History of Judge Mathis in Timeline
Judge Mathis is a reality court show featuring Judge Greg Mathis, a former Michigan 36th District Court judge, known for his advocacy for Black interests. The show centers around arbitration, where Judge Mathis uses his legal expertise and life experience to resolve a variety of disputes.
1957: Divorce Court Premieres
Divorce Court, one of the longest-running court shows, premiered in 1957.
1981: The People's Court Premieres
The People's Court, another long-running court show, premiered in 1981.
September 13, 1999: Judge Mathis Premieres
The Judge Mathis show premiered on September 13, 1999, and ran for 24 seasons, featuring Judge Greg Mathis presiding over small claims disputes.
1999: Judge Mathis Premieres
Judge Mathis premiered in 1999, becoming one of the few court shows to originate in the 1990s and achieve long-term success.
May 2002: Judge Mathis Receives PRISM Commendation
In May 2002, Judge Mathis received a PRISM Commendation for its positive messages to young people.
December 19, 2002: Judge Mathis' First Bailiff, Brendan Moran, Passes Away
Tragically, Brendan Anthony Moran, the first bailiff on Judge Mathis, died on December 19, 2002, in an apparent suicide.
January 2003: Doyle Devereux Joins Judge Mathis as Bailiff
Doyle Devereux joined Judge Mathis as bailiff in January 2003, becoming a familiar face on the show until its conclusion.
2004: Judge Mathis Wins NAACP Image Award
Judge Mathis won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News/Information - Series in 2004.
2014: Judge Mathis Becomes Longest-Serving Black Court Show Arbitrator
By 2014, Judge Mathis became the longest-serving Black court show arbitrator, surpassing Judge Joe Brown with 16 seasons.
2017: Judge Mathis Considers Congressional Run
From 2017 into early 2018, Judge Mathis considered running for Congress in Detroit, Michigan, but ultimately decided to continue his TV show.
April 2018: Judge Mathis Wins Daytime Emmy Award
In April 2018, Judge Mathis won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program, a significant achievement just before its 20th season.
September 3, 2018: Judge Mathis Celebrates 20th Season
On September 3, 2018, Judge Mathis premiered its 20th season, marking a significant milestone for a court show.
2018: Judge Mathis Becomes First Courtroom Show with a Black Jurist to Win a Daytime Emmy
In 2018, Judge Mathis made history by becoming the first courtroom show with a Black jurist to win a Daytime Emmy Award.
2018: Judge Mathis Opts to Continue TV Show
In 2018, Judge Mathis chose to continue his TV show instead of pursuing a career in politics, citing the show's positive impact.
2018: Judge Mathis Joins Elite Group of Courtroom Shows
By 2018, Judge Mathis became one of only two courtroom shows to run for two decades with the same arbitrator.
September 7, 2020: Judge Mathis Premieres 22nd Season with COVID-19 Safety Measures
On September 7, 2020, Judge Mathis premiered its 22nd season with visible COVID-19 safety measures, including a reduced audience, face shields, and masks for staff.
2020: Judge Mathis Adapts to COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, Judge Mathis, like many shows, had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing safety measures like a smaller audience and physical barriers.
2021: Judge Mathis Becomes Only Courtroom Show Running for Over Two Decades with One Arbitrator
With the end of Judge Judy in 2021, Judge Mathis became the only courtroom program running for over two decades with the same arbitrator.
May 4, 2022: Judge Mathis Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On May 4, 2022, Judge Mathis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2022: Judge Mathis' 24th Season Marks Its Last
The 24th season of Judge Mathis, airing in 2022-2023, marked the final season of the show.
February 2023: New Mathis Court Show Announced
In February 2023, it was announced that Judge Mathis would be ending, but a new show starring Mathis and his son had been ordered.
May 25, 2023: Judge Mathis Airs Final Episode
On May 25, 2023, Judge Mathis aired its final episode, concluding a 24-season run.
September 11, 2023: Mathis Court with Judge Mathis Premieres
On September 11, 2023, Judge Mathis returned to television with a new show, "Mathis Court with Judge Mathis," featuring his son Amir as bailiff.
2024: Judge Mathis' Net Worth Estimated at $25 Million
In 2024, Judge Mathis' net worth is estimated at $25 million, reflecting his successful career as a judge, TV personality, and author.