Judge Karen is a nationally-syndicated American courtroom television show that debuted on September 8, 2008 in 48 of the top 50 U.S. markets.[1] As with other court shows, such as The People's Court and Judge Judy, a real-life judge presides over small claims court cases. On this show, the judge is "Karen" Mills-Francis, an American woman twice elected Miami-Dade County Court judge, who claims that "justice isn't always black and white". She does not wear the traditional black robe, but instead a burgundy one. The introductory sequence shows her presiding over cases, with the announcer saying "She's tough, she's fair, and she cares".[1] The show was produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television.[1]
To distinguish itself from other shows in the crowded field, Judge Karen permits litigants to cross-examine witnesses, with a segment at the end in which Mills-Francis answers videotaped questions from viewers.[1].This segment is entitled "Ask Judge Karen"
It was announced on January 10, 2009 that Judge Karen would not be renewed for a second season. [2] At present, reruns are being televised on the BET Network.
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On November 16, 2009, it was announced that Litton Entertainment, which produced Street Court, will return Mills-Francis to the air with Judge Karen's Court.[1] The series premiered Monday, September 20, 2010, and in many markets the series took the place of Street Court which was canceled after one season. Unfortunately, the second time was not the charm for "Judge Karen's Court" as the series was axed by Litton in 2011.
Due to declining ratings, Sony Pictures Television cancelled Judge Karen after its first season on June 1 2009.