Sadly drama sells.

Jerry Springer is a pretty smart guy. Go back if you can and watch his first season. The intent of the show was to have intelligent discussion of serious topics and it was quite cerebral. Ratings were in the toilet and his show was announced to be cancelled.

He had on a disturbing topic where the guests act like they do today and that saved the show.

Would anyone here want to have a show that degrades itself like Jerry Springer? Probably not until the ratings and money pours in.