Daytime TV Judge Rundown
A Quick Guide to the Courtroom Characters that Rule Mid-Afternoon TV
They're all over the daytime television scene. They've turned countless housewives and unemployed couch potatoes into legal experts. But which TV judge is right for you?
They're everywhere. Vying with poorly acted soaps, and low-end talk shows for a piece of the daytime television pie. Interrupted only by the occasional advertisement for a trade school or a shady law firm, TV judges have proliferated across the dial. They settle the most pressing small-claims disputes of our time, and even dole out a little advice and philosophy along the way. With the abundance of these real-life courtroom dramas, you'll need this helpful guide to find the perfect match for you.
Judge Judy
The big momma of courtroom shows, this decade-old vehicle for former family court judge Judith Sheindlin is a staple of afternoon TV lineups. With a tendency for interrupting plaintiffs and defendants alike with venomous quips, Sheindlin is the most brutal judge in syndication. She's not afraid to call court-goers "stupid," or let them know that they are in fact "bums." In addition, the frilly doily she wears around the collar of her robe is quite fetching.
For: nasty, old people and people who enjoy nasty, old people
The People's Court
People's Court judge Marilyn Milian is Judith Sheindlin-light. The latest judge to rule the original reality courtroom show since it was resurrected in 1997 (Judge Judy's husband Jerry Sheindlin preceded her), Milian is quick to stick it to those who enter her courtroom, but she'll do it with a smile. Add to this the snappy analysis of Harvey Levin and you have one amazing courtroom show. Okay, one pretty good courtroom show. One watchable courtroom show?
For: people who enjoy kind of nasty, not so old people and people who miss Judge Wapner
Judge Alex
Alex Ferrer wants to be your friend. He'll settle your disputes, but he won't let that get in the way of having a pleasant afternoon. Always ready with a toothy grin and a warm chuckle, Ferrer is the good guy of the daytime courtroom scene. Still, he gets the job done. Oh, he'll dole out the punishment; he'll just do it with a smile. A really nice smile.
For: lonely housewives and fans of really nice smiles
Christina's Court
Christina Perez of Christina's Court made the transition from Spanish to English-language television. She tends to spend more time on cases than other judges, delving into personal issues that don't necessarily pertain to the case at hand in order truly help the individuals involved mend their personal relationships. She cares. Often she ends her program with a short commentary a la Jerry Springer's "final thought." Plus, her bailiff could beat up any other TV bailiff, hands down.
For: fans of happy endings and really, really big bailiffs
