It makes sense that television loves the courtroom. It's a natural setting for drama, with real-life stakes and gripping interactions. But which of these shows is the very best is a matter of opinion. Some good courtroom reality shows focus on specific areas of the law, while other popular court TV shows address a variety of subjects. Many of the most entertaining courtroom shows have been airing for decades – perhaps paving the way for the future reality entertainment boom.
What series will you find on this list of the best courtroom shows? When it comes to entertaining courtroom drama, it doesn't get much better than The People's Court. First premiering in 1981 with original judge Joseph Wapner, this hit series handles small claims cases between neighbors, family members, and strangers. Divorce Court is another good courtroom series that airs on television. Presided over by Judy Sheindlin, Judge Judy boasts the longest lasting individual production life of any court show. Other good programs featured on this roundup of the top courtroom shows include Judge Mathis, Kids Court, and Moral Court.
Which court show deserves the top spot on this list? That's up to you to decide. Give your favorites a thumbs up to move them towards number one, and add any notable series that are missing.
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301122Judge Judy
Judy Sheindlin, Petri Hawkins-ByrdPremiered: 1996
Judge Judy is an American arbitration-based reality court show presided over by retired... more2
23390Judge Mathis
Greg MathisPremiered: 1999
Judge Mathis is a long-running syndicated arbitration-based reality court show presided over... more3
23694The People's Court
Davy Jones, Ed KochPremiered: 1981
The People's Court is an American arbitration-based reality court show currently presided over... more4
18178Judge Faith
Faith JenkinsPremiered: 2014
5
12368Divorce Court
Susan Olsen, Lynn TolerPremiered: 1957
Divorce Court is an American nontraditional court show that revolves around settling the... more6
9045Lauren Lake's Paternity Court
Lauren LakeLauren Lake's Paternity Court is a syndicated nontraditional court show/tabloid talk show... more7
11568Hot Bench
Sonia Montejano, Tanya AckerPremiered: 2014
Hot Bench is a nontraditional panel-based court show that made its debut in first-run... more8
10865Judge Hatchett
Glenda HatchettPremiered: 2000
Judge Hatchett is an American arbitration-based reality court show, produced and distributed... more9
8971Judge Joe Brown
Joe Brown, Holly EvansPremiered: 1998
10
7658Judge Alex
Alex FerrerPremiered: 2005
Judge Alex is an American arbitration-based reality court show, presided over by retired... more11
6361America's Court With Judge Ross
Kevin A. RossPremiered: 2010
America's Court with Judge Ross is a nationally syndicated, nontraditional/dramatized court... more12
188Gary Busey: Pet Judge
Gary Busey, Mike E. WinfieldPremiered: 2020
Gary Busey: Pet Judge (Amazon Video, 2020) is a comedy television series hosted by Gary Busey... more13
5555Judge Karen
Karen Mills-FrancisPremiered: 2008
Judge Karen is an American arbitration-based reality court show that aired in first-run... more14
1916Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Kathryn Erbe, Vincent D'OnofrioPremiered: 2001
This show is an American police procedural television drama series set in New York City, where... more15
2222Night Court
Harry Anderson, John LarroquettePremiered: 1984
Night Court is an American television situation comedy that aired on NBC from January 4, 1984,... more16
2831Last Shot with Judge Gunn
Mary Ann Gunn, Lisa DennisPremiered: 2011
Last Shot with Judge Gunn is an American reality-based nontraditional court show that debuted... more17
3950Judge Jeanine Pirro
Jeanine PirroPremiered: 2008
Judge Jeanine Pirro is an American arbitration-based reality court show, presided over by... more18
2936Judge Maria Lopez
Maria LopezPremiered: 2006
Judge Maria Lopez is an American arbitration-based reality court show, presided over by Maria... more19
2937Sex Court
Julie Strain, Alexandra SilkPremiered: 1998
Sex Court (Playboy TV, 1998) is an American talkshow created by Jim English. The show follows... more20
1828Street Court
Michael MazzarielloPremiered: 2009
Street Court is a nontraditional court show syndicated for one season by Mt. Pleasant, South... more21
25Justice w/Judge Jeanine
Jeanine PirroPremiered: 2011
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510The High Court with Doug Benson
Doug BensonThe High Court with Doug Benson (Comedy Central, 2017) is an American comedy and... more23
916The Law Firm
Kelly Chang Rickert, Anika HarveyPremiered: 2005
The Law Firm is an American Reality competition that aired on NBC from July 28, 2005, until... more24
1018The Blame Game
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14Crime & Punishment
John PhilpottPremiered: 2002
Crime & Punishment is a 2002 reality television, nontraditional court show spin-off of the Law... more