• by Wayne Friedman , December 12, 2014

Nearly two months into the new TV season, syndication court shows and talk shows have generally maintained their viewership levels — and have even made some gains. Dominant court show “Judge Judy,” from CBS Television Distribution, is 2% higher so far from September 8 through November 30, averaging some Nielsen 9.9 million viewers.

Two other court shows — well behind “Judy” — have maintained their viewership levels versus a year ago: Warner Bros. “People’s Court” at 2.36 million and Twentieth Television’s “Divorce Court” at 2.08 million.

Talks shows are generally also higher. CBS Television Distribution’s “Dr. Phil” is up 10% to 4.46 million (with a 25% rise in men 18-49); Disney-ABC Domestic Television’s “Live with Kelly & Michael” has gained 7% to 3.90 million; and Warner Bros.’ Brand Networks’ “Ellen DeGeneres” is up 1% to 3.69 million.

Other talk shows that have gained: NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution’s “Steve Harvey” has improved 10% to 2.49 million; Twentieth Television’s “Wendy Williams” is up 14% to 2.04 million; and NBCU’s “Steve Wilkos” has gained 11% to 2.07.

CBS’ big game show “Wheel of Fortune,” still the overall daytime Monday to Friday leader in syndication, slipped 2% to 10.63 million. Its sister CBS game show "Jeopardy” improved 4% to 9.80 million. Twentieth Television’s “Family Feud” gained a bit 22% to 8.39 million. Disney-ABC’s “Millionaire” lost ground -- 11% to 2.6 million.