Judge Judy extends contract through 2020

[Bob Juch]

Judge Judy Sheindlin has extended her whopping contract with CBS TV Distribution to host the top-rated “Judge Judy” through the 2019-20 season.

Deal adds three more seasons to her existing pact, which would have expired at the end of the 2016-17 cycle.

The extension is undoubtedly lucrative for Sheindlin, who has been making more than $47 million a year under her previous contract. This time around, the deal also includes a first-look production component for her Queen Bee Prods. banner, which launched another successful courtshow strip this season, “Hot Bench.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with my CBS family for five more years, and very excited about this new adventure in production,” Sheindlin said. “I loved the experience of creating and developing ‘Hot Bench’ and look forward to replicating its success with more new, compelling and smart TV.”

Even with her mammoth salary, “Judge Judy” is a cash cow for CBS. Now in its 19th season, the gaveled reigns as the undisputed No. 1 first-run syndicated series by a wide margin with an average of 10.3 million viewers each week.

“We could not be more excited to continue our longtime relationship with Judy,” said CBS Global Distribution Group president Armando Nunez. “She is a true television icon, who entertains and inspires millions of fans each day. We look forward to continuing to provide our station partners with her highly successful show and to working with her to create the next generation of hits.”

Sheindlin ranks as one of the highest-paid personalities in TV, and with her legal background she has the wherewithal to orchestrate her own contracts. She’s not known to have an agent or manager.

Newton Minnow was right.

[Kazoo65]

The station I see BAM on runs this show. It's actually in BAM's old 4PM time slot.

How old is Judge Judy, anyway? She must be going for some kind of record for TV longevity.

[Pastor Fireball]

How old is Judge Judy, anyway? She must be going for some kind of record for TV longevity.

Only 72. John Paul Stevens didn't retire from the Supreme Court until he turned 90, so Judge Judy would break Bob Barker's record of hosting "The Price Is Right" (35 years) if she stayed on until her 90th birthday.

But the all-time longevity record has to belong to Don Francisco of Sabado Gigante. He began hosting that Latin American variety show in 1962 (back when it was called Show Dominical and Sabados Gigantes) when he was only 21 years old. He's still hosting that show today.