Funny television shows and dramas have been a very common way families and those around us bond together. Throughout the years, we’ve spent time watching and discussing television shows like Maury, Dr. Phil, Family Feud, etc. We don’t often think about how those that play roles on these shows are still human. Sometimes we forget how old these shows are, and quite honestly, how long these individuals have hosted them. 

    Last month, an iconic host for a very iconic and nostalgic show recently passed away, Jerry Springer. The Jerry Springer Show was on the air from 1991 until 2018 due to Springer’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. However, many fans assumed the show was canceled due to the amount of time it’s been around. 

Only a few weeks ago, Springer disclosed his diagnosis in an Australian TV interview, stating that he wasn’t sure if he would have enough time to retire, and hoped that God would be kind to him on judgment day. Springer’s reasoning for keeping it private was due to him not wanting it to be a burden on those around him that cared for him. 

With almost 4,000 aired episodes, the main question millions of fans wondered was whether the content was real. According to Springer, it was 98% real. However, people did seem to act more dramatically due to the hostile environment around them. 

      Growing up, I, personally, was a big Jerry Springer fan and still watch his shows pretty often in my spare time. My family often shares funny moments when they watch funny shows like Springer’s and talk about how those of different generations can relate to each other. 

      The Jerry Springer show talked about a lot more than just “baby mama drama” in its early years. Springer spoke about the different backgrounds of individuals not to mention several controversial topics. Topics such as racism, sexism, infidelity, equality, etc. One of Jerry’s most sought-after episodes was one about racist children in America. Ages ranging from five to 12, and how biased behavior can corrupt those impressionable around us. 

     Jerry was so much more than people tend to think. As well as hosting one of the nation’s most popular talk shows, he was also an advisor to Robert F. Kennedy in the 1968 presidential campaign, he ran for a congressional seat in Congress, won a seat on the Cincinnati city council, and competed with the Oprah Winfrey show. 

     As those throughout the nation mourn Jerry Springer’s death we can’t help but remember the kind memories that we have from this television show. Not to mention the endless iconic memes and posts we have made over the years. A famous quote I think we all could take away from this individual would be, “Take care of yourself and each other.” Never forgetting that after all the dramatic smoke and mirrors the Jerry Springer Show publicized, it pushed for self love and compassion towards those around us.