Jerry Springer hosts new GSN dating game show, ‘Baggage,’ that puts foibles on display

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Jerry Springer hosts new GSN dating game show

LOS ANGELES — Jerry Springer is reinventing himself again, this time as host of a dating game series.

“Baggage,” debuting next month on the Game Show Network, gives three contestants the chance to win the eye of a prospective date. The hitch: Contestants have to reveal their faults and foibles.

Players will carry suitcases onstage to represent the baggage they’ll confess to and defend, GSN said Tuesday. Among the planned suitors: a shoplifter, a woman who gets advice from psychics and a control freak.

Springer called “Baggage” a family friendly show that’s “just fun and lighthearted. There’s no life-changing issues.”

“I’m like the crazy old uncle,” he said. “People feel comfortable telling me their secrets, that I won’t be judgmental.”

After the three contestants are pared down to one, the potential date must own up to a fault of his or her own.

Springer, 66, whose varied credits include his long-running talk show, “The Jerry Springer Show,” as well as “America’s Got Talent,” ”Dancing With the Stars” and a Broadway turn last year in the musical “Chicago,” was to begin taping “Baggage” this week.

“I just keep finding jobs,” said Springer. “I’m really lucky and I know that. … Being a host is what I’m comfortable doing. I’ve been doing it forever, joking around with guests, having fun.”

The half-hour series debuts April 19. It will air at 6:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

On the Net:

www.gsn.com