On Sept. 8, Sony Pictures Television will launch its latest entry in the court show genre, introducing “Judge Karen,” with features designed to make the program stand out from the crowd.
Executive producer Rich Goldman, who also counts “Judge David Young,” “Judge Maria Lopez” and “Judge Hatchett” to his credits, notes that “Judge Karen” will roll out some firsts. In keeping with the judge’s insistence on maintaining the integrity of her show’s legal process, witnesses will be sequestered so they can’t play off each other’s testimony. Also, the show will feature telestrators, the devices that let sports announcers draw on the TV screen to illustrate a play, to help litigants make their points.
VIDEO: JUDGE KAREN
It was Judge Young who led Sony Pictures Television to Judge Karen Mills-Francis, Mr. Goldman said. Both judges served in the same jurisdiction. When Judge Young introduced the company’s executives to his colleague, they immediately took an interest.
“The first thing you have to do is find a judge that pops, and we got that with Judge Karen,” Mr. Goldman said.
Other innovations “Judge Karen” will bring to court TV include letting litigants cross-examine each other and having the judge answer audience legal questions after each show.
The show has been purchased in about 95% of U.S. television markets, according to Sony Pictures Television. Mr. Goldman said he just wrapped the production run for “Judge Karen” and recently finished a tour with Ms. Mills-Francis.
Stations are “promoting the heck” out of the show, he said.
Click here to learn more about the full slate of syndicated shows for this fall.
Comments (32)
I think that judge karen is a very cocky person.I know that she is new but what a way to respresent herself.She talks real demanding and i'm incharge attitude.I know she a judge but get real be a little understanding and don't jump down people's throat's.She remind's me of judge judy who is a real bitch of a woman.I wouldn't want to live with either one of these women.Somtime you give a woman a little power and this is what happens.I won't watch her show until she changes her attitude.Just my thought's.thank you
Posted by josephine | September 10, 2008 9:43 AM
Hi,
I've been watching Judge Karen for two nights now once I get home from work. Was very excited to know that her show had begun on my local network. I'm very excited by her show, I like her format and I look forward to seeing her show develop.
Some folks also think Judge Judy is harsh, nothing wrong with a confident, self-assured woman...they have earned the right!
Go Ladies!
Posted by Bobbie | September 11, 2008 10:28 AM
This is my first time seeing Judge Karen. She is a riot....just like my girl, Judge Judy. Judges really act like this in court!
Posted by Diane | September 11, 2008 5:36 PM
This show give all young Black Female's a false positive by reinforcing the ghetto mentality.
Posted by Rommel | September 12, 2008 9:09 AM
I watched Judge Karen for the first time today and I can't even explain how much I can't stand her. She is harsh, which, I agree is good. However, half the time she talks to people about things that have nothing to do with their case. As a matter of fact I'm watching it right now and she's accusing a man of cheating. It has NOTHING to do with this case and it is not illegal when you're not bound in marriage. I think she may be a great judge, but when someone is put on television like this, they take it and run.
Let's be real and stop putting so many obnoxious judges that just want to entertain the people watching them on television.
Posted by Caren | September 12, 2008 1:23 PM
I watched judge karen on friday. it was a show involving a lesbian whose mom ruined her credit. I thought the judge was very thoughtful and considerate. I like her personality
Posted by queen | September 14, 2008 9:27 PM
i been watching the judge karen show since it debuted last monday i havnt missed an epesode yet. i thing judge karen is very entertaining and fair and the show is pretty funny now and then. i think its a very relaxed court room unlike judge judy that is all business. I also think the baliff chritopher gallo is perfect for the show he brings profesionlism to the show and adds some laughter to the show with his facial expresions and occasional comments. i think this show will be on for some time to come..
Posted by larry | September 17, 2008 12:55 PM
very different from Judge Judy. I agree! She is strict and doesn't let you interrupt or act up at all but I like it because there's also a sense of fun and life in the courtroom. Judge JUdy is all business like the guy above said. I like Judge Judy's style but I need a second style to watch too. All in all I think Judge Karen and Judge Judy are the best televised judges. I haven't liked any of the other new judges I've seen and the former ones like Judge Joe Brown are boring and not my cup of tea either. I definitely recommend Judge Karen
Posted by Anne | September 17, 2008 1:43 PM
WOW!!! Go Judge Karen! I just ran acroos your show and I Love It! I think it's wonderful to have a Woman that knows all law isn't black & white, and you even know the games people play. It would be perfect if you were on right after Judge Mathis, then I can back to back Tivo you two.
Posted by Mrs Hector | September 17, 2008 5:48 PM
Please Please take her show off. She is loud, she talks to much, and talk over people.. She reminds me of Judge Mablean. And what is up with the blond hair no, no, no.
That's all I have to say oh! But one more thing please whoever is control of this show please cancel..
Posted by NO more | September 19, 2008 10:54 AM
I like watching Judge Karen. I think she brings a freshness to court TV. There's nothing wrong with being a confident, strong, black woman. Besides, she has a beautiful smile.
Posted by Stuff | September 20, 2008 11:07 AM
I think Judge Karen is off the hook. I love to watch her show she is rally good.
Posted by Crystal | September 21, 2008 11:03 AM
I went to a taping of the show in August that was to be aired in September. They told us to call in to find out when our taping would air. I have called a dozen times---leaving 9 messages and actually talking to a live person 3 times. NO ONE has called me back with the info on when that taping date would air. Seems that after they have used you to fill a seat for their show so they can show an audience behind the litigants, they couldn't care less about you. I won't be going back.
Posted by Jerry | September 22, 2008 8:03 AM
I think Judge Karen is a disgrace to her profession. Please tone down your hair black women do not have blond hair,your robe is a joke and too much jewelry makes you look like a clown not a professional judge I can not take you seriously do not think I will be watching your show my friend C Jones echos this Judge Karen please act and look professional.
Posted by Stephanie McKissick-Bailey | September 23, 2008 9:03 AM
Hello people. There are many sisters that color their hair the same as Judge Karen, especially in the south. Judge Karen represents many although not all of us. Amen that a sister has made it in spite of the odds and negativity. Judge Karen, keep judging and educating immature and irresponsible minds and showing that ignorance is color blind.
Posted by dorene flournoy | September 23, 2008 12:08 PM
Anybody that says anything negative about Judge Karen needs to shut up. I think she is a very good judge. Sometimes you need to get harsh with people because they take serious cases for a joke.She has a sensitive side and a funny side that really adds to her character. She allows each side to ask direct questions. I think thats very fair. Also, she has people to ask her questions about outside experiences and she advises them according to the law on what to do.
You go Judge Karen!!!!!
Posted by Melanie James | September 25, 2008 10:21 AM
Smart, funny, beautiful and got me hooked! Although there is humor, this show is no joke.
“You ain’t no puppy, you’re a full grown dawgg”….Priceless. Love the hair!
Posted by Terrance C. | September 25, 2008 9:24 PM
in viewing the show the third week of september in dis may a wittness was asked to step down due to a coment he made ..that judges and lawyers lie too...If court really is about the truth..that means for all..and as we all know there was some truth in that statment ..cover up does not make the facts go away...I feel his coment should have been dealt with differently..leading me to see Judge Karen works for the cover ups ..I liked her at first..but true colors come threw in ways..wrong is wrong for all..and right is right for all ..it is what it is...every thing needs to be worked on ..at all level of employment..all levels of peoples.the code is the same ...and sadly broken by all..for different reasons..still same math..wrong is wrong..Thank you..
Posted by karen green | September 27, 2008 11:59 PM
it is a pleasure seeing this show the maintains
from the bench,as well as the floor.alot of shows
in my opinion downgrade the very people they
have in front of them and at times don't really listen to both sides.i have yet to get that feeling from you!it's more of a caring feeling
no matter what bthe outcome.keep up the good work
and your bright personna!
Posted by walter williams | October 2, 2008 10:16 AM
Hi, as a matter of fact, I had real dealings with Judge karen. Her producers are liars, they called me up to ask me about coming to her show. First of all they made it sound real good about how they will pay you but guess, what they don't tell you that they are going to air the show on various stations. Also the producers lied to me about the show airing in my hometown to get me on there. They are liars so don't fall for what they tell you.
Posted by Linda White | October 8, 2008 12:33 PM
First I like to comment on the idiot who is "judging" Judge Karen because of what she wears and because of the color of her hair and robe. Black robes suck to begin with and many of us are fed up with black robes; they are outdated. This is a free country or a free country in the making. She can wear any kind of jewelry and color her hair. Pay attention to her reasoning skills and her abilities chick! I have watched Judge Karen 3 times. I see a very humane strategy to bring out the truth out of people. She is sharp in her reasoning and does not really trash on people. She is objective when she has to be. She is very clear about her final decision. Above all she has a very sincere closeness with people. Beyond professional, she tends to be very sweet in her approach. This does not mean that the her ultimate decision will feel sweet to the sore loser. Get it? She is professional. Why would you want a pale face,cold and rigid judge with a black robe who can't even employ human thinking skills (and looks professional)? I recommend golden yellow robes or sky-blue or like the Dalai Lama. Black robes suck! Black robes look very nice on a dead cadaver, however.
Posted by Samuel Gallegos-Robles | October 8, 2008 1:32 PM
First I would like to say that Judge Karen is a Joke. She doesn't deserve the Title Judge. From here on out she will be known as Idiot. In the 2 and only episodes i saw "Idiot" awarded punitive damages that are ridiculous. And when the State from where they are from doesn't allow punitive damages she awards Pain and Suffering? What the Hell. $2000 dollars because her daughter didn't go to the Prom. Ridiculous. So this is John Smith Saying that as long as "Idiot" is on T.V. John Smith will not be watching any network she is on!
Posted by John Smith | October 9, 2008 1:36 PM
Oh and by the way she is an "Idiot" because all plaintiffs have to do is put on a show of crying and they get awarded their case. Stupid.
Posted by John Smith | October 9, 2008 1:38 PM
PLEASE PLEASE CANCEL THIS SHOW.
DISGRACE TO ALL JUDGES PLEASE CANCEL
Posted by Ed Grinnel | October 9, 2008 1:45 PM
I love Judge Karen. Knew her in Miami. She had the blond hair and red robethen. Her reputation was faire and down to earth and I see the reality of that in her show. With so many people having bad things to say, why do you keep watching? And coming back to this site to comment?
Posted by margarite | October 19, 2008 5:17 PM
Reply to: Stephanie McKissick-Bailey
FYI black women can and do have "naturally" occuring BLONDE hair. ( which you misspelled) I have a cousin with NATURAL BLONDE HAIR AND BLUE EYES. So, before you care to state your opinion so boldy attempt to educate yourself if at all possible. Black people are one of the most diverse ethnic groups on earth as far as appearance goes anyhow.
Posted by Kimberly | October 25, 2008 9:06 PM
As a new viewer, I am appaled at the results of 10/26/08 show. No matter what the single mother with the boy toy did or did not do with HER money. The man admitted he STOLE the money from the ATM during and after the relationship. Her bank statement and his admission was more than enough for her to recieve it back. I do not belive you dismissed this case and will not watch it EVER again. HE DID NOT HAVE PERMISSION OR AUTHORITY TO TAKE THE MONEY, SO HE STOLE IT.
Posted by La-t | October 27, 2008 10:44 AM
I like to watch the court shows that are on such as Judge Marilyn Milian, Judge Joe Brown, Judge Judy, Judge Hatchett, Judge Alex and Judge Karen. I was raised in a time when you showed respect for officials like Judges, Police, your elders, etc...and when there are litigants on these shows that disrespect the Judges, I don't like it. BUT, on Oct. 28, 2008 as I watched Judge Karen I noticed that she showed disrespect to the Clampetts and Hillbillies. The court case was about tenants that left a LOT of garbage in the house they were sub-letting. On MULTIPLE occasions Judge Karen mentioned how the pictures reminded her of the Clampetts or Hillbillies. I take offense to that comment and feel like the Judge should apologize to those that live in areas where people are considered Hillbillies. As for the Clampetts, they lived in a MANSION and it was always clean. I think Judge Karen must have left what class she was born with at home on that day. It certainly looked like she didn’t have ANY class at all. Come on Judge, where is the apology? Is this how you think you should show leadership to those watching you? Is this the right way to teach those watching you show? What's the next thing you will be talking about, "trailer park trash"? I don't like that one either. Judge Karen, be a woman and stand up and apologize.
Posted by Reggie | October 28, 2008 2:14 PM
I liked Judge Karen at first~until I saw the show where the black guy with the kiss tattoo on his neck stole money from the white girl who already gave him all kinds of stuff anyhow. When the woman told Judge Karen that she never gave the guy her P.I.N. and he must have gotten it peering over her shoulder at the liquor store or something, all Judge Karen cared about was what she was doing at the liquor store and blamed the woman because she drank too much. When the woman lost the case, I couldn't believe it!! I cannot stand to watch this kind of injustice!!!!
Posted by Tabitha | October 31, 2008 2:57 AM
i'm with La-t & Tabitha. i loved Judge Karen the 1st couple of times i watched. i think she is a very attractive woman and seemed nice, but i can't tolerate watching blatant unfairness like the show on 10-26-08!! the generous woman did not deserve the treatment she got from the man and then the judge slapped her in the face by ruling in favor of the horrible man who legally robbed her blind!!
Posted by Sarah | October 31, 2008 3:25 AM
I am a big Judge Judy fan, and I think Judge Karen is just great!! I did not think I would think that, but Judy and Karen are the only two judges that should be on T.V
Posted by jonnie | November 28, 2008 7:57 AM
artis vs. florist,bad call,unfair,call i was shocked,next time her show come on my tv go's off
Posted by rich | December 1, 2008 1:52 PM