After nearly three decades on television, Judge Judy is preparing to step away from the camera. Judy Sheindlin, now 83, became one of television’s most recognizable personalities when Judge Judy premiered in 1996. Her quick responses, direct personality, and memorable courtroom moments turned the show into a huge success, eventually producing more than 6,500 episodes and 12,500 cases. The original series ended in 2020, but Sheindlin had no plans to disappear from television. She continued with Judy Justice on Prime Video, where she remained at the center of the courtroom. Now, however, she says the upcoming end of the series in October will mark an important change. Rather than continuing to appear on camera, Sheindlin wants to focus on projects where she can remain involved without sitting in the spotlight.

“I don’t want to do hair and makeup anymore, but I still want my message to get out there,” Sheindlin explained. Her next chapter will include working behind the scenes as an executive producer while spending more time with her family. She is also developing Judyverse, an adult animated project inspired by the viral “Baby Judge Judy” videos. In addition, Sheindlin is producing a new courtroom series featuring her son, Adam Levy, whose show premieres September 14. She has said she believes he has the presence and ability to carry an unscripted half-hour program. For longtime viewers, seeing Judge Judy step away from the camera may feel like the end of an era, but her influence on courtroom television is continuing in a different way. At 83, she appears ready to trade the makeup chair for the producer’s seat while making room for family, new ideas, and the next generation.