• by Wayne Friedman , May 15, 2018

U.S. syndication TV program leader “Judge Judy” now commands slightly better viewership so far this season versus a year ago.

After eight months -- September 4, 2017 through May 6, 2018 -- the CBS Television Distribution court show is up 3% to average a Nielsen 10.16 million.

At the same time, “Judy” is lower in some key demographics: Adults 25-54 are down 6% to a 2.14 rating, while women 25-54 dropped 6% to a 2.66 rating.

In overall syndication program results, three game shows follow “Judy”: CBS’ “Wheel of Fortune” is flat at 10.07 million; Twentieth Television’s “Family Feud” is down 2% to 10.05 million; and CBS’ “Jeopardy” up 5% to 9.87 million.

Warner Bros.’ “The Big Bang Theory” continues to lead in the off-network category, losing 6% from a year ago. It now has, per Nielsen, 7.78 million viewers. Farther down in second place is Twentieth Television’s “Modern Family,” dropping 18% to 3.62 million.

The big talk shows are at relative consistent levels this season versus a year ago: CBS’ “Dr. Phil” down 2% to 4.54 million; Warner Bros.' “Ellen DeGeneres” up 2% to 3.24 million; Disney-ABC Domestic TV’s “Live with Kelly and Ryan” losing 3% to 3.14 million.

Two CBS entertainment programs are in a neck-in-neck race: “Entertainment Tonight” at 4.57 million viewers, down 5% from a year ago; CBS’ “Inside Edition at 4.54 million, 7% higher.