Two judges from “Hot Bench,” Tanya Acker and Patricia DiMango, left the show after the eighth season. They were replaced by Yodit Tewolde and Rachel Juarez for the ninth season.
“Hot Bench” is a court show that was created by Judge Judy Sheindlin and debuted in 2014. It featured a panel of three judges who would hear cases and then deliberate together to reach a verdict. The original panel included Judge Patricia DiMango, Judge Tanya Acker, and Judge Michael Corriero. The show was unique in its format, presenting a “hot bench” where the judges could actively question those presenting their cases.
After eight seasons on the air, in 2022, it was announced that two of the original judges, Tanya Acker and Patricia DiMango, would be leaving the show. Their departure was amicable, and both expressed gratitude for their time on the show and the opportunity to work with their colleagues. The reasons for their departure were not explicitly detailed, but it is common in the television industry for changes to occur as contracts end or as individuals seek new opportunities.
To fill the vacancies left by Acker and DiMango, the producers brought in two new judges for the ninth season: Yodit Tewolde, a criminal defense attorney and legal analyst, and Rachel Juarez, a civil litigation attorney. They joined the remaining original judge, Michael Corriero, on the bench. The addition of Tewolde and Juarez aimed to bring fresh perspectives to the show while maintaining the dynamic and engaging format that had made “Hot Bench” popular among viewers. The show continues to air, with the new judges contributing to the spirited legal discussions and deliberations that are the hallmark of the series.