If you’re tuning into the 2026 streaming landscape or catching up on recent sitcom hits, you’ve likely found yourself asking a very specific question while watching a certain chaotic Manhattan courtroom. Who plays the judge on Night Court? The answer depends entirely on whether you are deep in a nostalgia trip or watching the modern revival. It’s a tale of two stones—Harry and Abby.
The Modern Bench: Melissa Rauch as Judge Abby Stone
In the current era of the show, which premiered in 2023 and has recently made waves with its move to Netflix in early 2026, the robe belongs to Melissa Rauch. Honestly, if you feel like you’ve seen her before but can’t quite place the voice, you aren't alone. She spent a decade as the high-pitched, occasionally terrifying Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory.
In Night Court, Rauch plays Judge Abby Stone.
Abby isn't just some random appointee; she is the daughter of the legendary Harry Stone from the original series. She’s unapologetically optimistic. She sees the best in people, even the ones who get arrested for trying to eat a park bench or stealing a giant inflatable gorilla. Basically, she’s the heart of the show.
Rauch’s portrayal is a bit of a departure from her Big Bang days. For starters, she uses her real voice, which is much lower and more grounded than the squeaky tone she used as Bernadette. She also serves as an executive producer on the series, which is why the show feels so protective of the original's legacy.
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Surprising Facts About Melissa Rauch’s Abby Stone
- The Name Reveal: For a long time, fans thought her name was just Abigail. In a Season 1 episode titled "Blood Moon Binga," it’s revealed her birth name is actually Abracadabra Stone. It’s a perfect, weird nod to her father’s love for magic.
- The Middle Initial: Her middle initial is "T," which she claims stands for Torme, a tribute to the "Velvet Fog" himself, Mel Torme.
- The Husband Twist: If you haven't finished Season 3 yet, look out for a cameo from her former co-star Simon Helberg, who plays her "secret husband."
The Legend: Harry Anderson as Judge Harry T. Stone
You can’t talk about who plays the judge on Night Court without paying respects to the man who started it all. From 1984 to 1992, the bench belonged to Harry Anderson.
Harry Anderson wasn't just an actor playing a judge; he was a real-life magician and card shark. He brought that "con man with a heart of gold" energy to the role of Judge Harry T. Stone. His character was famous for wearing flashy ties, obsessing over 1940s film noir, and constantly performing sleight-of-hand tricks during trials.
Sadly, Harry Anderson passed away in 2018 at the age of 65. His death was actually the catalyst for the new series. Melissa Rauch has mentioned in interviews that the revival exists because she wanted to see that world continue in honor of what Anderson built.
Why Harry Anderson Was Unique
Most people don't realize that Anderson didn't really consider himself a "serious" actor. He was a performer who grew up in the world of magic and street hustling. He even played a recurring character on Cheers named Harry "The Hat" Gittes, who was basically a version of his real-life persona. When he got the role of the judge, he insisted that the character share his name and his hobbies.
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The "Guest" Judges and New Faces
Sometimes, Abby isn't the one behind the gavel. The revival has kept things fresh by rotating in some guest stars and regulars who occasionally take over the courtroom.
Gary Anthony Williams has appeared as Judge Murray Flobert, an eccentric substitute who pops in when Abby is dealing with her own personal chaos. There’s also Michael Urie, who joined as Judge Toby Nulman, often described as the "fun judge" of the building, providing a hilarious foil to Abby’s more earnest approach.
Then there is the Dan Fielding factor. John Larroquette, who won four consecutive Emmys for playing the sleazy prosecutor in the original, returned for the reboot. While he isn't the judge (he’s now the public defender), he is the bridge between the two eras. His chemistry with Rauch is what keeps the show's engine running.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that the new Night Court is a "reboot" in the sense that it ignores the past. It’s actually a direct sequel.
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Every time you see Abby look at a photo on her desk, it’s a real photo of Harry Anderson. The show treats his character’s death with a lot of grace, making it clear that Abby is in New York specifically to walk in his footsteps.
If you’re wondering where to watch these performances, the 2023-2025 seasons have recently shifted around in the streaming wars. As of February 2026, the revival has landed a major second life on Netflix, while the original 80s classic remains a staple on various FAST channels and Peacock.
How to Get the Most Out of the New Series
If you're jumping into the show now, here is how to appreciate the casting:
- Watch for the Magic: Melissa Rauch doesn't do as many magic tricks as Harry did, but the show hides "Easter eggs" in the background of her chambers that reference Harry’s old props.
- Listen to the Voice: Compare Rauch’s performance here to her work in The Big Bang Theory. It’s a masterclass in how an actress can reinvent her "sitcom energy."
- Appreciate Larroquette: Pay attention to how John Larroquette plays Dan Fielding now. He’s older, grumpier, and more soulful, but he still has that razor-sharp wit that made him a legend in the 80s.
Next Steps:
If you want to dive deeper, start by watching the Season 1 pilot of the revival to see how Melissa Rauch establishes herself. From there, seek out the original Season 2 episode "The Birthday Visitor" to see Harry Anderson at the height of his powers. Comparing the two "Stone" styles is the best way to see how the role of the judge has evolved over forty years.