CBS is set to honour the remarkable achievements of Judith Sheindlin, widely recognised as Judge Judy, in a special television event titled *Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable*. This celebratory programme will air on 22 September and marks a significant moment in the career of the esteemed TV personality who has captured the hearts of viewers for three decades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/judge-judy-091026-6ac0fa6421314cdda768c079ed49e250.jpg)
At 83, Sheindlin reflects on her time in the spotlight with a mix of humility and perspective. Despite her prolific legacy, she admits to *People* magazine that she does not watch her own broadcasts. “I don’t watch myself on TV,” she explains. The extent of her viewing is limited to brief glimpses on social media, where she critiques her own appearance rather than focusing on the content she intends to deliver.
“I found that I would think about it if I watched it myself,” Sheindlin notes. “I would think about my face, my neck, and how I was presenting myself rather than the message I was trying to convey.” This recognition led her to abandon the practice of watching full episodes. “I didn’t want that to interfere with the process of my work, so I stopped watching,” she admits candidly.
The forthcoming CBS special aims to provide a comprehensive look back at her illustrious career; however, Sheindlin remains steadfast that she will not engage with old episodes, stating emphatically, “No.” Nevertheless, she appreciates the opportunity to reflect on her trajectory. “I think maybe you do take it for granted when you’re younger. But now I look back and think, ‘My God, what a big life you’ve enjoyed,’” she muses.
Having begun her career as a prosecutor and later as a family court judge, she became a household name when *Judge Judy* premiered in 1996. The show rapidly gained popularity, frequently drawing higher ratings than even *The Oprah Winfrey Show*. This incredible journey has allowed Sheindlin to champion messages surrounding personal accountability, something she deems paramount.
As her current show, *Judy Justice*, nears its conclusion in October, Sheindlin is preparing to step away from the television bench. However, she plans to remain actively involved in the entertainment sphere through *Adam’s Law*, a new syndicated programme featuring her son, Adam Levy. He intends to adopt a similarly no-nonsense approach to adjudicating cases but is unlikely to imitate his mother’s famously sharp remarks.
Sheindlin is quick to highlight her son’s distinct wit. “Adam has a quick wit, and he will create his own,” she explains. When it comes to her own iconic remarks, she reveals they are often spontaneous rather than premeditated.
One particularly memorable moment occurred during a 2019 episode when she found herself delivering a scathing retort about a litigant’s dismissive attitude towards his former girlfriend. “I said to myself, ‘Gee, maybe you do have that nasty little streak floating around inside like a little worm,’” she recalls with a chuckle, acknowledging the unexpectedly sharp nature of her comedy.
Beyond traditional television, Sheindlin is venturing into new territory with a project titled *Judyverse*, an animated series inspired by the viral *Baby Judge Judy* videos. Drawing a comparison to Andy Rooney, the late commentator known for his humorous rants, she intends to extend her observations on life in a fresh and engaging manner. “I’m going to do that in half an hour,” she reveals with enthusiasm.
*Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable* will air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET, providing a fitting tribute to Sheindlin’s career while extending her legacy into future projects. Following the broadcast, the special will be available for streaming on Paramount+, showcasing the enduring influence of one of television’s most iconic figures. Additionally, viewers can catch *Adam’s Law* in national syndication, broadening the family’s reach in the world of justice-driven entertainment.