You're right, the show's opening scene features a bustling New York City backdrop. However, the show is actually filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Here are a few possible reasons for this:
* Production Costs: Los Angeles is a major hub for television production, with well-established studios, crews, and infrastructure. This makes it more cost-effective to film there compared to New York City.
* Accessibility: Los Angeles has a large pool of potential participants for the show, due to its large population and proximity to various court systems.
* Branding: The use of the New York City backdrop could be a branding strategy, associating "Judge Judy" with the image of a tough, no-nonsense judge in a fast-paced, urban environment.
While the show's opening scene might make it seem like the cases are happening in New York, the reality is that "Judge Judy" is filmed in Los Angeles. It's a smart choice, both in terms of practicality and branding.