The People's Court

• 1997-2023
• 26 seasons
• Nosey Media
• Suspense, Reality
• TV-PG

The People's Court is a reality arbitration-based court show featuring real small-claims disputes resolved through binding arbitration rather than a traditional state court. Litigants bring actual, minor civil disputes-such as property damage, unpaid loans, or contract disagreements-to the program. Both the plaintiff and the defendant sign an agreement to drop their official lawsuits and accept the television judge's ruling as final. Money awarded to the winner does not come out of the loser's pocket directly; the show's production budget covers the settlement amount for both sides. After listening to both sides argue in a simulated courtroom, the judge gives a quick ruling. A reporter interviews the participants outside the courtroom to capture their reactions to the final decision.