Why Judge Judy Is Retiring From On-Camera TV After 30 Years

When it comes to Judy Sheindlin, people know her best as the woman presiding over small claims court cases in the long syndicated series Judge Judy. She has since moved on to Judy Justice, another court series on Prime Video, but as the show prepares for its final episode this October, what’s next for the TV judge?

According to Sheindlin, her plans post-Judy Justice are to remain behind the scenes as she takes a step back from the spotlight. But what’s leading her to retire from the TV courtroom? In an interview with People, she tells the outlet, “I have a lot of other things of interest.”

Among some of those interests, according to the outlet, are afternoon naps, spending time with her family, and expanding the Judyverse as she develops the adult animated series based on the viral AI Baby Judge Judy videos. “I don’t want to do hair and makeup anymore, but I still want my message to get out there,” she said.

And while Sheindlin may be stepping out from in front of the camera, she’s still behind it as she produces Adam’s Law, the syndicated court show featuring her son, Adam Levy. Set to premiere on September 14, Adam’s Law debuts nearly 30 years after Judge Judy first arrived on screens.

“There aren’t a lot of people who can carry a half hour on their own unscripted,” Sheindlin said. “He has what it takes.” While Levy previously appeared on Tribunal Justice alongside other TV judges on Prime Video, Sheindlin said of his solo run with Adam’s Law, “Maybe eight years ago he wasn’t ready. He’s ready now.”

This revelation about Sheindlin’s career move correlates with the recent announcement that CBS would celebrate Sheindlin’s milestone 30 years as a TV judge with a special tribute on September 22. At the age of 83, Sheindlin has enthralled viewers through decades of cases, and Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable is a 90-minute primetime special fans won’t want to miss, especially as her time onscreen begins to wind down.

What do you think of Judge Judy’s step back from the spotlight? Let us know in the comments section below, and don’t miss her TV special or Adam’s Law when they air on TV this fall.

Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable, Tuesday, September 22, 8/7c, CBS