Netflix reality fans were left feeling "nauseated" by the "wild" new Jerry Springer documentary. The two-part docuseries, Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action, was released yesterday [7th January 2025].
The docuseries explores the history of The Jerry Springer Show, focusing on its transformation into a sensational talk show known for on-air fights and controversial content. It delves into the behind-the-scenes production techniques that fueled the show's rise to fame and examines the real-life consequences of its confrontational style, including incidents involving guests.
The series revisits the infamous 'I Married a Horse' episode, where a man claimed to have wed his horse, Pixel. The episode, one of the show's most controversial, was banned from airing in many regions due to its provocative content.
One of the most tragic incidents linked to the show occurred after the 2000 episode titled “Secret Mistress Confronted.” In the episode, Nancy Campbell-Panitz confronted her ex-husband, Ralf Panitz, and his lover, Eleanor. On the same day the episode aired, Ralf watched it at a bar, became increasingly enraged, and later killed Nancy.
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GETTY)He was convicted of second-degree murder in 2002 and sentenced to life in prison. Nancy's son, Jeffrey Campbell, appeared in the docuseries, stating that his mother was blindsided by the way the episode was set up.
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the documentary, with many expressing shock. One user wrote: Watching the Jerry Springer documentary on Netflix left me feeling nauseated by how humans were violated and humiliated on national TV. While the show had an impact on popular culture, it was revolting and violent, relying on a quick-fix formula to boost TV ratings."
Whilst another added: "So watched the Jerry springer doc on Netflix. Was I a bad person for supporting the Jerry springer show? Because damn. They did some f***ed up shit to those people." A third penned: "Ok who let me eat dinner while watching the Jerry Springer doc? Did I learn nothing from watching this filth every day as a kid?"
And a fourth wrote: "Just started the jerry springer doc and my face is already screwed up lmao its crazy how normal all that chaos was in our youth. But this was also a time when bum fights were popular so," alongside a shrugging emoji. A fifth added: "Jerry Springer doc is wild. Cannot believe we watched this live on TV."
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NETFLIX)Some viewers defended Springer and criticised the documentary producers for slating his name, given that he's passed away. The user penned: "Just finished the Jerry Springer doc on Netflix. I don’t like how they tried to smear my guy’s work and name and he’s dead. I thought it was entertaining tv and it’s not fair that they trying to blame the show for manipulation. It was a damn tv show for ratings. It wasn’t therapy."
Another added: "Watching this Jerry Springer doc and sorry if this is ignorant but blaming the show for that murder is f***ng insane. ALL THREE of those people were crazy and it was an awful thing but that was clearly going to happen if they didn’t go on the show."
At the time, the show was riddled with controversy as many, including Oprah Winfrey, slammed the style. There was a general sense by the public of unease around the drama and even the church spoke out against some of the wild topics. Much of the content circled around fighting and more negative scenarios.
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