Chicago to Springer: Good Riddance

Jerry's trainwreck talk show never felt like part of the Windy City

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 19, 2009 1:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Jerry Springer tapes his last show in Chicago today, before heading for the pastures of Connecticut, made greener by a bunch of tax breaks. Well, Steve Johnson of the Chicago Tribune would like to wish him this fond adieu: “Don’t let the chair flying toward the door hit you on the way out.” The city will scarcely miss him or his moronic show, if it even notices he left.

Springer didn’t exactly set out to be the king of trash, and he’s branched out some; he’s about to star, ironically, in the musical Chicago. But however long he spent there, that city didn’t mean much to him, nor he to it. “He never managed to feel like more than a carpetbagger here,” says Johnson. “Now he will use another town’s airport and TV facilities, dressed up to look like nowhere in particular.”

[Images (2)]

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In this Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 picture, Jerry Springer arrives at NBC's Fall Premiere Party, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Television personality Jerry Springer arrives at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on Friday, June 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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Final thought: Jerry Springer is leaving. It might have been sentimental. It should be a relief. It feels more like trivia. - Steve Johnson

'Springer' now is reliable and almost tolerated, like uncomfortable old furniture. Tune in and feel better about your friends and family, worse about your society. Tune in and be surprised that Jerry is still on. - Steve Johnson

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Chicago to Springer: Good Riddance