'Caught in Providence's' Judge Frank Caprio Has Had Some Health Struggles Over the Years

You don't have to be from Rhode Island to know who Judge Frank Caprio is, because the real-life judge who starred in the reality court series Caught in Providence became a star in his own right after the show went into syndication. So when he shared some health updates on Instagram, some of his fans and followers wanted to know what happened to Judge Frank Caprio.

Caught in Providence originally aired for the first time in 1988 on public access cable, per Providence College News. Years later, it was picked up for syndication. That's when Frank really began to see fame from the series, thanks to viral clips of him being a compassionate and fair judge. Frank was a judge for almost 40 years before he retired, though the show continues to reach new viewers thanks to its presence on Prime Video.

In June 2024, Frank shared details with CBS News about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. At the time, he had finished treatment, and he opened up to the outlet about praying for his treatment to work and about remaining positive throughout the process. In April 2025, he shared an update on Facebook about his condition.

"My medical condition is such that I'm fighting a battle that I'm fully prepared to wage," he says in a Facebook Reel. "I'm doing everything that the doctors are telling me. I'm watching my diet, I'm exercising, and hopefully I will be able to survive this."

Although he no longer precedes over cases on and off television, his health wasn't the reason for Caught In Providence ending.

In 2023, The Providence Journal reported that Frank announced his retirement. Per the outlet, Frank's brother, Joe Caprio, who produced Caught In Providence, announced that Frank's retirement would coincide with the end of filming. Frank reportedly made around $100,000 per year when he filmed the court show. However, his retirement from his profession appeared to mean he was also done presiding televised cases.

In August 2025, Frank posted a video on Instagram to share an update on his health. In the video, Frank thanks his supporters for their prayers. However, he adds, he had a "setback" in his health. He says he is now i n the hospital, and he asks his followers for prayers once again so he can continue to fight his cancer diagnosis and ongoing health issues.

"So I ask you again, if it's not too much, that you can remember me in your prayers," Frank says from a hospital bed. "I'm a great believer in the power of prayers. I think the almighty above is looking over us. So remember me, please."

Supporters and even celebrities left comments on the video to share their thoughts and prayers for the former TV judge. Even Paula Abdul commented to say that she is "nonstop praying" for Frank.