The Maury Show-Erin Booth

The one show that I believe should be removed from cable networks throughout the United States is The Maury Show. This postmodern television show encourages hatred and drama among the guests as well as questions many morals and ethics that are shared by most Americans. After watching this program, it can be concluded that it is certainly at the very bottom of the cultural skyscraper.
The Maury Show is a talk show based in New York City and hosted by Maury Povich. This popular question and answer-based show attempts to solve the problems of individuals going through hard times in life. In each show Maury’s typical interviewees are everyday people who are many times ex-lovers, single mothers, neglected children or troubled teens. There are many reoccurring themes covered in this show, the most common being: infidelity, poor parenting, paternity test results, dysfunctional families and other controversial adult issues.
The Maury Show is comprised of many question and answer sessions that attempt to solve the problems that each guest may be facing. The camera focuses on the individuals and host at a farther distance during regular discussions but then moves closer when something dramatic happens such as a confession or answer to a grueling question. In addition, there is a large video screen in the center of the stage that shows close-ups as well. Along with changing camera angles, The Maury Show has a very active audience. Throughout the show the audience members participate by obnoxiously voicing their opinions by either booing those on stage or shouting outlandish comments. A final trait I have found in this show is the humorous take on extremely serious situations which I believe can be very degrading to some of the viewers.
There are several reasons behind the way The Maury Show is set up to explain the different observations I have found while watching this show in the past. The camera is set the way it is by getting closer up during questions that cause great emotion to the interviewee which creates a more dramatic effect. If the show was shot far away or even at a middle distance the whole time, the viewer would not be able to see how the individual may be feeling by their facial expressions. Also, the large video screen in the center of the stage allows the live audience to see close-ups of the guests as well. An interactive audience is necessary for a successful and entertaining talk show these days; especially one like The Maury Show. Without an obnoxiously loud audience, the show would be boring especially for the home viewers. An interactive audience also enables home viewers to better establish a stance on the issue if they see how the live audience is reacting. This crowd of people on air also inflicts emotion on those guests who are being interviewed whether they become happy that they are being supported or angered when they are being booed.
Ultimately, The Maury Show is the epitome of trash television. The issues that are presented seem as though they are trying to be solved in a caring manner, when in reality it is obvious that these issues are being mocked and made fun of. The situations that these people are going through are many times issues of a vast majority of the American population. Not only is this show offensive to people who may be facing the same hardships; but, children who are victims of the issues that are highlighted on this show will indeed suffer internal damage if coming across The Maury Show. It is absolutely ridiculous to broadcast a show on television addressing problems individuals face all the time and allow American viewers to make judgments about them based on a corrupt television talk show. According to the classical Greek Philosopher, Plato, it is important for media to uplift and instruct rather than bring about evil thoughts and actions. This show doesn’t by any means honor the belief of Plato and is a horrendous show to be presented to nationwide audiences.
There are several things that the American public can do to put an end to this terrible idea of “good television”. First of all, it is our duty as citizens to voice our feelings and opinions to make the world we live in a better place. Therefore, we must begin by encouraging Americans to send e-mails to the producers of The Maury Show and express their feelings towards the show’s content. Also, it would be beneficial to encourage different government agencies involved by organizing protests to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to put an end to this program. By the First Amendment of the Constitution, it is our right as citizens of this country to assemble and petition. Thanks to this amendment, we can gather together and unite against this appalling idea of entertainment.