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You Can Call Him (Judge) Al

D'Amato is in talks to start a hyper-lucrative daytime court show a la Judge Judy

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2008 12:01 PM CDT
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(Newser) – As if fathering a child at age 70 weren't enough drama, now Alfonse D'Amato might get benched: The former senator is in talks to start a daytime court TV show, the New York Daily News reports. And lest his following in the footsteps of Wapner incites too many snickers, such shows sentence their stars to a life without the possibility of going broke.

Judge Judy Scheindlin was a lowly New York City family court judge before her show turned her into a millionaire celeb; now she claims a national following, has landed her own Hollywood star, and pulls down about $30 million a year. D'Amato's show, tentatively set for fall 2009, would likely focus on small claims, but would face off against a crowded field. But "there's always room for one more court show," one analyst said.

Not only is Judy Judy raking in some $30 million per year, but she also has a star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame.
Not only is Judy Judy raking in some $30 million per year, but she also has a star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame.   (Getty Images)
Judge Judy Sheindlin is currently in the 12th season of her highly successful court TV show.
Judge Judy Sheindlin is currently in the 12th season of her highly successful court TV show.   (AP Photo)
Judith Sheindlin, star of Judge Judy, arrive for the 2007 Matrix Awards, presented by the New York Women in Communications, Inc., in New York, Monday April 23, 2007.
Judith Sheindlin, star of Judge Judy, arrive for the 2007 Matrix Awards, presented by the New York Women in Communications, Inc., in New York, Monday April 23, 2007.   (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Then-Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., speaks at a news conference in Albany, N.Y., in this April 8, 1998 file photo. Former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato is looking forward to a few big milestones, his anniversary, his 70th birthday and a baby. If you had told me this prior to getting...
Then-Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., speaks at a news conference in Albany, N.Y., in this April 8, 1998 file photo. Former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato is looking forward to a few big milestones, his anniversary,...   (AP Photo/Tim Roske, File)
Former New York Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, left, embraces Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, far right, during a campaign appearance at Grand Central Terminal in New York, Monday, Feb. 4, 2008.
Former New York Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, left, embraces Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, far right, during a campaign appearance at Grand Central Terminal in New York, Monday, Feb. 4, 2008....   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., right, speaks with former New York Sen. Alfonse D'Amato at his side after D'Amato endorsed McCain during an appearance in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008.
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., right, speaks with former New York Sen. Alfonse D'Amato at his side after D'Amato endorsed McCain during an appearance in New York, Tuesday,...   (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato chairing the Whitewater hearings, Washington, DC 1995.
Sen. Alfonse D'Amato chairing the Whitewater hearings, Washington, DC 1995.   (Magnum Photos)
Alfonse M D'Amato
Alfonse M D'Amato   (Archive Photos)
Former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato at the 25th annual Sports Emmy Awards in 2004.
Former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato at the 25th annual Sports Emmy Awards in 2004.   (Getty Images)
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