Shocking Secrets Behind Judge Judy Revealed: Cast, Crew, and Litigants Finally Speak Out!

For more than 20 years, Judge Judy has been the dominant force on daytime television. However, there has always been a lingering question surrounding the series - is Judge Judy fake? The show's star, Judge Judy Sheindlin, was always at the forefront. Although the beloved courtroom show came to an end in 2021, it quickly returned as Prime Video's Justice Judy. On the show, Judge Sheindlin presides over small claims cases that rarely exceed $2,000. A world-famous figure, she is also one of the highest-paid TV hosts ever. In fact, Judge Judy earned a whopping $147 million in 2017 alone.

As this iconic TV personality continues to make headlines and entertain viewers, certain aspects of her show have come under scrutiny. While the show presents itself as a reality show offering an authentic courtroom experience, some individuals associated with the show have made statements to the contrary. The truth behind the courtroom of Judge Judy is not always as straightforward as it appears. Even after the original series ended, the show continues to thrive with reruns, leaving audiences with the question, "Is Judge Judy fake?" With some participants allegedly being hired, Bailiff Byrd revealed as an actor, and certain cases being fictional, the answer becomes quite complex.

10 Judge Judy Arbitrates, Not Judges

While the show's name suggests the role of a judge, the actual proceedings differ from those in a courthouse. Judge Judy, a certified judge, acts as an arbitrator on the show. According to an essay from the official website of the American Bar Association, the show's procedures align with those of an arbitrator—a neutral third party employed by two individuals with a dispute who prefer to avoid a lengthy court case. Still, Judge Judy's decisions hold legal weight, and she possesses genuine authority to determine the outcome.

9 Judge Judy Is Not Filmed In A Courthouse

The authenticity of Judge Judy has been questioned by viewers, despite its courtroom-like appearance. Surprisingly, the entire series was actually filmed in a studio lot, as confirmed by TVTix, the official website of the production team. The set designers deserve recognition for their remarkable work in recreating a genuine courtroom atmosphere, successfully fooling the audience into believing that the show is held in an actual courtroom. It is worth noting that Night Court, a previous show, may have served as a source of inspiration, as it too utilized a fabricated court set, joining the ranks of both fictional and non-fictional programs.

8 Judge Judy Is Not Filmed In New York

Further elaborating on the fictitious nature of the courtroom setting, it is important to note that the location itself adds to the deceptive facade. Despite Judy Sheindlin's origins and initial career as a judge in New York City, the opening credits exhibit footage of the city and a state flag prominently displayed behind Judy. While these visuals might suggest that the series takes place in New York, it is, in fact, situated on the opposite coast. TvTix also lists the studio address as being on Sunset Boulevard, further reinforcing the dissonance between the perceived location and reality. Consequently, Judy, residing on the East Coast, routinely embarks on flights to California for the purpose of filming. Consequently, when inquiring whether or not "Judge Judy is fake," the answer unequivocally leans towards an affirmative response.

7 The Judge Judy Audience Isn't A Standard Court Room Audience

It may not come as a surprise that the audience present in the courtroom gallery during a Judge Judy filming is not your typical courtroom audience. While a traditional courtroom is filled with aspiring lawyers, judges, the families of those on trial, witnesses, a jury, and individuals awaiting litigation, the Judge Judy courtroom attracts a different crowd. According to a WDRB article that includes interviews with the show's cast and crew, the majority of the audience members are actually paid extras. Among them are mostly aspiring actors, although a small segment consists of genuine fans of the show. It is worth noting that even celebrities like comedian Amy Schumer have found themselves in the Judge Judy audience, adding to the unique mix of attendees.

6 Some Judge Judy Cases Are Fake

Trying to comprehend the authenticity of Judge Judy is a complex task, given that the disputes and cases being presented are mostly genuine. Although the majority of the cases are legitimate, a few less genuine ones have managed to slip through. In an interview with Vice, a litigant named Jonathan, who appeared on the show in 2010, revealed something shocking. His case, which involved allegations of him getting intoxicated, becoming aggressive, and ultimately destroying a television set and causing harm to a pet cat, was entirely fabricated. He and a group of friends concocted the story in exchange for monetary compensation (as litigants are paid for their appearances), an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles, and an enduring anecdote to share.

5 The Judge Judy Production Pays All Awards

In Judge Judy cases, the winning party typically receives a cash compensation, which adds intrigue and seriousness to the show. Surprisingly, the source of this payment is not what one might expect. According to Distractify, it is actually the production crew who covers these monetary rewards awarded by the judge. This serves as an enticing incentive for individuals to agree to appear on the show. Since Judge Judy relies on minimal expensive effects, the production budget is primarily allocated towards these fees for the litigants, allowing for substantial compensation.

4 The Judge Judy Participants Don't Apply To Be On The Show

While the presentation of litigants on Judge Judy may appear genuine, it is important to note that this is not the case. As reported by Radar Online, the production teams meticulously scour small claims courts for peculiar cases with potential and actively recruit the litigants involved. Subsequently, these individuals receive a communication from the production crew, elucidating that they are not required to bear any of the expenses associated with appearing on the show. In fact, all costs are covered by the production budget, and additionally, the litigants are offered an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles.

3 Judge Judy Can Be Overturned

Contrary to the catchy opening credits of Judge Judy asserting that "all rulings are final," this is not always the case. Prior to appearing on the show, participants are required to sign a waiver acknowledging Judge Judy's decisions as final. However, there have been instances where her rulings were overturned in exceptional circumstances. In 2000, a New York Family Court overruled one of her decisions, arguing that she had made a ruling on an "issue beyond her jurisdiction" as a television judge. The details of this case, as explained by the American Lawyer's Media, highlighted that as an arbitrator, she did not possess the authority to award visitation and custody rights, which she had done in order to resolve the dispute.

2 Judge Judy Is Briefed On Cases Before Filming

1 Judge Judy And Bailiff Byrd Are Strictly Work Friends

The questions posed by Judge Judy to the litigants are not merely for show. Instead, they serve as a means to gather pertinent information required for her to make well-informed decisions regarding appropriate punishments. However, Judge Judy's reliance on information does not solely stem from these questions. The assistance of producers plays a substantial role in guiding Judy towards reaching fair judgments by providing her with relevant details beforehand. In an interview with The Television Academy, Judy clarified that she receives a basic outline of the pertinent facts pertaining to the cases she will be presiding over at the beginning of each day. This preliminary studying aids Judy in swiftly and rationally formulating her decisions, especially when considering that actual arbitrations can often be considerably lengthier compared to those witnessed on the television show.

One aspect of the series that often goes underrated is the dynamic between Judy and the courtroom bailiff, Petri Hawkins-Byrd. As the bailiff, Byrd's role is to maintain order in the court when situations become unruly. Throughout the entire series, he has been a constant presence by Judy's side. However, despite their seemingly wholesome relationship, it appears that their connection is strictly professional. In a 2012 interview with the LA Times, Byrd revealed that while they have a good working relationship and share mutual friends, their social circles are quite different. He mentioned, "We have our differences on certain matters." It is somewhat disappointing to learn that their off-screen bond may not be as close as their on-screen rapport, considering how well they get along in the courtroom.