The documentary on Jerry Springer unveils "shocking" revelations about the TV show that "damaged" American culture.

The Netflix documentary, 'Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action,' will be released on January 7th.

The documentary on Jerry Springer unveils "shocking" revelations about the TV show that "damaged" American culture.
The documentary on Jerry Springer unveils "shocking" revelations about the TV show that "damaged" American culture.

The chant "Jer-ry! Jer-ry! Jer-ry!" has been around for many years and may evoke feelings of nostalgia in some, but not all may appreciate it.

The upcoming documentary "Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action" will offer a "jaw-dropping" look at the behind-the-scenes action of one of the most controversial TV shows in pop culture history.

The Netflix documentary trailer reveals the behind-the-scenes drama and shocking secrets of the crew, producers, guests, and even Jerry Springer.

In the trailer, former producer Toby Yoshimura confesses that nobody knew how wild the show would become.

Jerry Springer
Netflix recently released a "jaw-dropping" trailer for the upcoming documentary "Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action." (The Everett Collection)

Jerry Springer's show premiered on September 30, 1991, and lasted for 27 seasons, with the final episode airing on July 26, 2018.

"In a resurfaced clip from the trailer, Springer, who died in 2023 from a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, says, "I want to take this opportunity to apologize for everything I've ever done. I have ruined the culture.""

Due to low ratings, the program's initial concept as a daytime talk show was soon flipped.

According to Richard Dominick, a former executive producer, all he needed to do was convince him to make it wild by saying, "Let's make it wild."

The show rapidly transformed into "the modern version of the Roman Colosseum," as one producer describes it, with onstage brawls and shocking reveals.

Jerry Springer
"The Jerry Springer Show" launched in 1991 and ran for 27 seasons until 2018. (Getty Images)

Determined to "demonstrate outrageousness," Springer dubbed himself the "King of trash TV."

But behind the massive success was a wave of dark secrets and controversies.

"What was really happening backstage with the bigger show?" one voice can be heard saying in the trailer.

"A former guest on the show recalls that the producers were guiding them on how to present themselves, but they didn't seem concerned about the show's impact on the guests."

"Some stories went too far," Yoshimura admits.

Jerry Springer and guests
The controversial show was plagued by questionable subject lines that included incest, bestiality and adultery. (The Everett Collection)
Talk show host Jerry Springer, guests and audience on The Jerry Springer Show
The show also encouraged physical altercations, chair-throwing, nudity and plenty of explicit behavior. (Virginia Sherwood/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images )

Longtime reporter Robert Feder describes the show as "the most vile and grotesque freak show ever on television."

Even though the show's content was met with negativity, Yoshimura claims that the producers took it upon themselves to push the boundaries even further.

"He says we started pushing the needle towards red. Let's see how far we can push it."

Controversial subject lines such as incest, bestiality, adultery and more, while encouraging physical altercations, chair-throwing, nudity and plenty of explicit behavior.

During its 27-year run, Springer was involved in a murder trial that involved former guests of the show.

Jerry Springer sitting
Former producers of the show admit that they consistently pushed the boundaries when it comes to what's appropriate for daytime television.  (Julie Dennis/NBC Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection)

In 2000, Ralf and Eleanor Panitz, a married couple, appeared on the show "Secret Mistresses Confronted" and accused Ralf's ex-wife, Nancy Campbell-Panitz, of stalking them.

Ralf was charged with first-degree murder and later convicted, receiving a life sentence in prison shortly after the episode aired.

In the documentary trailer, a city council member says, "I hope you feel some responsibility," but the specifics of what he is referring to remain unclear.

Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer died in 2023 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  (Getty Images)

In April 2023, Springer's publicist, Linda Shafran, confirmed his death to Planet Chronicle Digital. According to Rabbi Sandford Kopnick, the TV personality died from pancreatic cancer.

"Jene Galvin, a family spokesperson and friend of Springer's since 1970, stated that Jerry's success in politics, broadcasting, and joking with people on the street was due to his ability to connect with people. He was irreplaceable, and his loss was felt deeply. However, memories of his intellect, heart, and humor would live on."

The Netflix original series "Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action," will debut on January 7th.

by Christina Dugan Ramirez

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