Despite the seemingly compassionate attitude of Maury Povich toward his guests, Maury is often accused by critics of exploiting dysfunctional families and distressed minorities. It is also lambasted for embracing and sensationalizing some of the worst stereotypes of American society and behavior. Although Maury has a more serious tone and is less raunchy in nature, some critics denounce it as being even worse than other similar talk shows such as The Jerry Springer Show, due to what is perceived as an insincere sympathy for the guests and using their serious problems for the entertainment and humor of the viewing audience. Whitney Matheson wrote about the show in her USA Today column, echoing this view, "Povich's talk show is, without a doubt, the worst thing on television. Period. Don't be fooled by the pressed shirt and pleated khakis; Maury is miles further down the commode than Jerry Springer."

In Episode 603 of the TV series South Park, "Freak Strike", the boys sign up their friend Butters to appear on the Maury show as a child with testicles on his chin, as part of a scheme to receive prizes from the show. Cartman also gets in on the act appearing in drag and announcing "Whateva! Whateva! I do what I want..." (See "Violent Teen Girls" above.) The episode serves as a commentary on how Maury exploits and trivializes the plights of real people ("This is terrible dude! Maury Povich parades these poor people around like carnival freaks, and then give prizes at the end as if to justify it. What a dick!", says Kyle in the episode).

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