Steve Wilkos: From Marine and Police Officer to Talk Show Host
Steve Wilkos is widely recognized for his commanding presence and direct approach to conflict resolution on television. However, before becoming a household name as a talk show host, Wilkos built a diverse professional foundation in military service and law enforcement, which eventually paved the way for his transition into the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Military Service
Wilkos began his professional journey in October 1982 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. During his tenure, he served in several locations across the globe and the United States, including South Korea, Japan, Illinois, Virginia, and South Carolina. He remained in the service until his discharge in March 1989.
Law Enforcement in Chicago
Following his military service, Wilkos transitioned into civilian law enforcement. In 1990, he joined the Chicago Police Department. Throughout his career with the force, he was stationed in several diverse Chicago neighborhoods, including Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and the Near West Side.
The Jerry Springer Era
The trajectory of Wilkos's life changed in May 1994. At the time, the producers of the Jerry Springer show, which was taped in Chicago, were seeking security guards. They hired Wilkos and several other off-duty police officers to work part-time for the production. Wilkos played a key role in recruiting fellow officers for these positions.
His involvement with the show grew over time. By 2001, he began working for the program exclusively, and he officially retired from the police force in 2002.
Diversification into Entertainment
While primarily known for security, Wilkos explored other entertainment avenues. During a temporary production hiatus of the Jerry Springer show, Entertainment Weekly reported that he became a professional wrestler with MCW Pro Wrestling. He also made a guest appearance on the WTTW (PBS Chicago) restaurant-review program Check, Please! in 2005.
His relationship with Jerry Springer led to further opportunities. In 2006, when Springer participated in Dancing with the Stars for seven episodes, Wilkos filled in for him. Springer later recruited Wilkos to substitute for him every Monday, describing him as "the obvious choice." Additionally, Wilkos has appeared on the MLB Network and in various TV series such as The Wayans Bros. and Between Brothers, as well as the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, where he portrayed a security guard for Jerry Springer.
The Steve Wilkos Show
In January 2007, NBC Universal Television announced that Wilkos would host his own talk show based at the NBC Tower in Chicago. The Steve Wilkos Show premiered on September 10, 2007, and quickly gained popularity due to high ratings and Wilkos's signature abrasive approach to solving guest disputes.
The program was distributed primarily through affiliates of Fox, The CW, and MyNetworkTV. While some smaller market affiliates of ABC, CBS, and NBC aired the show to fill time slots, it never aired in Los Angeles. Since 2007, The CW Plus has broadcast the show on weekdays between 8 am and 11 am.
The production of the show concluded in March 2026, following a broader decision by NBCUniversal to end all of its first-run syndication programs (shows produced for sale to multiple stations rather than a single network).
Key Facts
- Military Service: Served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1982 to 1989.
- Police Career: Member of the Chicago Police Department starting in 1990; retired in 2002.
- TV Breakthrough: Started as a part-time security guard for Jerry Springer in 1994.
- Solo Venture: Premiered The Steve Wilkos Show on September 10, 2007.
- Production End: The show ceased production in March 2026.
| Period | Role/Affiliation | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1982–1989 | U.S. Marine Corps | Served in Japan, South Korea, and various US states. |
| 1990–2002 | Chicago Police Department | Stationed in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Near West Side. |
| 1994–2007 | Jerry Springer Show | Started as security; eventually became a substitute host. |
| 2007–2026 | The Steve Wilkos Show | Host of his own syndicated talk show. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Steve Wilkos leave the police force?
Steve Wilkos retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2002 after having worked for the force since 1990.
How did Steve Wilkos get started in television?
He was hired as a part-time security guard for the Jerry Springer show in May 1994 while he was still an off-duty police officer.
What is the style of The Steve Wilkos Show?
The show is known for its tabloid format and Wilkos's abrasive approach to resolving disputes between guests.
Why did The Steve Wilkos Show end?
Production ended in March 2026 because NBCUniversal decided to terminate all of its first-run syndication programs.
Did Steve Wilkos do anything other than talk shows and police work?
Yes, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, worked as a professional wrestler with MCW Pro Wrestling, and appeared in the movie Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.