There was a time when The Jerry Springer Show ruled television. Every day, Springer would gather absurd characters and exploit their dysfunction for a live audience. The daytime hit earned even more popularity while in syndication. However, Springer doesn't look back at his talk show legacy with pride.
When asked if he crowns himself as the "granddaddy of reality TV," Springer wasn't so sure of the title. "No, I'd just apologize," he said while on Behind The Velvet Rope.
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The Jerry Springer Show remains a pop culture phenomenon and existed during a time when daytime reality drama was at its peak. Springer's apology seems to have been made in jest, but it was clear that he carried some regret.
"I'm so sorry. What have I done? I've ruined the culture. I just hope hell isn't that hot, because I burn real easy. I'm very light-complected." Springer calls himself a person who "got lucky," adding that he never had "show business" aspirations.
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"I started out being a lawyer and working for Bobby Kennedy," he said. "My background is political and legal. And then after being mayor, I was offered the job to anchor the news for the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati. I did that for 10 years and that was a kind of, rational transition."
He called the Jerry Springer Show "pure luck" and explained how he snagged the gig. The station he worked for owned talk shows, and when an opportunity presented Itself, he took it.
Springer is still considered to be an icon, although Maury Is widely recognized. His show regularly featured the most outrageous stories and was the inspiration for The Steve Wilkos Show. Wilkos was a Chicago police officer who worked security on Springer's show and he gained enough popularity to receive a series of his own.
Check out Jerry Springer on Behind The Velvet Rope below and revisit a talk show moment above.
