CBS Media Ventures’ long-running syndicated court show Hot Bench is the latest unscripted production to leave Los Angeles, reflecting a larger trend driven by financial pressures and the allure of competitive tax credits. Starting next season, the Judith Sheindlin-created show will call Connecticut home, lured by a 30% tax credit projected to save the show approximately $3.5 million annually on its $12 million budget.
The relocation underscores the financial challenges gripping the entertainment industry. A CBS Media Ventures spokesperson explained, “Given the industrywide economic challenges, we have made a budgetary decision to shift production of Hot Bench to Connecticut. This move will ensure the long-term financial success of the show so our loyal viewers can enjoy it for years to come.”
Why Connecticut?
The state’s lucrative tax incentives have made it an increasingly attractive destination for productions seeking cost-saving solutions. With Los Angeles’ production costs soaring and California’s tax credits unable to rival other states for unscripted series, Hot Bench joins a growing list of shows fleeing Hollywood for greener pastures.
Uncertain Future for Talent and Crew
The move raises questions about the show’s judges—Michael Corriero, Rachel Juarez, and Yodit Tewolde. While their involvement in the East Coast production remains unclear, departures from the bench appear likely. The relocation will also impact the show’s LA-based crew, many of whom may face difficult decisions about relocating.
Hot Bench is not alone in its departure from LA. Fox’s MasterChef recently moved production to Australia, while NBCUniversal’s The Kelly Clarkson Show shifted to New York. Georgia has also emerged as a key player, attracting shows like Pictionary and Family Feud with its competitive incentives. This shift highlights the growing pressure on producers to cut costs while navigating the evolving economics of the entertainment industry.
Los Angeles Production Decline
FilmLA reports a nearly 20% decline in LA-based production in 2023, reflecting the impact of rising costs, shrinking budgets, and increasing competition from other regions. Although Governor Gavin Newsom announced expanded tax credits, these incentives remain out of reach for unscripted series, leaving shows like Hot Bench searching for more viable solutions elsewhere.
What Lies Ahead
The Connecticut move is part of a broader strategy for CBS Media Ventures’ parent company, Paramount Global, which has been navigating significant financial strain and implementing cost-cutting measures across its portfolio. The relocation of Hot Bench underscores the growing mobility of productions, now dubbed “production nomads” by industry insiders, as producers scout the globe for cost-effective opportunities.
As Hot Bench prepares to settle into its new home, its relocation serves as a stark reminder of the shifting dynamics of TV production—and the challenges ahead for Los Angeles as it fights to retain its position as the global entertainment capital.
