The Jerry Springer Show

The Jerry Springer Show
Logo used from 2000 to 2018
Also known asJerry Springer
GenreTalk show
Created byBurt Dubrow
Presented byJerry Springer
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons27
No. of episodes3,891
Production
Executive producers
Production locations
Running time42–43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkSyndication
ReleaseSeptember 30, 1991 (1991-09-30) –
July 26, 2018 (2018-07-26)
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Jerry Springer is an American daytime talk show that was hosted by Jerry Springer. The show ran in syndication for twenty-seven seasons from September 30, 1991, to July 26, 2018, in which it broadcast 3,891 episodes, produced for most of its time by NBCUniversal. It was taped at the NBC Tower in Chicago until 2009, when production moved to Stamford Studios in Connecticut. The show premiered as a traditional talk show, with a focus on political issues and current events. However, it reformatted into a tabloid talk show by 1993, with a greater emphasis on single-issue panel discussions with everyday people.

Initially produced by Multimedia, Inc., the program was unsuccessful in ratings in its first seasons due to its focus on more political issues. This led to an overhaul of the structure by the mid-1990s, eventually leading to the show as it is best known for, filled with controversial topics (such as incest and adultery), profanity, physical fights, and scantily clad guests. Chanting, heckling, and nudity was often featured on the show, including flashing audience members for "Jerry Beads."

Critical response to the show was overwhelmingly negative; in 2002, TV Guide proclaimed it to be the worst TV show of all time. Despite this, it was highly popular, peaking in popularity around 1997 and 1998, and being a major force in the explosion of "trash TV" at the time. The critique of the show was satirically embraced by the show, with Springer proudly introducing the program as the "worst TV show in the history of television" at the start of each episode. After the show's cancellation, Springer hosted a new courtroom show titled Judge Jerry, which premiered on September 9, 2019, and is also distributed by NBCUniversal; it was canceled after three seasons in 2022.