Netflix is kicking off 2025 with a deep dive into one of the most controversial TV talk shows of all time: The Jerry Springer Show.
The new documentary series will look into the presenter’s political aspirations, TV stardom, as well as his tragic death in 2023. We will also hear from those who helped make the show what it was, including producer Richard Dominick.
Read More
Where can you watch The Substance?
The movie is unflinching in its portrayal of the sexist underbelly of Hollywood, and Demi Moore just won her first ever Golden Globe for her performance.
While starting out with the aim of prioritising political coverage, the show became infamous for inciting physical fights on screen for entertainment, as well as pivoting towards covering incest, adultery and racism in order to garner more views and controversy. Many critics argued that the show owed those who appeared on the show better duty of care, due to the treatment they were subjected to while they were on screen in the name of driving up the drama.
Running from 1991 until its cancellation in 2018, the show has been dubbed “the worst TV show of all time”, but there’s no denying its impact on popular culture, for better or for worse. Here’s everything we know about Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action.
What is Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action about?
The documentary’s official synopsis reads: “Jaw-dropping documentary goes behind the scenes of America’s most controversial talk show to expose its biggest scandals, both on- and off-camera.”
Netflix’s TUDUM adds that the documentary series “tells the story of the show as it’s never been told before, with extraordinary firsthand testimony and revelations from show insiders who lay bare the dark truths behind its entertaining facade.
“The show’s producers and ex-guests paint a murkier picture of the destruction it caused, raising renewed questions about who was responsible and how far things should go in the name of entertainment.”
Getty Images
Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action release date
The series will drop on Netflix on 7 January.
Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action trailer
Watch below for a taster of the drama, with one talking head describing the show as “the modern version of the Roman Coliseum”, as well as taking a look at the stories that went too far and the impact this had on audiences and those who appeared on the show.
