Randy Douthit Talks the Behind-the-Scenes Grind of Judy Justice

Veteran executive producer and director Randy Douthit is at the helm of Judy J____ustice, IMDb TV’s new hit daily streaming show.

The new show is another success for Douthit, who steered the legendary arbitration reality TV show Judge Judy, starring Judy Sheindlin, for 25 years.

The new show offers more opportunity for a deeper dive into traditional small claims court cases. There are dog bites and catfights and squabbles over back rent — and sometimes even more serious matters. In fact, anyone who finds themselves in court knows that court is itself a serious matter.

The show has become a win for IMDb TV, delivering 25 million watching and streaming hours, according to Variety. The original Judge Judy was also helmed and executive produced by Randy Douthit. It was broadcast on CBS and is now in syndication.

Randy Douthit Takes Us Behind the Scenes of _Judy Justice_

The new Judy Justice is taped at the Amazon studio in Culver City, California.

Lots of elements have been added and the shooting schedule is intense. Douthit says, “We have a much more rigorous tape schedule now.”

Many of the original crew from the Judge Judy show are still involved in Judy Justice. “The crew is as devoted to Judy as she is to them,” Douthit says. But there are differences that bring a fresh look to the beloved syndicated series. The new show differs in set design and the structure of the episodes, which have been adapted to streaming needs (Judy’s robe is also different — it’s purple!) The Judy Justice cast also includes Sheindlin’s granddaughter Sarah Rose, who serves as law clerk; Whitney Kumar, who is the court reporter; and Kevin Rasco, who serves as the courtroom bailiff. Douthit works quickly, noting that they produced the first season of 120 episodes during the pandemic.

The cases brought before the court are culled from courtrooms across the country. Douthit and Scheindlin ultimately decide which ones will make the show.

Randy Douthit Reveals What It’s Like to Work With Judge Judy

With her years of experience as a prosecutor and a family court judge, and her 25 years of TV, Scheindlin is certainly comfortable on the courtroom set. As fans well know, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

She can be testy and stern, interrupting rambling testimony with a sharp: “Look at me. I’ll ask the questions.”

But Sheindlin can also be funny and gracious, dispensing kindly judicial advice leavened with old-fashioned common sense.

Douthit calls Scheindlin “warmhearted.” After a quarter of a century as her colleague, he should know.

In a sense, the audience at home is the jury, though they have no vote in the proceedings. Says Douthit, “There are winners and losers.”

Lauren Anderson and Ryan Pirozzi, IMDb TV co-heads of content and programming, are happy with the call they made to bring Sheindlin on board.

Anderson and Pirozzi said, “For 25 years, Judge Sheindlin has been a staple of daytime TV. Through her no-nonsense approach to adjudicating real-life cases, she has educated millions about the legal process and real-life decision making.”

Randy Douthit’s Career in Rewind

Randy Douthit began his career in local TV before joining CNN and producing and directing Larry King Live and presidential specials. It’s been a long ride, but he’s finally found a home with Judge Judy.

What advice does he have for young aspiring television producers?

“I started in a local television,” he confides. “I was very young. I was still going to school at the same time. But one thing that I did is, I was always there, I was always willing to do whatever it takes to get a show on the air.

“My best advice — just do the job. And I think that probably the most helpful aspect of my job is that I love doing it. I love doing it, and therefore I did it well. And I think if people enjoy doing it, they will also do it well. If they’re complaining they don’t like it, they should probably do something else.”

Adds Douthit, “Do what you love.”