The Jerry Springer Show was an American staple on television and one of the most-watched talk shows in its genre. Hosted by Jerry Springer and with Richard Dominick as its producer, it was known to be filled with controversy and explosive stuff.
Produced by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, the program aired for 27 seasons from September 30, 1991, to July 26, 2018, delivering a staggering 3,891 episodes. Initially created as a political talk show, it later evolved into a platform for sensational topics, often marked by intense arguments and dramatic interactions among guests.
The production of the show took place at three main venues during its 27-year period. It was first produced in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1991 to 1992. In 1992, the production shifted to Chicago, Illinois, where it stayed until 2009. Finally, in 2009, the production moved to the Rich Forum Theatre at 307 Atlantic Street in Stamford, Connecticut.
The Jerry Springer Show was shot in different locations throughout its run
Cincinnati, Ohio (1991–1992)
In September 1991, WLWT, the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati, sought a replacement for The Phil Donahue Show and selected Jerry Springer to host a daytime talk show with a political focus. Concurrently, Springer continued his role as a nighttime co-anchor on WLWT.
The show relocated to Chicago in 1992, requiring Springer to commute daily between Cincinnati and Chicago to fulfill both commitments. In 1993, Springer stepped down from his role at WLWT following a decline in ratings.
Jerry Springer had a strong connection to the city, having previously served as a news anchor and mayor. This location was selected due to Springer's established local presence and familiarity with the community, providing a foundation for the show’s early development.
2) Chicago, Illinois (1992–2009)
In 1992, The Jerry Springer Show moved its production to the NBC Tower, 454 North Columbus Drive, Chicago. The move came as a result of the show's desire to have full national distribution after having been picked up by NBC-owned-and-operated stations.
Several other talk shows, such as The Jenny Jones Show and The Steve Wilkos Show, were housed at the NBC Tower during this era, making it somewhat of a central location for syndicated television production.
Stamford, Connecticut (2009–2018)
In 2009, the show transitioned its production to the Rich Forum at the Stamford Center for the Arts in Stamford, Connecticut. This move was largely influenced by financial incentives, as NBCUniversal received tax credits from the state of Connecticut to relocate several of its productions.
Other talk shows such as Maury and The Steve Wilkos Show were also filmed at the Rich Forum. Originally a performing arts venue, the Rich Forum had been converted into a television studio to meet the needs of these productions.
More about The Jerry Springer Show
The official synopsis of the show on IMDb reads:
"Among his peers' other talk-shows, Jerry's is of the more passionate and of the more sensational. His topics range from bise*ual affairs to r*pe. His guests are more believable than some other talk-shows."
In the mid-1990s, executive producer Richard Dominick revamped the format of the show to focus on sensational and controversial subjects, including guest confrontations and physical disputes. This shift boosted the show's popularity, drawing an average of 8 million viewers per episode by 1998. Although production ended in 2018, the show remained in syndication, continuing to air until September 6, 2024.
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