It was back in 1993 that Joseph Wapner was released from his work on the popular “The People’s Court” program. Judy took it on herself to ring the network and ask if perhaps they wanted her to host the show instead of Wapner.
The receptionist on the other end of the line wasn’t very impressed with her somewhat insane caller and quickly hung up on the future superstar. The rest of course in history.
Jealousy
Joseph Wapner, the original judge on "The People's Court," for over 10 years between 1981 and 1993, has for years criticized the success Judy has found. Wapner criticized Judy's show openly in 2002, saying publicly, “She is not portraying a judge as I view a judge should act.
Judge Judy is discourteous, and she’s abrasive. She’s not slightly insulting. She’s insulting in capital letters.”
Improvement Over time
Each year Judge Judy premieres in September. Episodes are not aired in the order in which they were filmed. The best episodes are the ones that are chosen to begin a new season. If you want to see Judge Judy at her best, the first few weeks of a new season are when you should watch. When you are at dinner you start with the best cocktails.
As the judge says herself, “It’s like drinking wine. You don’t serve the really good bottle of wine third.”
No Thanks
The show was not originally intended to be named after its star but rather, "Hot Bench", which is actually a real term in appellate court. Judy actually insisted the show not be named after her. Producers, however, didn't think Hot Bench would mean anything to casual viewers with no background in the courts.
They considered the title, "Judge Justice" for a little while, but producers continued to push for their star and eventually she allowed her name to go on the show. She has been irreplaceable from the start.
So Laughable
Officer Byrd is nothing but professional as he appear on the television, but he is known off screen for his sense of humor. According to the judge herself he is particularly well known for his impressions. One time his humor went a little too far and almost cost him his job.
While he was still working in New York with Judge Sheindlin, he put on her robe and glasses and began to imitate some of Judy's best lines. The Judge Judy her fans know and love happened to walk in on the display.