Judge Dan Mentzer. I’ll continue to watch Hot Bench .
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R
I already miss Judge Corriero, the kindest and fairest judge on "Hot Bench!" Judge Corriero did not quickly jump to conclusions, as he listened to testimonies, and he presented himself as wise, and experienced.
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G
Good luck judge! Really enjoyed you and the others!
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R
I did NOT like past Judges because they started getting Nasty like Judy!!
This new Blackish female does NOT know if she is Indian (India) or Black.
The Black dreadlocks going back and forth are Unprofessional.
That or even any Tattoos on people turn me OFF!!!
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C
I will not miss him. He did not follow THE LAW, but instead operated according to his feelings. That’s exactly the kind of judge that drops charges on violent criminals, or sets no bail, allowing them to murder people on public transit.
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