<P> Since its premiere, Judge Judy has gained enormous popularity and has led the ratings in courtroom programming in the United States . The show was also the highest - rated daytime television program from its 3rd (1998--99) through 5th (2000--01) season . After that, the show lost this title but regained it by its 14th season (2009--10) and has continued . For its 16th season (2011--12), it was named the highest - rated program in all of daytime, averaging a 7.0 rating . It regained the position as leader in all of syndication for its 18th and has kept that title henceforth, 4 consecutive years to date . </P> <P> On March 2, 2015, CBS Television Distribution and Judge Sheindlin extended their contract by four years, keeping it on the air at least until completion of the 2020--21 season (the show's 25th). </P> <P> The court show's 22nd season commenced on Monday, September 11, 2017 . </P> <P> Sheindlin's pre-court show reputation as one of the toughest family court judges in the country was the topic of a Los Angeles Times article in February 1993 . On May 21, 1993, Joseph Wapner was released from The People's Court . Sheindlin called up the program and said, "You know, if he doesn't want to do this show any more, I can do it ." The receptionist snapped, "Are you crazy, lady?" and hung up . The Los Angeles Times article on Sheindlin caught the attention of 60 Minutes, which aired a segment on her on October 24, 1993 . The segment brought her national recognition and first led to an offer for her to write her own book . Sheindlin accepted the book offer, writing Don't Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining . </P>

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