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Nick Barrotta joined "Divorce Court" in 2018 & Robert Hernandez left in 2024, prompting Corey Jovan to be the new bailiff during fall 2024.
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{{Short description|American television show}}
{{About|the television show|information on the legal and courtroom process related to divorce|Divorce}}
{{About|the American television show|information on the courts that adjudicate divorce proceedings|Family court|the Australian TV series|Divorce Court (Australian TV series)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{refimprove|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| show_name = Divorce Court
| image = Divorce Court logo.png
| image =
| image_upright =
| caption =
| image_size =
| show_name_2 =
| image_alt =
| genre = [[Court show#List of originally nontraditional court shows|Nontraditional]] [[court show]]
| caption =
| alt_name =
| genre = [[Court show#List of present-day nontraditional court shows|Nontraditional court show]]
| format =
| creator =
| creator =
| based_on = <!-- {{Based on|work|author}} -->
| developer =
| developer =
| writer =
| writer =
| director =
| screenplay =
| creative_director =
| story =
| presenter =
| director =
| creative_director =
| starring = Voltaire Perkins (1957- 1969) <br>Colin Male (1957–1969)<br>[[William B. Keene]] (1985-1992) <br>Jim Peck (1985–1989)<br>Martha Smith (1989–1992)<br>[[Mablean Ephriam]] (1999–2006)<br>[[Lynn Toler]] (2006–present)
| presenter = <!-- Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the end of the list -->
| judges =
| voices =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
*Voltaire Perkins (1957–1962; 1967–1969)
| narrated =
*[[William B. Keene]] (1984–1993)
| theme_music_composer =
*[[Jim Peck]] (1984–1989)
| opentheme =
*[[Martha Smith]] (1989–1993)
| endtheme =
*[[Mablean Ephriam]] (1999–2006)
| composer =
*[[Lynn Toler]] (2006–2020)
*[[Faith Jenkins]] (2020–2022)
*[[Star Jones]] (2022–present)
*Joseph A. Catalano (bailiff 1999-2018)
*Nick Barrotta (bailiff 2018-2020)
*Juan Bustamante (bailiff 2020-2022)
*Robert Hernandez (bailiff 2022-2024)
*Corey Jovan (bailiff 2024-present)
}}
| judges = <!-- Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the end of the list -->
| voices = <!-- Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the end of the list -->
| narrated =
| theme_music_composer =
| opentheme =
| endtheme =
| composer =
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| num_seasons = '''(present life)''' 15<br>'''(overall show)''' 34
| num_seasons = 41
| num_episodes =
| num_episodes = 5,767+
| list_episodes =
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| executive_producer =
| producer =
| producer =
| news_editor = <!-- Content editor or editors of a current affairs/political show such as Newsnight. -->
| editor =
| location =
| location = <!-- Nation the series was filmed in, if different from the nation of origin. -->
| cinematography =
| cinematography =
| camera =
| animator =
| runtime = 22 minutes
| editor = <!-- Film editors -->
| company =
| camera = [[Multiple-camera setup|Multi-camera]]
| distributor = [[Blair Entertainment]] (1982-1993)
| runtime = 20–22 minutes
| company = Monet Lane Productions<br> [[20th Television]]<br> Lincolnwood Drive <br> [[Fox First Run]] <br> [[Georgia Department of Economic Development#Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Division|Georgia Media]]
| channel = [[Broadcast syndication#First-run syndication in the U.S.|First-run syndication]]<br/> [[USA Network]]<br/> [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
| budget =
| picture_format = [[480i]] [[standard definition television|SDTV]] (1957–1969, 1985–1992, 1999-2011)<br>480i [[widescreen]] (2011–present)
| network = [[Broadcast syndication|Syndication]]
| audio_format =
| first_run =
| first_aired = {{Plainlist|
* {{Start date|1957}} – {{End date|1962}}
| first_aired = 1957–1969<br>1985–1992<br>1999
* {{Start date|1967}} – {{End date|1969}}
| last_aired = present
* {{Start date|1984}} – {{End date|1993}}
| status =
* {{Start date|1999}} – present
| preceded_by =
}}
| followed_by =
| related =
| last_aired =
| related = <!-- To be used only for remakes, spin-offs, and adaptations -->
| website = http://www.divorcecourt.com/
| production_website =
}}
}}
'''''Divorce Court''''' is an American [[Court show#list of originally nontraditional court shows|nontraditional]] [[court show]] that revolves around settling the disputes of couples going through [[divorce]]s. The current edition of ''Divorce Court'' premiered in September 1999, is conducted as an [[Court show#Arbitration-based reality court show|arbitration-based reality court show]], and is presided over by former [[Cleveland Heights]] Municipal Court Judge [[Lynn Toler]]. The series is produced by [[20th Television|Monet Lane Productions]] and distributed by [[20th Television]].


'''''Divorce Court''''' is an American [[court show]] that revolves around settling the disputes of couples going through divorces. The show has had four separate runs, all in [[broadcast syndication#First-run syndication in the U.S.|first-run syndication]]. Since the debut of the original series in 1957, it is [[List of longest-running American first-run syndicated television series|one of the longest-running syndicated television programs of all time]]. ''Divorce Court'' also holds the record for the longest-running court show of all time, leading the second-place show ''[[The People's Court]]'' by two years.
Prior to the premiere of the currently running version, all of the previous incarnations of ''Divorce Court'' were presented as series with [[Court show#dramatized court show|dramatic reenactments]] of real-life divorce cases. The first ''Divorce Court'' series began airing in 1957 and ran until 1969, presided over by Voltaire Perkins. A revival began in 1985 and featured former California Supreme Court Judge William Keene as the presiding judge, running until 1992. When the reality-based current edition began in 1999, former prosecutor [[Mablean Ephriam]] was tabbed to be the judge and lasted until the end of the 2005-06 season when former ''[[Power of Attorney (TV series)|Power of Attorney]]'' judge Toler took over. Colin Male was the original series court reporter, with [[Jim Peck]] originally serving that role on the 1980s series and [[Martha Smith]] replacing him. There is no court reporter on the current series.


Due to the recasting of the judge role, however, ''Divorce Court'' does not boast the longest individual series run or longest arbitrator in the court show genre; those records are held by ''[[Judge Judy]]'' and ''The People's Court''. The first two runs of ''Divorce Court'', the original version that aired for five seasons from 1957 to 1962 and the first revival that ran for two seasons from 1967 to 1969, featured Voltaire Perkins as the jurist. The second revival ran for nine seasons from 1984 to 1993, with retired [[Supreme Court of California]] judge [[William B. Keene]] as the presiding jurist.
Each edition of ''Divorce Court'' has aired in [[broadcast syndication|syndication]], and with a total of thirty-four seasons spread across its three incarnations it is one of the longest-running syndicated television programs of all time. ''Divorce Court'' holds the record for longest running court show of all time, leading the second place show ''[[The People's Court]]'' by five years. The current edition of ''Divorce Court'' is the third longest running court show on American television, trailing both ''[[Judge Judy]]'', which premiered in 1996, and the 1997 revival of ''The People's Court''.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/divorce-court-wife-husband-square-off-drama-filled/story?id=10273017</ref>


The current incarnation of ''Divorce Court'' premiered on August 30, 1999, and has transitioned between multiple judges: former Los Angeles prosecuting attorney, [[Mablean Ephriam]] (1999–2006); former [[Cleveland Heights, Ohio|Cleveland Heights]] municipal court judge, [[Lynn Toler]] (2006–2020); former [[New York City]] prosecutor, [[Faith Jenkins]] (2020–2022); and former New York City prosecutor, district attorney, and former ''[[The View (talk show)|View]]'' co-host [[Star Jones]] (2022–present).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Starr |first=Michael |date=August 19, 2022 |title=Star Jones back as the new host of 'Divorce Court': 'I want to make it my own' |url=https://nypost.com/2022/08/19/star-jones-back-as-the-new-host-of-divorce-court/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=New York Post}}</ref>
The show's earliest life was dramatized and scripted. It had a total of 12 seasons, lasting from 1957 to 1969. During that life, Voltaire Perkins played the role of the judge, with Colin Male playing the role of courtroom announcer. The show's 2nd life, lasting 7 seasons, debuted over a decade later in the spring of 1985. This life began with the show's 13th season. It was scripted and [[William B. Keene]] played the role of the judge (Judge Keene was the presiding judge at the murder trial of [[Charles Manson]] from December 1969 to April 1970, when he was replaced due to a motion of prejudice filed by Manson).<ref>[http://www.charliemanson.com/timeline-1970-1979.htm Charles Manson Trial Timeline]. CharlieManson.com. Retrieved 30 April 2008.</ref> Former game show host [[Jim Peck]] played the role of courtroom reporter and announcer, but was later replaced by former ''[[Scarecrow and Mrs. King]]'' star [[Martha Smith]] near the ending of this life of the show. This life of ''Divorce Court'' lasted until 1992, bringing the show to an overall 19 seasons. After that, the show was once again [[cancellation (television)|cancelled]], with reruns airing on the [[USA Network]] during the early 1990s.


==Series overview==
The 20th season which began the show's 3rd/present life debuted in September 1999. By its 1999 resurrection, court shows across the board had made a transition to a format involving former judges legitimately [[arbitration|arbitrating]] over actual [[small claims]] cases (a trend first introduced by ''[[The People's Court]]'' and heavily popularized by the ratings success of ''[[Judge Judy]]''). Following along with its counterparts, ''Divorce Court'' took up this trend in its 3rd/present life. Its 3rd/present life was first arbitrated over by former [[Los Angeles]] [[Prosecutor|Prosecuting Attorney]] [[Mablean Ephriam]]<ref>http://www.mableanephriamfoundation.com/dv.php</ref> for 7 years, from the 1999-00 season through the 2005-06 season. Toler then succeeded her, taking over the program by the 2006-07 season to the present. By the 2013-14 season, Toler reached her 8th season presiding over the series, outnumbering Ephriam's reign.
Prior to the premiere of the currently running version, all of the previous incarnations of ''Divorce Court'' were presented in the form of reenactments of real-life divorce cases. When the series was revived, it took the form of a reality arbitration based format. The 16th season, which began the show's fourth and present incarnation of the series, debuted in September 1999. By that time, court shows across the board had made a transition to a format involving former judges or attorneys legitimately [[arbitration|arbitrating]] over actual [[small claims]] cases, a trend first introduced by ''[[The People's Court]]'' and heavily popularized by the ratings success of ''[[Judge Judy]]''. Following the lead of its counterparts, ''Divorce Court'' was reformatted accordingly.


==1957–1962, 1967–1969 and 1984–1993 incarnations==
On September 2, 2013, ''Divorce Court'' entered its 34th season (15th season in its current format).<ref>https://www.facebook.com/divorcecourt</ref>
While touted as presenting real cases to television audiences, the stories from earlier versions of ''Divorce Court'' were actually dramatized, scripted reenactments of divorce cases presented by actors. Actors portrayed the [[lawsuit]] included the [[plaintiff]], who initiated the divorce proceedings; the [[defendant]], who either sought a [[conflict resolution]] or sought a divorce decree of his/her own; and a number of [[witness]]es, who testified on behalf of one of the litigants. Meanwhile, student [[Lawyer|attorneys]] would argue the cases.

==Formats==

===1957-69 and 1985-92 lives===
While touted as presenting real cases to television audiences, the stories from earlier versions of ''Divorce Court'' were actually reenactments of divorce cases presented by actors.

Actors portrayed the [[litigant]]s - the [[plaintiff]], who initiated the divorce proceedings; the [[defendant]], who either sought a [[Conflict resolution|reconciliation]] or sought a divorce decree of his/her own; and a number of [[witness]]es, who testified on behalf of one of the litigants. Meanwhile student [[Lawyer|attorneys]] would argue the cases.


Each episode followed a basic formula, as follows:
Each episode followed a basic formula, as follows:

* Each attorney giving opening statements.
* Each attorney giving opening statements.
* The litigants, along with one or two supporting witnesses, giving their side of the story and enduring [[cross-examination]]. Frequently, rebuttal witnesses would testify, either to refute or support one of the spouses.

* The litigants, along with one or two supporting witnesses, giving their side of the story and enduring [[cross-examination]].

* Closing arguments.
* Closing arguments.
* If children were involved, they would (sometimes, but not always) be interviewed by the judge in his chambers.

* The judge's decision, followed by appropriate reactions by each side.
* The judge's decision, followed by appropriate reactions by each side.


===Voltaire Perkins eras (1957–1962, 1967–1969)===
Many of the stories had standard marital issues: mental and/or physical [[Spousal abuse|abuse]], [[adultery]], [[desertion]] and other [[irreconcilable differences]]. As with most courtroom-based television programs through the ages (and to keep audiences interested), the stories were hardly the sort of the unloved wife's affair with the [[milkman]] or the husband's meddlesome mother interfering with and ultimately ruining the marriage. Rather, ''Divorce Court'' tended to present more sensational cases with "[[shock value]]." Some examples include:
The first ''Divorce Court'' incarnation began airing in 1957 and ran for five seasons until 1962, to be revived in 1967 for an additional two-season run. The first two versions starred actor Voltaire Perkins in the role of the jurist, with Colin Male as the [[court reporter]]. In its first year, ''Divorce Court'' aired locally in Los Angeles on [[independent station (North America)|independent station]] [[KTTV]] as a weekly, live, one-hour program.<ref name=Daytime>{{cite book |last1=Hyatt |first1=Wesley |title=The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television |date=1997 |publisher=Watson-Guptill Publications |isbn=978-0823083152 |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofda00hyat/page/126/mode/2up|access-date=22 March 2020|page=127}}</ref> In 1958, KTTV began recording ''Divorce Court'' on [[Ampex]] [[videotape]] and syndicated the program nationally. Production resumed in the fall of 1967 following a five-year hiatus, this time as a half-hour daily series recorded in color. This second series of ''Divorce Court'' ended in 1969, though reruns continued to be offered to some stations throughout the early 1970s.

* A father who deliberately involved his children in "accidents" so he could collect on the insurance. He would pay them off by offering them presents and other rewards.
* A woman who gave her son up for adoption then later tracked him down and married him (without his knowledge of their true relationship).
* The woman who hosted male-stripper parties overnight while her husband was "working late" and suspected of having an affair of his own.
* A couple who hosted a family-oriented television talk show which, through the husband's efforts, eventually degenerates into a sleazy, [[Tabloid talk show|tabloid talk]]-type show.


===William B. Keene era (1984–1993)===
Sometimes, the judge would interview minor children involved in cases where [[child custody]] was an issue.
A revival began in 1984 and featured retired [[Supreme Court of California]] judge [[William B. Keene]] as the presiding jurist and former game show host [[Jim Peck]] as court reporter (replaced in 1989 by former ''[[Scarecrow and Mrs. King]]'' star [[Martha Smith]]). This edition ran until 1992 for a total of nine seasons, with reruns airing on the [[USA Network]] during the early 1990s.


==Current incarnation (1999–present)==
During the latter seasons of the 1985-92 life, some divorce proceedings were played out over multiple shows, as though it were a major criminal trial. Some litigants spent a majority of a show on the witness stand (rather than the usual five-minutes of testimony and one-minute cross-examination). The court reporters sometimes interviewed the litigants prior to each show. On some episodes, one or both of the attorneys would be portrayed by actors and become part of the show's plot (for example, one 1992 episode had a subplot where a litigant was sleeping with her attorney).
===Format===
The fourth installment and current edition of ''Divorce Court'' which premiered in the fall of 1999 has a very different setup from its predecessor editions. Real couples–who had previously filed for divorce–argue their cases before the court, with one case presented in each episode. After both sides present their arguments, the judge rules in favor of one side. The judge's decision includes finding in favor of one of the litigants (or, more often than not, declaring a joint decree) and resolving issues such as [[alimony]] and asset division. The judge's decisions are legally binding. As such, the modern version of ''Divorce Court'' is essentially a form of binding-[[arbitration]] in the manner of many modern day courtroom programs. In some instances, the judge may withhold a decision to give the couple ample time to consider a reconciliation. Occasionally, the show revisits a case from a past episode where time to explore reconciliation was offered in order to determine if the delay either remedied or worsened the marriage. Social media segments involving viewer reactions and polls have also been incorporated this installment of the series.


====Mablean Ephriam era (1999–2006)====
Occasionally, higher-profile cases would involve celebrities portraying themselves, for example [[Charles Nelson Reilly]] starred as himself in a 1989 episode.
When the current version of ''Divorce Court'' was resurrected for a 17th season in the fall of 1999, former Los Angeles Prosecuting Attorney [[Mablean Ephriam]] was featured as the show's presiding judge. Notable in her judgeship over the series, Ephriam was the show's first [[African Americans|African American]] and first female jurist.


Ephriam presided over this life of ''Divorce Court'' for seven years, from the 1999–00 season through the 2005–06 season, her tenure coming to an abrupt and unexpected end over a failure to come to terms in contract negotiations for an eighth season of the current installment. As part of the terms of the contract, Ephriam stated that she was forbidden from changing her hairstyle for the entirety of that following season, that the network reasoned that her hairstyles were too time-consuming for their [[Cosmetology|hair and makeup team]]. In a press release statement over the matters, Ephriam stated, "When will [[Fox Television Stations|FOX]] and the rest of America accept our cultural differences as African Americans and embrace us with all of our different hairstyles, hair textures, hair color."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2006-04-08|title=Canned 'Divorce Court' Judge Cries Racism|url=https://www.tmz.com/2006/04/08/canned-divorce-court-judge-cries-racism/|website=TMZ}}</ref>
===Current life (1999–present)===
''Divorce Court'' was resurrected for a twentieth season several years after its first life of twelve seasons and its second life of seven seasons. The current life of ''Divorce Court'', which entered its 14th season in fall 2012, is markedly different from its predecessors.


During her seven-year judgeship over the program, Mablean was known for her quirky voice and expressions, and reactions of amusement, shock and appall over the accounts of outrageous behavior by the litigants.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2007-11-15|title=Judge Ephriam Special Guest at Birthday Celebration|url=https://blackvoicenews.com/2007/11/15/judge-ephriam-special-guest-at-birthday-celebration/|newspaper=Black Voice News |last1=Brown-Hinds |first1=Paulette }}</ref>
For instance, real couples – who had previously filed for divorce – argue their cases before the court; one was presented each day. Most cases involved [[betrayal]], infidelity and trust-related issues.


====Lynn Toler era (2006–2020)====
After both sides present their arguments, the judge rules. Her decision includes finding in favor of one of the litigants (or, more often than not, declaring a joint decree) and resolving issues such as [[alimony]] and asset division. The judge's decisions are legally binding. As such, the modern version of ''Divorce Court'' is essentially a form of [[binding arbitration]].
[[Lynn Toler]], a former judge in [[Cleveland Heights, Ohio]] (also former judge of previously cancelled series ''[[Power of Attorney (TV series)|Power of Attorney]]'' in the series' last half season) took over the ''Divorce Court'' bench for its 24th season (or eighth season of the show's current installment), which premiered September 11, 2006.<ref>[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6319479.html?display=Breaking+News] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312051910/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6319479.html?display=Breaking+News|date=March 12, 2007}}</ref> Toler would eventually become ''Divorce Court''{{'}}s longest reigning judge—not only over the current edition of the program—but the overall 40-year-old series as a whole, presiding over the broadcast for 14 seasons. In her judgeship over the series, Toler was noted for her strident tone. Toler imparted counsel, words of wisdom, logical reasoning, and an effort to talk sense into the show's litigants and took to humorous scolding of the litigants where necessary.


Toler's final season hosting the program was in the present edition's 21st season, during the 2019–20 television year. It was during that season that Toler took objection to what she described as a hostile, unfriendly atmosphere coming from the network and production. In addition, Toler cited discontentment with an assortment of management decisions brought on her and the program by production. Among those decisions were in the show's set design, the program no longer taking the appearance of an average American courtroom by the show's 21st season and Toler citing physical discomfort in presiding from the judge's bench.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=McGuinness|first=Devan|date=August 24, 2020|title=Judge Lynn Toler Was a Staple of 'Divorce Court' so Where Did She Go?|url=https://www.distractify.com/p/what-happened-to-judge-lynn-toler|website=Distractify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-12|title=Lynn Toler on why she's leaving 'Divorce Court' and whether this pandemic will lead to more domestic violence and divorce|url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/lynn-toler-why-she-leaving-divorce-court-and-whether-this-pandemic-will-lead-more-domestic-violence-and-divorce/rMUBDPXlKMtrj9EsziHi7I/|website=TheAtlantaConstitution}}</ref> In an October 19, 2021, episode of [[Petri Hawkins-Byrd|Bailiff Byrd]]'s ''[[Petri Hawkins-Byrd#Off-air projects and activities|Bonding with Byrd]]'' web series, Toler also explained that producers attempted to move the series into a more [[farce|farcical]], [[comedy|comedic]] direction following the [[viral video|viral]] "Rolling Ray" case in November 2019. Toler added that behind-the-scenes altercations between her and ''Divorce Court'' producers over production moves were commonplace throughout her final season with the program.<ref name="Bonding with Byrd Ep 65">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmQc8B_Aj2M |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/VmQc8B_Aj2M |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Bonding With Byrd: Episode 65|access-date=October 19, 2021|work=[[YouTube]]|last1=Byrd|first1=Petri Hawkins|last2=Bond|first2=Markita|date=October 19, 2018|location=United States}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-21|title=Divorce Court, you won't believe what you're watching is real|url=https://999ktdy.com/divorce-court-you-wont-believe-what-your-watching-is-real/|website=99.9KTDY}}</ref> For these reasons, Toler left the series at the end of that season (which ended up [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television in the United States|being shortened]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]]).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ho|first=Rodney|date=April 9, 2020|title=Lynn Toler on why she's leaving 'Divorce Court' and whether this pandemic will lead to more domestic violence and divorce|url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/lynn-toler-why-she-leaving-divorce-court-and-whether-this-pandemic-will-lead-more-domestic-violence-and-divorce/rMUBDPXlKMtrj9EsziHi7I/|access-date=2021-04-12|website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> During the ''Bonding with Byrd'' interview, Toler noted that she did not miss the show as she had left it in her final season (taped from Atlanta), but did miss the show that it was previous to her final season (taped from Los Angeles).<ref name="Bonding with Byrd Ep 65"/>
In some instances, the judge may withhold a decision to give the couple ample time to consider a reconciliation. Occasionally, the show may revisit an episode where time to explore reconciliation was offered to determine if the delay remedied or worsened the marriage.


====Faith Jenkins era (2020–2022)====
In addition, the "longest running court show on television" is utilizing the world of social media upon entering into its fourteenth season with more "Behind-The-Scenes" footage and engagement with viewers across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, etc.
For the 2020–21 television year and current edition's 22nd season, former [[New York City]] [[prosecutor]] and former arbitrator over her [[Judge Faith|own court show]] for four years, [[Faith Jenkins]] appeared as judge over the series, replacing Toler.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |last2=N'Duka |first2=Amanda |title= Faith Jenkins Joins 'Divorce Court' As New Judge, Succeeding Long-Time Star Lynn Toler |url= https://deadline.com/2020/03/faith-jenkins-joins-divorce-court-new-judge-succeeds-long-time-star-lynn-toler-exits-1202875118/amp/ |access-date=March 5, 2020 |work=Deadline |date=March 5, 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref> In November 2020, the series was renewed for two additional seasons, through the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/fox-gives-2-year-renewals-to-25-words-or-less-dish-nation-divorce-court-1234617954/|first=Dade|last=Hayes|title=Fox Gives 2-Year Renewals To '25 Words Or Less', 'Dish Nation', 'Divorce Court'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 18, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref>


====Star Jones era (2022–present)====
In 2006, the show was renewed for an eighth season of its present life (27th overall season); however, Judge [[Mablean Ephriam]] and [[20th Television]] were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. During her many years presiding over ''Divorce Court'', Ephriam was very humorous, mainly because of her noticeably quirky voice and shocked reactions to the litigants' outrageous behavior.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}
It was announced on January 10, 2022, that former [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], Prosecutor and District Attorney [[Star Jones]] (best known for her 9-year stint as one of the first co-hosts of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[The View (talk show)|The View]]'') would succeed Jenkins as ''Divorce Court''{{'}}s next arbitrator in the court show's 40th season September 19, 2022.<ref name="WISH-TV">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANZYB5rSR2M|title=Star Jones joins 'Divorce Court' as judge|access-date=August 22, 2022|work=WISH-TV|last=Newsome|first=Randall|date=September 3, 2022|location=United States}}</ref> She began presiding on August 22, 2022. The series will see Jones preside over cases ranging from divorce court proceedings to a whole realm of domestic disputes.<ref name="Deadline">{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/star-jones-judge-fox-divorce-court-1234907772/|title=Star Jones To Serve As A Judge On Fox's 'Divorce Court' This Fall|access-date=January 23, 2022|work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]|last=Cordero|first=Rosy|date=January 10, 2022|location=United States}}</ref>


Describing her judicial approach, Jones referred to herself as "Judge Star" and stated while [[finger snapping]], "Honey, Divorce Court is lit this season".<ref name="WISH-TV"/> Jones has communicated her intentions to bring legitimate solutions and resources to troubled relationships, along with deep empathy as well as her dynamic personality.<ref name="WISH-TV"/> Bringing an extensive law background to the bench, Jones served for years as a New York prosecutor, and later, as senior assistant district attorney. She has appeared on ''[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]'', ''[[NBC Nightly News]]'', [[MSNBC]], [[CNN]], [[Court TV]], [[TruTV]], and ''[[Inside Edition]]'' as a legal correspondent.<ref name="Deadline"/> A previous member of the court show genre, Jones presided over her own courtroom series ''[[Jones & Jury]]''. Although the show was canceled after only one season (1994–95), the series made Jones the first [[Black people|Black person]] to preside over a court show and first female to serve as a television arbitrator, as well as second television arbitrator ever, preceded only by [[Joseph Wapner]].<ref name="Deadline"/>
[[Lynn Toler]], a former judge in [[Cleveland Heights, Ohio]] and judge of ''[[Power of Attorney (TV series)|Power of Attorney]]'' in the series' last half season, took over the bench for the eighth season of ''Divorce Court'', which premiered 11 September 2006. As the show's level-headed arbiter, Toler is usually seen providing counsel, words of wisdom, and trying to talk sense into the outrageous couples that appear before her. Toler has a strident vocal timbre and places emphasis on much of her speech.<ref>[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6319479.html?display=Breaking+News]</ref>


===Broadcast production===
The bailiff in the current version is Sgt. [[Joseph Catalano]], a former 30-year veteran of the [[San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department]] (California). He retired in 2008. His son, Joe, Jr. (also a deputy with that agency) was assigned to the [[Barstow, California|Barstow]] regional station, but since the series was gaining popularity, he was re-assigned to an undisclosed location for his safety. Joe, Jr. was the bailiff on ''[[Power of Attorney (TV series)|Power of Attorney]]'' during its run.
''Divorce Court'' is currently produced by Lincolnwood Drive and distributed by the [[Fox Entertainment|Fox First Run]] division of [[Fox Television Stations]],<ref name="bc-ffr">{{cite news |last1=Albiniak |first1=Paige |title=Fox Stations Renew '25 Words Or Less,' 'Divorce Court,' 'Dish Nation' for 2020–21 Season |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/fox-stations-renew-25-words-or-less-divorce-court-dish-nation-for-2020-21-season |access-date=January 14, 2020 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |date=November 13, 2019 |language=en-us}}</ref> with Sonja Solomun serving as Executive Producer.<ref name="Deadline"/>


The current edition of the series has had four announcers during its run. The first announcer was Jimmy Hodson, who served from the beginning of the current run in 1999 until 2011 when Hodson was replaced by Inger Tutor for one season (2011–2012). Tutor was succeeded by Talon Beeson in 2012, who lasted two seasons (2012–2014). [[Rolonda Watts]] (who was formerly with ''[[Judge Joe Brown]]'' from 2005 until 2013) succeeded Beeson as the show's announcer starting in the 2014–15 season.
Both shows were produced in the same studio in Burbank, California. However, the flag of the [[Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]] is displayed behind the bench alongside the [[U.S. flag]] during shows aired in January 2009 as well as March 2011. The show now tapes at Fox Studios in Los Angeles.


The show was previously recorded at [[Sunset Bronson Studios]] in Los Angeles. Currently, it is taped in Studio C at the studios of [[Georgia Public Broadcasting]] complex in [[Atlanta]] in exchange for [[Film industry in Georgia (U.S. state)|film industry incentives in Georgia]]. Recently,{{when|date=November 2021}} they taped at [[Tyler Perry Studios]] in Atlanta. Following the completion of the [[acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney]] in March 2019, distribution of ''Divorce Court'' transferred to a new division of Fox Television Stations known as Fox First Run with ad sales handled by [[CBS Television Distribution]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=Rick |title=Fox, Warner Bros. Hope Syndicated TV Format Change Keeps Viewers Around |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fox-warner-bros-hope-syndicated-tv-format-change-keeps-viewers-around-1252505 |access-date=January 14, 2020 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=November 6, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
Talon Beeson is the show's current announcer, succeeding Inger Tudor (2011–2012) and [[Jimmy Hodson]] (1999–2011).


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* [http://www.divorcecourt.com/ Divorce Court Official Website]
* {{Official website|http://www.divorcecourt.com/}}
* [https://www.facebook.com/divorcecourt/ Divorce Court On Facebook]
* [https://www.twitter.com/divorcecourt/ Divorce Court On Twitter]
* {{IMDb title|id=0133300|title=Divorce Court (1957)}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0133300|title=Divorce Court (1957)}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0094443|title=Divorce Court (1984)}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0094443|title=Divorce Court (1984)}}
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Latest revision as of 21:27, 11 November 2024

This article is about the American television show. For information on the courts that adjudicate divorce proceedings, see Family court. For the Australian TV series, see Divorce Court (Australian TV series).
Divorce Court
GenreNontraditional court show
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons41
No. of episodes5,767+
Production
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time20–22 minutes
Production companiesMonet Lane Productions
20th Television
Lincolnwood Drive
Fox First Run
Georgia Media
Original release
NetworkSyndication
Release
  • 1957 (1957) – 1962 (1962)
  • 1967 (1967) – 1969 (1969)
  • 1984 (1984) – 1993 (1993)
  • 1999 (1999) – present

Divorce Court is an American court show that revolves around settling the disputes of couples going through divorces. The show has had four separate runs, all in first-run syndication. Since the debut of the original series in 1957, it is one of the longest-running syndicated television programs of all time. Divorce Court also holds the record for the longest-running court show of all time, leading the second-place show The People's Court by two years.

Due to the recasting of the judge role, however, Divorce Court does not boast the longest individual series run or longest arbitrator in the court show genre; those records are held by Judge Judy and The People's Court. The first two runs of Divorce Court, the original version that aired for five seasons from 1957 to 1962 and the first revival that ran for two seasons from 1967 to 1969, featured Voltaire Perkins as the jurist. The second revival ran for nine seasons from 1984 to 1993, with retired Supreme Court of California judge William B. Keene as the presiding jurist.

The current incarnation of Divorce Court premiered on August 30, 1999, and has transitioned between multiple judges: former Los Angeles prosecuting attorney, Mablean Ephriam (1999–2006); former Cleveland Heights municipal court judge, Lynn Toler (2006–2020); former New York City prosecutor, Faith Jenkins (2020–2022); and former New York City prosecutor, district attorney, and former View co-host Star Jones (2022–present).[1]

Series overview

[edit]

Prior to the premiere of the currently running version, all of the previous incarnations of Divorce Court were presented in the form of reenactments of real-life divorce cases. When the series was revived, it took the form of a reality arbitration based format. The 16th season, which began the show's fourth and present incarnation of the series, debuted in September 1999. By that time, court shows across the board had made a transition to a format involving former judges or attorneys legitimately arbitrating over actual small claims cases, a trend first introduced by The People's Court and heavily popularized by the ratings success of Judge Judy. Following the lead of its counterparts, Divorce Court was reformatted accordingly.

1957–1962, 1967–1969 and 1984–1993 incarnations

[edit]

While touted as presenting real cases to television audiences, the stories from earlier versions of Divorce Court were actually dramatized, scripted reenactments of divorce cases presented by actors. Actors portrayed the lawsuit included the plaintiff, who initiated the divorce proceedings; the defendant, who either sought a conflict resolution or sought a divorce decree of his/her own; and a number of witnesses, who testified on behalf of one of the litigants. Meanwhile, student attorneys would argue the cases.

Each episode followed a basic formula, as follows:

  • Each attorney giving opening statements.
  • The litigants, along with one or two supporting witnesses, giving their side of the story and enduring cross-examination. Frequently, rebuttal witnesses would testify, either to refute or support one of the spouses.
  • Closing arguments.
  • If children were involved, they would (sometimes, but not always) be interviewed by the judge in his chambers.
  • The judge's decision, followed by appropriate reactions by each side.

Voltaire Perkins eras (1957–1962, 1967–1969)

[edit]

The first Divorce Court incarnation began airing in 1957 and ran for five seasons until 1962, to be revived in 1967 for an additional two-season run. The first two versions starred actor Voltaire Perkins in the role of the jurist, with Colin Male as the court reporter. In its first year, Divorce Court aired locally in Los Angeles on independent station KTTV as a weekly, live, one-hour program.[2] In 1958, KTTV began recording Divorce Court on Ampex videotape and syndicated the program nationally. Production resumed in the fall of 1967 following a five-year hiatus, this time as a half-hour daily series recorded in color. This second series of Divorce Court ended in 1969, though reruns continued to be offered to some stations throughout the early 1970s.

William B. Keene era (1984–1993)

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A revival began in 1984 and featured retired Supreme Court of California judge William B. Keene as the presiding jurist and former game show host Jim Peck as court reporter (replaced in 1989 by former Scarecrow and Mrs. King star Martha Smith). This edition ran until 1992 for a total of nine seasons, with reruns airing on the USA Network during the early 1990s.

Current incarnation (1999–present)

[edit]

Format

[edit]

The fourth installment and current edition of Divorce Court which premiered in the fall of 1999 has a very different setup from its predecessor editions. Real couples–who had previously filed for divorce–argue their cases before the court, with one case presented in each episode. After both sides present their arguments, the judge rules in favor of one side. The judge's decision includes finding in favor of one of the litigants (or, more often than not, declaring a joint decree) and resolving issues such as alimony and asset division. The judge's decisions are legally binding. As such, the modern version of Divorce Court is essentially a form of binding-arbitration in the manner of many modern day courtroom programs. In some instances, the judge may withhold a decision to give the couple ample time to consider a reconciliation. Occasionally, the show revisits a case from a past episode where time to explore reconciliation was offered in order to determine if the delay either remedied or worsened the marriage. Social media segments involving viewer reactions and polls have also been incorporated this installment of the series.

Mablean Ephriam era (1999–2006)

[edit]

When the current version of Divorce Court was resurrected for a 17th season in the fall of 1999, former Los Angeles Prosecuting Attorney Mablean Ephriam was featured as the show's presiding judge. Notable in her judgeship over the series, Ephriam was the show's first African American and first female jurist.

Ephriam presided over this life of Divorce Court for seven years, from the 1999–00 season through the 2005–06 season, her tenure coming to an abrupt and unexpected end over a failure to come to terms in contract negotiations for an eighth season of the current installment. As part of the terms of the contract, Ephriam stated that she was forbidden from changing her hairstyle for the entirety of that following season, that the network reasoned that her hairstyles were too time-consuming for their hair and makeup team. In a press release statement over the matters, Ephriam stated, "When will FOX and the rest of America accept our cultural differences as African Americans and embrace us with all of our different hairstyles, hair textures, hair color."[3]

During her seven-year judgeship over the program, Mablean was known for her quirky voice and expressions, and reactions of amusement, shock and appall over the accounts of outrageous behavior by the litigants.[4]

Lynn Toler era (2006–2020)

[edit]

Lynn Toler, a former judge in Cleveland Heights, Ohio (also former judge of previously cancelled series Power of Attorney in the series' last half season) took over the Divorce Court bench for its 24th season (or eighth season of the show's current installment), which premiered September 11, 2006.[5] Toler would eventually become Divorce Court's longest reigning judge—not only over the current edition of the program—but the overall 40-year-old series as a whole, presiding over the broadcast for 14 seasons. In her judgeship over the series, Toler was noted for her strident tone. Toler imparted counsel, words of wisdom, logical reasoning, and an effort to talk sense into the show's litigants and took to humorous scolding of the litigants where necessary.

Toler's final season hosting the program was in the present edition's 21st season, during the 2019–20 television year. It was during that season that Toler took objection to what she described as a hostile, unfriendly atmosphere coming from the network and production. In addition, Toler cited discontentment with an assortment of management decisions brought on her and the program by production. Among those decisions were in the show's set design, the program no longer taking the appearance of an average American courtroom by the show's 21st season and Toler citing physical discomfort in presiding from the judge's bench.[6][7] In an October 19, 2021, episode of Bailiff Byrd's Bonding with Byrd web series, Toler also explained that producers attempted to move the series into a more farcical, comedic direction following the viral "Rolling Ray" case in November 2019. Toler added that behind-the-scenes altercations between her and Divorce Court producers over production moves were commonplace throughout her final season with the program.[8][9] For these reasons, Toler left the series at the end of that season (which ended up being shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic).[6][10] During the Bonding with Byrd interview, Toler noted that she did not miss the show as she had left it in her final season (taped from Atlanta), but did miss the show that it was previous to her final season (taped from Los Angeles).[8]

Faith Jenkins era (2020–2022)

[edit]

For the 2020–21 television year and current edition's 22nd season, former New York City prosecutor and former arbitrator over her own court show for four years, Faith Jenkins appeared as judge over the series, replacing Toler.[11] In November 2020, the series was renewed for two additional seasons, through the 2022–23 season.[12]

Star Jones era (2022–present)

[edit]

It was announced on January 10, 2022, that former Brooklyn, New York, Prosecutor and District Attorney Star Jones (best known for her 9-year stint as one of the first co-hosts of ABC's The View) would succeed Jenkins as Divorce Court's next arbitrator in the court show's 40th season September 19, 2022.[13] She began presiding on August 22, 2022. The series will see Jones preside over cases ranging from divorce court proceedings to a whole realm of domestic disputes.[14]

Describing her judicial approach, Jones referred to herself as "Judge Star" and stated while finger snapping, "Honey, Divorce Court is lit this season".[13] Jones has communicated her intentions to bring legitimate solutions and resources to troubled relationships, along with deep empathy as well as her dynamic personality.[13] Bringing an extensive law background to the bench, Jones served for years as a New York prosecutor, and later, as senior assistant district attorney. She has appeared on Today, NBC Nightly News, MSNBC, CNN, Court TV, TruTV, and Inside Edition as a legal correspondent.[14] A previous member of the court show genre, Jones presided over her own courtroom series Jones & Jury. Although the show was canceled after only one season (1994–95), the series made Jones the first Black person to preside over a court show and first female to serve as a television arbitrator, as well as second television arbitrator ever, preceded only by Joseph Wapner.[14]

Broadcast production

[edit]

Divorce Court is currently produced by Lincolnwood Drive and distributed by the Fox First Run division of Fox Television Stations,[15] with Sonja Solomun serving as Executive Producer.[14]

The current edition of the series has had four announcers during its run. The first announcer was Jimmy Hodson, who served from the beginning of the current run in 1999 until 2011 when Hodson was replaced by Inger Tutor for one season (2011–2012). Tutor was succeeded by Talon Beeson in 2012, who lasted two seasons (2012–2014). Rolonda Watts (who was formerly with Judge Joe Brown from 2005 until 2013) succeeded Beeson as the show's announcer starting in the 2014–15 season.

The show was previously recorded at Sunset Bronson Studios in Los Angeles. Currently, it is taped in Studio C at the studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting complex in Atlanta in exchange for film industry incentives in Georgia. Recently,[when?] they taped at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Following the completion of the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney in March 2019, distribution of Divorce Court transferred to a new division of Fox Television Stations known as Fox First Run with ad sales handled by CBS Television Distribution.[16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Starr, Michael (August 19, 2022). "Star Jones back as the new host of 'Divorce Court': 'I want to make it my own'". New York Post. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  2. ^ Hyatt, Wesley (1997). The Encyclopedia of Daytime Television. Watson-Guptill Publications. p. 127. ISBN 978-0823083152. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  3. ^ "Canned 'Divorce Court' Judge Cries Racism". TMZ. 2006-04-08.
  4. ^ Brown-Hinds, Paulette (2007-11-15). "Judge Ephriam Special Guest at Birthday Celebration". Black Voice News.
  5. ^ [1] Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ a b McGuinness, Devan (August 24, 2020). "Judge Lynn Toler Was a Staple of 'Divorce Court' so Where Did She Go?". Distractify.
  7. ^ "Lynn Toler on why she's leaving 'Divorce Court' and whether this pandemic will lead to more domestic violence and divorce". TheAtlantaConstitution. 2021-04-12.
  8. ^ a b Byrd, Petri Hawkins; Bond, Markita (October 19, 2018). "Bonding With Byrd: Episode 65". YouTube. United States. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  9. ^ "Divorce Court, you won't believe what you're watching is real". 99.9KTDY. 2021-06-21.
  10. ^ Ho, Rodney (April 9, 2020). "Lynn Toler on why she's leaving 'Divorce Court' and whether this pandemic will lead to more domestic violence and divorce". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
  11. ^ Andreeva, Nellie; N'Duka, Amanda (March 5, 2020). "Faith Jenkins Joins 'Divorce Court' As New Judge, Succeeding Long-Time Star Lynn Toler". Deadline. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  12. ^ Hayes, Dade (November 18, 2020). "Fox Gives 2-Year Renewals To '25 Words Or Less', 'Dish Nation', 'Divorce Court'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  13. ^ a b c Newsome, Randall (September 3, 2022). "Star Jones joins 'Divorce Court' as judge". WISH-TV. United States. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d Cordero, Rosy (January 10, 2022). "Star Jones To Serve As A Judge On Fox's 'Divorce Court' This Fall". Deadline. United States. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  15. ^ Albiniak, Paige (November 13, 2019). "Fox Stations Renew '25 Words Or Less,' 'Divorce Court,' 'Dish Nation' for 2020–21 Season". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  16. ^ Porter, Rick (November 6, 2019). "Fox, Warner Bros. Hope Syndicated TV Format Change Keeps Viewers Around". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
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