Judge Judy retires from on camera TV after 30 years as son Adam Levy takes over courtroom

Sheindlin will continue producing TV projects while developing an animated series inspired by viral Baby Judge Judy

Judge Judy is stepping away from on camera television after three decades, with her son Adam Levy preparing to continue the family’s courtroom legacy.

Judy Sheindlin, 83, will leave regular on camera work when Judy Justice concludes its run on October 22, bringing an end to a remarkable television career that began with Judge Judy in 1996. Sheindlin confirmed the decision in an interview with People, explaining that she has other interests she wants to pursue while still finding ways to keep her message on television.

"I have a lot of other things of interest," Sheindlin told People. She also said she no longer wanted the demands of hair and makeup, although she still wants her message to reach audiences.

Her departure from the screen does not mean she is leaving television altogether. Sheindlin is producing Adam’s Law, a new syndicated courtroom programme starring her son Adam Levy. The show premiered on September 14 and features Levy presiding over small claims cases. CBS Media Ventures describes the programme as the next stage of Sheindlin’s courtroom television legacy, with Levy bringing extensive legal experience of his own.

Levy previously worked in private practice and served two terms as district attorney in Putnam County, New York. He later joined Tribunal Justice in 2023, where he served as one of the judges for three seasons. Sheindlin believes that experience has prepared him to lead a courtroom programme independently.

"There aren’t a lot of people who can carry a half hour on their own unscripted," Sheindlin told People. "He has what it takes."

Sheindlin acknowledged that her son may not have been ready for such a role several years ago, but she now believes the timing is right. Her confidence comes after watching Levy develop both his legal career and his television presence.

The transition marks a significant moment for Sheindlin, whose original series Judge Judy became one of the most recognisable courtroom programmes in television history. The syndicated show premiered in 1996 and ran for 25 seasons before ending in 2021. Sheindlin then moved to streaming with Judy Justice, which continued her familiar courtroom format for a new generation of viewers.

Sheindlin is also looking beyond courtroom television. She is developing Judyverse, an adult animated project inspired by viral AI generated videos featuring a younger version of Judge Judy. The project gives her another creative outlet while allowing her to remain involved in television production without returning to the daily demands of appearing before the camera.

Her career will also receive a special television tribute. CBS is airing Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable on September 22 as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for Judge Judy. The 90 minute special will feature Sheindlin discussing her career alongside appearances from figures including Amy Poehler, RuPaul, Samuel L Jackson, Sherry Lansing and Steven Spielberg.

For Sheindlin, the decision appears to be less about disappearing from television and more about choosing how she wants to spend the next stage of her career. She has said she wants to spend time with family, enjoy a slower routine and explore new projects.

"I don’t have to prove anything else. I did it," Sheindlin said, reflecting on the career that turned her into one of television’s most recognisable personalities.

With Judy Justice approaching its October 22 finale and Adam’s Law placing Levy at the centre of a new courtroom programme, Sheindlin’s influence will continue on television even after she leaves the judge’s chair herself.