The Bottom Line
Pros
- Knows its audience
- Gives ‘em what they want
- No physical fights
Cons
- A watered down Jerry Springer
- Offensive
Description
- Syndicated, check local listings.
- Taped in New York.
- Criticized as being worse than Jerry Springer, despite less antics.
Guide Review - Overview: Maury
The most shows in this genre, Maury features an empathetic and determined host interviewing “issue guests” – everyday men and women who have suffered a tragedy, met with amazing fortune, discovered an odd secret, or something else slightly prurient, slightly sideshow.
The late ‘80s, early ‘90s were the worst years for this type of program. Not in terms of ratings, but in terms of what might be called exploitation. After viewers grew tired of such ilk, shows like this one reverted to a more issues focused agenda.
Maury’s show is no different, and plays a lot like a watered down Jerry Springer Show. Regular topics include infidelity, paternity tests, “is this a man or woman?”, abusive spouses and the like.
Maury Povich is former newsman turned talk show host.
