“Judge Judy” reserves right to remain No. 1 show

Review based on a national syndicated rating report for the week ending August 4.

Despite featuring nothing but previously aired episodes all week, Judge Judy (5.8 live plus same day national rating, up 2% from the week before) jumped to the top of the Nielsen chart, outperforming all syndicated shows for the third time in four weeks in the session ending August 4.

Making the story even more remarkable, “Judy” could not be seen – along with other programs – on 28 CBS-Owned stations carried by DirecTV, DirecTV Now and AT&T U-verse in 14 markets including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Dr. Phil (2.1, up 5%) also had a good frame, leading the talk shows for the 152^nd week in a row.

Live with Kelly and Ryan (1.9, steady) was the only other talker in the hunt, snaring second place for the 23^rd straight week. 

Further back in the pack were Ellen DeGeneres (1.4, unchanged), Maury (1.2, up 9%) and Wendy Williams (1.2, up 9%).

Meanwhile game shows were no fun. Family Feud (5.7, down 2%), Wheel of Fortune (5.0, unchanged) and Jeopardy! (new season low 4.7, down 13%) were all unable to improve.

In magazine action Entertainment Tonight (2.4, up 4%) was the only program on the rise in the household ratings, while Extra saw the greatest increase in the key W25-54 age group with a 25% leap.

In the overnights, week four of the six-week test that began July 15 for comedic game show Punchline (0.3/1 weighted metered market average) lost 40% from both its lead-in and August 2018 time periods.