For Terry Wood, president of creative affairs and development with CBS Television Distribution, Judge Judy’s longevity is owing to her ability to package an effective ruling quickly and entertainingly.

“She understands how to make a point, take the law seriously, take a problem head on, fix it and make it entertaining. Not everyone can do that,” she said.

“That’s the secret sauce.”

Ms. Wood said viewers understand what they are getting with Judy, and can see her passion for the show and her job come through the television screen.

“I think if you watch the show over time, you can see she still likes what she does,” she said.

“I think that is her magic. She loves it, and the viewer knows it. And they know she is game-on every time she sits on that bench.”