I was home sick and feeling miserable for a few days this past week. I stayed shut up in the bedroom to avoid spreading germs to the rest of my family, so to combat my boredom, I watched a couple of things I had on my Netflix list.

A true crime documentary, a movie, and a limited series I had been looking forward to seeing.  About a talk show that I was NOT allowed to watch when it first came out. Full confession, I snuck a peek a few times when I was home alone or after my parents went to bed. I've been a Nosey Nelly my whole life, what can I say? As long as the drama does not involve me, pass the popcorn, am I right?

Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action

So, in between doses of Mucinex, I turned on the behind-the-scenes look at one of the most popular and most controversial talk shows ever made. The Jerry Springer Show was trashy, violent, and exploited people in their most embarrassing moments, but like a train wreck, folks just could not turn away. Here's a trailer for the Netflix series currently ranked 4th most-streamed on the service.

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Why Did People Go on The Jerry Springer Show?

The Netflix series compared the reality TV circus to the brutal Gladiator fights of Ancient Greece. Producers admitted to manipulating potential guests into thinking they were going to get justice for their situation or counseling to improve their relationships. Others were somehow just happy to receive a paid trip and a feature on a popular show.

Talk Show Love Triangles

While watching The Jerry Springer Show, did you ever wonder why in the world these people would agree to make fools of themselves for the sake of others' entertainment? I mean, some of the topics were downright bonkers. Lots of them had to do with Love Triangles. Jealousy and passion led to guests slinging clever insults and throwing punches that made the crowds go wild.

The Springer Triangle

Speaking of triangles, producers of the Jerry Springer Show made another confession that I found VERY interesting. They were challenged to find the craziest stories possible -as many as they could- to keep up with the demand for show content. Apparently, there was an area of the United States that was prime-picking for people willing to participate in the crazy antics that drove ratings sky-high. It was referred to as 'The Springer Triangle.'

MKAT/Netflix
MKAT/Netflix
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It doesn't surprise me at all that frequent flyers on the Hot Mess Express are from right in our neck of the woods. Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi. However, I am SHOCKED that Evansville is not included. IYKYK.

You Might Be From Kentucky If...

I'm sure there can be 50 versions of this concept, but we'll let the other 49 states deal with their own. We're here for the Bluegrass State.

Gallery Credit: Dave Spencer

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