Sheindlin

Daytime television may have lost Oprah Winfrey, but its new entrants, including CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, may have an even bigger competitor to face: Judith Sheindlin, a.k.a.

Grabbing for Daytime Crown Lauren A.E. Schuker 2011

Daytime television may have lost Oprah Winfrey, but its new entrants, including CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, may have an even bigger competitor to face: Judith Sheindlin, a.k.a.

WSJ.com: What's News US 2011

To figure out if Ms. Sheindlin got a good deal or not—well, that would take more time at the adding machine than we are willing to give.

Full Glasses in Naples Marshall Heyman 2012

"Judge Judy," with tough-talking Judge Judy Sheindlin sitting on the bench, is the most popular syndicated program on television and the most-watched daytime show.

Grabbing for Daytime Crown Lauren A.E. Schuker 2011

"It's the biggest party of the year, anywhere," said Judge Judy Sheindlin , who splits her time between Naples and Connecticut.

Full Glasses in Naples Marshall Heyman 2012

Ms. Sheindlin was the big celebrity at the auction.

Full Glasses in Naples Marshall Heyman 2012

Associated PRess Dr. Phil McGraw Judith Sheindlin, known as Judge Judy, also has climbed in popularity among daytime viewers in recent months.

Daytime Prepares for Winfrey's Exit Lauren A. E. Schuker 2011

A similar strategy has worked for Ms. Sheindlin, who parlayed her reputation as one of the country's toughest family-court judges into a hugely successful daytime franchise.

Grabbing for Daytime Crown Lauren A.E. Schuker 2011

Associated Press Judge Judy Sheindlin Networks are also canceling outmoded daytime shows like soap operas and replacing them with reality shows and talk shows that appeal more to today's viewers and can cost 30% less to produce.

Daytime Prepares for Winfrey's Exit Lauren A. E. Schuker 2011

Ms. Sheindlin, who flies to Los Angeles twice a month from her Florida home to tape "Judge Judy," which has been on the air 15 years, says part of the show's appeal lies in its disciplinary aspect.

Grabbing for Daytime Crown Lauren A.E. Schuker 2011