If you’ve spent any time flipping through daytime TV channels over the last few years, you’ve probably seen them. Judge Keith Cutler and Dana Cutler sit side-by-side, robes on, looking like the ultimate authority on whether a relationship is worth saving or if it's time to pack the bags. They’re the first-ever married couple to anchor a court show together.
But here’s the thing: most of the "reality" you see on TV is scripted or at least heavily polished. With the Cutlers? It’s a bit different. They aren't just playing a role for the cameras. They’ve actually been married for over 35 years.
The Reality Behind the Robes
People often assume these TV judges are retired bench-warmers or actors with a law degree. Honestly, that’s not the case here. Keith and Dana are practicing trial attorneys based in Kansas City, Missouri. They aren't "Judges" in the sense of being elected to a circuit court; they are veteran lawyers who bring decades of litigation experience to a televised forum.
They met back in the 80s while attending college in Atlanta. Dana was at Spelman College and Keith was at Morehouse College. It’s basically the ultimate HBCU love story. They eventually went to law school together at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and graduated in 1989.
They didn't just get married and start a show. They built a massive legal career first.
💡 You might also like: Cliff Richard and The Young Ones: The Weirdest Bromance in TV History Explained
Breaking Barriers in Missouri
Dana isn't just "the wife" on a show. She’s a powerhouse. In 2016, she became the first Black woman to serve as the President of The Missouri Bar. Think about that for a second. In a profession that has historically been a bit of a "boys' club," she climbed to the very top.
Keith is no slouch either. He’s been the President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. When they aren't in Atlanta filming, they are partners at their family firm, James W. Tippin & Associates. They do real work—civil defense, education law, and representing school districts.
From Couples Court to Cutlers Court
Their first major splash was Couples Court with the Cutlers. It was wild. They used everything from GPS tracking data to DNA tests to settle disputes. The show was nominated for multiple Emmys because, unlike some court shows that feel like a shouting match, the Cutlers actually tried to give advice.
Then, the show got cancelled in 2020.
📖 Related: Christopher McDonald in Lemonade Mouth: Why This Villain Still Works
A lot of people thought that was it. But in 2023, they came back with a reboot titled Cutlers Court. It’s a bit broader now. Instead of just "did he cheat?" they handle all sorts of relationship drama—money, meddling mothers-in-law, and step-parenting struggles.
They film at a breakneck pace. We’re talking 150 episodes taped over six weeks in Atlanta. That kind of schedule would break most couples.
Why Their Dynamic Actually Works
You can tell they genuinely like each other. That’s the "secret sauce." In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dana mentioned how they’ve been "running buddies" since college. They have three adult sons. They’ve lived the life they’re advising people on.
One of the most human moments was when Dana talked about their engagement. She wanted it to be this Beyoncé-level glamorous moment (even though Beyoncé wasn't a thing yet). Instead, she said she was a "ratty hot mess." Keith’s response? He didn't see it that way. He thought she was perfect.
👉 See also: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne: Why His Performance Still Holds Up in 2026
That’s the kind of energy they bring to the bench. It’s not just about the law; it’s about the "we."
What Most People Miss
There’s a misconception that their TV rulings are legally binding. They aren't. In Cutlers Court, the decisions are largely advisory. They are mediators with a microphone. They tell toxic couples to break up. They’ve even had people propose on set right after they told them they weren't a good match.
Dana’s face in those moments is a meme-worthy masterpiece of "I told you so."
Actionable Takeaways from the Cutlers
If you’re watching them for more than just the drama, there are actual lessons to be learned from how they handle conflict:
- Communication isn't just talking. Keith often shuts down litigants who interrupt. Active listening—actually hearing the other person before formulating your rebuttal—is their biggest piece of advice.
- Transparency is a requirement. They rely on data (phone records, etc.) because "feelings" can be manipulated, but facts usually can't. In your own life, being transparent with your partner about the "hard stuff" prevents the need for a private investigator later.
- Give each other grace. Dana often mentions that they save the drama for the courtroom and give each other plenty of room to be human at home.
- Support your partner's professional "Yes." When Dana wanted to run for Bar President, Keith was her biggest advocate. When the TV opportunity came, they did it as a unit.
The Cutlers have managed to turn a 35-year marriage into a brand without losing their credibility as serious attorneys. Whether you’re there for the DNA results or the legal wisdom, they’ve proven that you can work with your spouse and actually stay sane.
Next time you see them on screen, remember: they’re probably heading back to a real law office in Kansas City once the cameras stop rolling.