‘Hot Bench’: Judge Michael Corriero To Retire, Rachel Juarez & Yodit Tewolde To Return For Season 12

EXCLUSIVE: As Hot Bench marks its 2,000 episode this week, CBS Media Ventures’ syndicated court show is preparing to say goodbye to its longest serving judge, Michael Corriero, at the end of the current 11th season.

For Corriero, who is in his early 80s, this has been the plan since the beginning of the season His departure is not related to Hot Bench‘s upcoming move of production from Los Angeles to Connecticut next season for financial reasons. It was unclear at the time of the relocation decision how it would impact the other two Judges, Rachel Juarez and Yodit Tewolde. Both are now set to return for Season 12, joined by a new judge.

Corriero is leaving after nine seasons; he started at the start of Season 3. Juarez and Tewolde have bene on the show since Season 9.

“At the beginning of this past year, after almost 9 years on Hot Bench, I made it clear to everyone that this would be my final season,” Corriero said. “It was time to pass the torch or, should I say, the gavel. I will miss the challenge, my beloved colleagues and the entire Hot Bench team.”

The Judith Sheindlin-created Hot Bench, which is renewed through 2025-2026 as part of a two-season pickup, is the #1 original court show on TV. (Sheindlin’s Judge Judy, in repeats, is the overall #1.)

Hot Bench‘s 2,000th episode airs Jan. 23. In it, two friends are looking to settle a dispute over the price and delivery of a puppy.