Judge Judy

Judith Sheindlin—aka Judge Judy, the sharp-tongued wit we know, love, and fear—didn’t invent the unscripted court show genre. She revolutionized it. Before her series debuted in 1996 (above), one of the only other shows of its kind, The People’s Court, let the squabbling plaintiffs and defendants take the spotlight, while Joseph Wapner presided with a staid style.

- Eric Andersson

TAKING NO GUFF SINCE 1996

SERIES FINALE Syndicated, check local listings