Is 'Jackass' safe for MTV?

"Jackass" star Johnny Knoxville

(CNN) -- What will you see on "Jackass"?

Well, there was that episode where a cast member set himself on fire to provide the heat for a barbecue. There was a bit where a guy rode a block of ice down a road. And, once, host Johnny Knoxville was kicked in the, um, nether regions to test the protection of athletic cups and supporters.

Dumb? You bet. Stupid? Ab-so-lutely. Good for ratings?

Indubitably. Viewers can't get enough of it.

Knoxville and his "Jackass" gang are the stars of one of MTV's highest rated shows. In this show, low-IQ antics mean big-number ratings.

VIDEO MTV isn't ready to lose its popular show 'Jackass'. CNN's Jodi Ross has more. (August 23) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Despite the show's constant "Don't-try-this-at-home" warning, one 13- year-old suffered severe burns after setting himself on fire to imitate a "Jackass" stunt. Another group of teens drove a car over one of their friends, again emulating the show. The on-air shenanigans have prompted lawmakers to call on the show's creators to tone down its content.

Now "Jackass" and MTV are involved in another kind of controversy -- a contract controversy. Knoxville has told a local newspaper he's leaving the show. MTV says the network and the star are negotiating.

"Showbiz Today Reports" correspondent Jodi Ross took a closer look at the status of "Jackass."