Gunn Hopes Emmy Win Will Boost Show’s Popularity | News

A former Fayetteville judge is now a Daytime Emmy Award winner. The 2012 Emmy for outstanding legal/court program went to “Last Shot With Judge Gunn.”

Mary Ann Gunn and the whole crew were on-hand in Beverly Hills at Saturday night’s ceremony to accept the award.

Gunn became famous for taking her tough love approach for convicted drug offenders to TV in her show called “Last Shot With Judge Gunn”. It’s produced in a courtroom in the Old Washington County Courthouse.

Gunn said it was an experience she’ll never forget.

“It was unbelievable. It was the greatest honor,” Gunn said.

Gunn said she wanted everyone at the Emmy’s at the Beverly Hilton Hotel to know where the show was born.

“So that’s why I wanted to say it’s our ‘little show from Northwest Arkansas’ because we’ve been doing it a long time and I wanted to thank the participants for telling their story on air,” Gunn said.

Gunn’s goal is for drug court to become a household name. 

“I want everyone to know about it. People don’t have to die from overdoses,” Gunn said. 

The 30 minute show gives those convicted of drug charges another chance at redemption. It’s an alternative to prison. 

Production pays for inpatient and outpatient treatment. Gunn said it cost around $3,000 per person and treatment lasts between nine months to a year. Gunn said the show helps save lives. 

“There’s so many good people involved in the show and so many people working hard at this issue,” Gunn said. 

She invited anyone who wants to see the Emmy to visit her office at 208 N. College in Fayetteville. 

“If you want to see it, you helped earned it,” Gunn said. 

Gunn said she’s proud of the accomplishment and thanks her team and the community. 

“I have to tell you that without the support of the community I would’ve never have done it,” Gunn said. 

Gunn said the next step is for the show to keep expand to a wider audience. 

Three other programs were nominated including “Judge Joe Brown,” “We the People with Gloria Allred” and “America’s Court with Judge Ross.”

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