Synopsis

A fictionalized talk-show host struggles to control a chaotic episode as feuding guests bring their private scandals into the studio. While the production staff scrambles to contain confrontations involving betrayal, jealousy, and sexual intrigue, the host confronts the uneasy reality behind his fame. The comedy presents the backstage machinery of sensational daytime television as another spectacle in its own right.

Factoids & Trivia

• The host is named Jerry Farrelly, and his program is called "The Jerry Show," rather than "The Jerry Springer Show." Legal restrictions prevented the production from using the real program's name.

• The film was developed during Jerry Springer's surge in television popularity. In March 1998, he reportedly entered a $2 million pay-or-play agreement with producer Steve Stabler.

• Filming took place in August 1998, only a few months before the movie's November 25 theatrical release.

• Artisan Entertainment acquired the distribution rights in October 1998 and planned a wide Thanksgiving-weekend release.

• The movie had an estimated $20 million budget but earned approximately $9.26 million in the United States and Canada.

• A hip-hop soundtrack was released on March 23, 1999. It reached number 80 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

• The promotional single "Talk Show Shh!" by Shae Jones reached number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100. A music video featuring Springer was made for the film, but the song was not included on the soundtrack album.

• The film received generally negative reviews and later won a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Star for Springer, who shared the award with Joe Eszterhas.