The idea for the series came about when two New York attorneys, twin brothers Dan and Peter Thomas, were discussing courtroom stories based on their shared experiences in Queens while on a plane flight to California in 2001. One of the passengers, a Hollywood producer, was sitting next to them and mentioned that they could be the basis for a television series. Indeed, the producer brought the idea to screenwriter Kevin Fox who later successfully pitched it to CBS. Fox was initially hesitant in becoming involved, feeling there were too many courtroom dramas already, but agreed after spending time at the New York Supreme Court himself. The project was helped along by Dan's wife Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, head of
Red Om Films (a subsidiary of
Julia Roberts' production company
Shoelace Productions) and a partner in
Joe Roth's Revolution Studios, who was then looking for film and television products to develop. Her involvement was partially responsible in bringing such a high-profile cast and crew to the series. The
television pilot was filmed at both the
Long Island City and
New York State Supreme Courthouses by actor
Tim Robbins in mid-August 2002 and 12 episodes were eventually ordered by the network. A midseason replacement for
Robbery Homicide Division,
Queens Supreme premiered on January 10, 2003, alongside
Presidio Med in the prime-time Friday night timeslot. == Episodes ==