‘Judge Judy’ turns 10

Believe it or not, Judy Sheindlin and “Judge Judy” have kicked off their 10th year together – and still remain TV’s top-rated court show long after a string of challengers have come and gone.

“There’s a certain security in knowing our numbers are still strong and people are still watching and [producer] Paramount wants me around in a substantial way,” says Judy, who, off-camera, is very soft-spoken. “Eventually,

someone is going to burst out and give me a run for my money and when that happens it’ll be great – I had a great run. Everyone is supposed to know when to say goodbye, in whatever profession, and when it’s time for some new blood and when [the show] is losing strength – hopefully I’ll know that.”

But not now. With “Judge Judy” (4 p.m./ Ch. 4) going great guns, Sheindlin says she still enjoys the work.

“Every day is a little bit of a different adventure,” she says. “There’s some of the same stuff you have to do . . . but I like the camaraderie of the job, I like to go to work.”

Sheindlin, who’ll appear on “The View” today, says she’s content with hosting “Judge Judy” – although she did once pitch a sitcom to corporate cousin CBS.

“I came up with the idea for a sitcom about four friends who are lawyers. CBS was kind enough to let me play with it but ultimately passed,” she says. “For me, personally, I think it’s a big mistake to go out of your area of expertise. Then you’re just fooling the public.”

Sheindlin was asked if her fame ever becomes a drag for her and husband Jerry Sheindlin. “You have to understand that you won’t have a successful career without people watching . . . Jerry and I walk down the street and carry on with our lives. We don’t go out with an entourage. People come up to me most respectfully. I don’t have the need for the kind of security you need when you’re a real star.

“Nobody has ever confused me with Nicole Kidman.”

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Good luck to Steve Bailey, of “My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance,” who’s kicked off a run on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.”His first appearance was last night.

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* Missed any of the record-breaking second season-opener of “Lost”? ABC is postposing two debuts to reshow it, Wednesday at 8 p.m.

* Plans are underway for something called “The Horror Channel.” No launch date set yet. “The Horse Channel” meanwhile starts Oct. 27.