The show Hot Bench (2025) is a nontraditional arbitration-based court show created by Judge Judy Sheindlin. The series features a panel of three judges hearing small-claims style cases, with the format including deliberations behind the scenes. The show is produced for CBS Media Ventures and has been running since 2014.
Cases are presented before a panel of three judges; after hearing both sides, the judges deliberate together and rule. The show’s interest comes not just from the cases, but from the dynamics among the judges and the courtroom setting.
Originally premiered on September 15, 2014. It is a syndicated show, distributed by CBS Media Ventures.
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When and Where Was Hot Bench Filmed?
| Show Name | Hot Bench (2025) |
|---|---|
| Genres | Court show / Arbitration reality |
| Filming Locations | Currently: Stamford Studios, Stamford, Connecticut; Previously: Los Angeles, California |
| Filming Dates | Current production from March 2025 at the new location; earlier filmed in LA. |
| Release Date | First aired September 15, 2014; continues through 2025-26 season |
Beginning with Season 12 (production in March 2025), Hot Bench moved its filming from Los Angeles to Stamford Studios in Stamford, Connecticut. This move aligns with Connecticut’s production tax incentives.
đź“ŤStamford Studios, Stamford, Connecticut
Address: 307 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT 06901
Hot Bench is currently filmed at Studio A, NBCUniversal’s Stamford Studios, located in downtown Stamford, Connecticut.
Studio A is a large, versatile sound stage at NBCUniversal’s Stamford Studios in Connecticut. With over 13,000 sq ft, it has a main stage, fixed audience risers, and a large digital green screen. It has been a production hub for various TV shows, including past shows like Maury and The Jerry Springer Show, as well as current ones like The Steve Wilkos Show and Karamo.
The relocation was primarily driven by Connecticut’s film and television tax credit program, which offers significant financial incentives, making production more cost-effective for the series.
đź“ŤLos Angeles, California
Before moving to Stamford, Hot Bench was filmed in Los Angeles, utilizing various studio lots—a common practice for many syndicated television court shows at the time.
Behind the Scenes of Hot Bench (2025)
To make your search for CBS Entertainment’s Hot Bench filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The show stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
The shift from Los Angeles to Connecticut reflects a broader trend of TV productions relocating to take advantage of state tax breaks.
Both studio facilities and audience spaces at Stamford are suited for large-scale TV production. The move included changing the physical production setup, though the show’s format and core cast continued.
FAQs
Q1: Where is Hot Bench (2025) filmed now?
A1: It is currently filmed at Stamford Studios in Stamford, Connecticut.
Q2: When did Hot Bench start filming in Connecticut?
A2: Production for Season 12 began in March 2025 when the show relocated there from Los Angeles.
Q3: Why did Hot Bench move from Los Angeles?
A3: The move was driven in part by the production tax credits that Connecticut offers, making it financially advantageous to produce there.
Q4: Was the format or cast changed when the location moved?
A4: The format (three-judge panel, courtroom/arbitration style) stayed, though there were judge-lineup changes.
The show Hot Bench has found a new home in Stamford, Connecticut as of Season 12 (2025), filming at NBCUniversal’s Stamford Studios. This move marks a clear shift from its earlier filming base in Los Angeles, influenced largely by economic incentives. Fans and industry watchers alike will be interested to see how the production evolves in its new location.