The Judge Returns, Episode 14 helps series go out on a high note
MBC’s legal drama The Judge Returns concluded its run on a high note on Saturday night, with Episode 14 achieving the highest ratings in the series’ history.
The finale, which aired on February 14th, 2026, marked a major milestone for the drama, reflecting its steady growth in popularity and strong audience engagement throughout its broadcast.
According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode earned an average nationwide viewership rating of 12.8 percent, setting a new personal best for the series.
This impressive figure also secured the drama the top spot in its time slot across all channels, highlighting its dominance on Saturday night television.
Key demographic also tuned into The Judge Returns in solid numbers
Beyond overall viewership, The Judge Returns also demonstrated particular strength among younger audiences.
The finale ranked as the most-watched program of the night among viewers aged 20 to 54, earning a rating of 4.5 percent in this key demographic.
This achievement underscores the show’s broad appeal, particularly among working-age viewers who are highly valued by broadcasters and advertisers.
Starring Ji Sung, Park Hee Soon and Won Jin Ah, The Judge Returns built momentum over the course of its run with compelling courtroom drama, complex moral dilemmas, and emotionally charged storytelling.
Although its ratings had fluctuated at times, especially between its Friday and Saturday broadcasts, the finale demonstrated the show’s lasting impact, as viewers tuned in to see how the story would conclude.
The drama’s successful finale not only capped off its narrative arc but also reinforced its place among the standout Korean dramas of the season.
By ending on its highest ratings ever, The Judge Returns leaves behind a strong legacy and serves as a great example of the popularity of well-written, well-performed character-driven legal dramas in the Korean television landscape.
Congratulations then to director Lee Jae Jin, and the entire cast and crew for a job very well done.
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Michelle Topham