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59-508: Phil McGraw had previously hosted a syndicated talk show, Dr. Phil , with Oprah Winfrey 's Harpo Productions and CBS Media Ventures . In January 2023, CBS Media Ventures announced that the show would end after its 21st season in 2023. In November 2023, McGraw announced a new Fort Worth, Texas -based production company known as Merit Street Media, and a television venture of the same name that planned to launch in February 2024; its name

118-558: A B.A. in psychology . He went on to earn an M.A. in experimental psychology in 1976 and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1979, both at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas ), where his dissertation was titled "Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Psychological Intervention." He did a year of post-doctoral training in forensic psychology at the Wilmington Institute. McGraw's doctoral advisor

177-548: A 2001 Sun-Sentinel interview that he never liked traditional one-on-one counseling, and that "I'm not the Hush-Puppies, pipe and 'Let's talk about your mother' kind of psychologist." McGraw frequently advises individuals to seek professional help, particularly psychotherapy . A 2016 study at The Ohio State University found that viewers were more likely to seek professional mental health care for themselves and their children after seeing McGraw deal with similar issues on

236-588: A 2001 South Florida newspaper interview that he never liked traditional one-on-one counseling, and that "I'm not the Hush-Puppies, pipe and 'Let's talk about your mother' kind of psychologist." In 2004, the National Alliance on Mental Illness called McGraw's conduct in one episode of his television show "unethical" and "incredibly irresponsible". McGraw's critics regard advice given by him to be at best simplistic, and at worst, ineffective. On April 13, 2008, an unnamed staffer for Dr. Phil put up 10%, or

295-610: A dozen current and former employees of Dr. Phil alleged that they experienced "verbal abuse in a workplace that fosters fear, intimidation, and racism". Seven current employees also claimed that the show's guests are often manipulated and treated unethically. Attorneys for McGraw and his co-producer, Carla Pennington, categorically denied every allegation made. The show covered a wide variety of topics including weight loss , financial planning , grief , dysfunctional families , marriage counselling , rebellious teenagers , child stars , and support for charitable causes. Guests on

354-460: A lawsuit in 2004, claiming that it made false or unproven claims. In 2006, a $ 10.5 million settlement was reached. In 2003, The Making of Dr. Phil , an unauthorized biography by Sophia Dembling and Lisa Gutierrez, was published by John Wiley and Sons . The book covers McGraw's personal and professional life, including allegations of abuse and unethical practices, with interviews from his childhood friends and former classmates. In 2006, McGraw

413-535: A relationship and life strategy expert on Tuesdays, starting in April 1998. In September 2002, McGraw formed Peteski Productions and launched his own syndicated daily television show, Dr. Phil , produced by Winfrey's Harpo Studios . Dr. Phil is an advice show in which McGraw tackles a different topic each show, offering advice to his guests. He signed a five-year extension of his syndication deal with his show's distributors, King World Productions, Inc. The deal

472-634: A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . McGraw was invited to give the presidential address at the 2006 annual convention of the American Psychological Association , where he received the APA's Presidential Citation for "highlighting mental health issues" to "more Americans than any other living psychologist." McGraw married his first wife, Debbie Higgins McCall, in 1970, when he was 20 years old. According to her, McGraw

531-407: A studio show, PBR Now . Merit Street stated that it would carry a total of 300 hours of PBR-related programming per-year. PBR programming accounted for a major share of Merit Street's audience, with the company stating that it has attracted 2.4 million unique viewers to the channel, and 31% of its total viewer base. However on November 14, 2024, PBR announced that it had terminated the contract (moving

590-479: A successor to the syndicated Dr. Phil series. Merit Street launched on April 2, 2024. In 2012, McGraw founded the telehealth company Doctor On Demand, an online platform that allows individuals to schedule virtual appointments with a network of physicians and therapists. The company launched a web and mobile service in 2014. The platform focuses on services related to preventative care, medication management, wellness, and mental health. According to ABC News ,

649-523: A total of $ 3,300 towards the $ 33,000 bail for 17-year-old Mercades Nichols, one of a group of eight teenage girls who beat another girl and videotaped the attack. Someone put up the remaining 90% of the bail for Nichols, who had been booked at the Polk County, Florida , jail. Theresa Corigliano, spokesperson for the Dr. Phil show said that "In this case certain staffers went beyond our guidelines," and that

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708-561: A week later, announced a new show called Moochers (similar to ABC's Kicked Out ). Ultimately, the show was not produced. In 2006, the Dr. Phil House (similar to CBS's Big Brother ) began airing as part of the Dr. Phil television show. Following a protest by neighbors, the house in Los Angeles was shut down, and production resumed on a sound stage on a studio back lot. Stage 29 launched Decision House in September 2007. It

767-531: Is a private pilot, with an instrument rating , flying single-engine airplanes. He is a Christian . He launched a Dr. Phil Foundation charity in October 2003. McGraw endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 United States presidential election . (with Bhad Bhabie , featured by DJ Suede the Remix God ) Dr. Phil (talk show) Dr. Phil is an American talk show created by Oprah Winfrey and

826-406: Is an American television personality and author, best known for hosting the talk show Dr. Phil . He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology , though he ceased renewing his license to practice psychology in 2006. McGraw rose to fame with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the late 1990s. Oprah Winfrey then helped McGraw launch his own program, Dr. Phil , in September 2002. The show

885-583: Is based on McGraw's experience as a trial consultant, and he is credited as one of the creators of the series. McGraw began working with Oprah Winfrey through CSI. In 1995, Oprah Winfrey hired McGraw's legal consulting firm CSI to prepare her for the Amarillo Texas beef trial . Winfrey was so impressed with McGraw that she thanked him for her victory in that case, which ended in 1998. Soon after, she invited him to appear on her show. His appearance proved so successful that he began appearing weekly as

944-439: Is derived from the concept of meritocracy . The network was slated to feature a continuation of his talk show known as Dr. Phil Primetime ; McGraw explained that "I absolutely love talking to real people about real problems — people who aren't just complaining but are actively looking for real solutions to better their lives", and spoke of "American families and our core values" being "under attack". A number of staff members from

1003-610: Is formatted as an advice show. McGraw was born in Vinita, Oklahoma , on September 1, 1950, the son of Joseph J. McGraw Jr. and his wife, Anne Geraldine "Jerry" ( née Stevens). He grew up with two older sisters, Deana and Donna, and younger sister Brenda in the oilfields of North Texas where his father was an equipment supplier. At age 13, he worked at an A&W Root Beer stand and a local chain called Pizza Planet in Oklahoma City . McGraw moved to Kansas with his father as

1062-707: Is opened. Martin Greenberg, a former BOP president, said on the Today Show that this incident was not a matter that the law covers or would be concerned about. Later that year, McGraw was sued by Thomas Riccio , the memorabilia collector responsible for taping the Las Vegas robbery that led to O. J. Simpson 's conviction. Riccio sued McGraw in Los Angeles Superior Court for defamation and other complaints, stemming from an interview he did on

1121-529: The Dr. Phil show relocated to Texas to join the new network. The following month, McGraw announced plans for distribution via linear television and streaming platforms, and that he had "commitments already exceeding 65 million television homes"—including an agreement with Christian broadcaster Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Despite the TBN agreement, McGraw stated that Merit Street's programming would not be faith-based. In February 2024, Nancy Grace joined

1180-402: The Dr. Phil show was ranked 4th by Nielsen Media Research , with 6.69 million viewers. The show was ranked 6th with 5.69 million viewers on May 12, 2008. In May 2008, Dr. Phil was the second most popular talk show on television, after The Oprah Winfrey Show . On July 30, 2019, Dr. Phil was the top syndicated show with a 2.9 national Nielsen rating, ranking first among talk shows for

1239-557: The Dr. Phil show. The study attributed this phenomenon to viewers' tendency to form a parasocial bond with McGraw through watching the show, and have increased belief in their ability to seek help. In 1971, McGraw lived in Topeka, Kansas , and ran the Grecian Health Spa alongside his father and two friends. McGraw abruptly closed the business, filed for bankruptcy and moved out of state in September 1973. McGraw had sold

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1298-669: The Dr. Phil television show. Immediately after the visit, McGraw issued public statements about Spears' situation that the Spears' family spokeswoman Lou Taylor said violated their family's trust in McGraw. "This is another example of a trust being betrayed", Taylor told Today co-host Meredith Vieira . "Rather than helping the family's situation, the celebrity psychologist caused additional damage". Several mental health care professionals criticized McGraw for his actions, but fellow television psychologist Joyce Brothers defended McGraw. It

1357-592: The Dr. Phil Show which aired on October 8, 2008. The claims were dismissed, with the judge finding that it was protected speech under the First Amendment. In 2016, McGraw and his wife filed a $ 250 million defamation lawsuit against American Media Inc. , a publishing company that owns the National Enquirer and Radar Online , due primarily to their publishing an interview from a former patient who had accused McGraw of sexually assaulting her in

1416-715: The Paramount Pictures lot in Hollywood, California . It was recorded from August to May with a break in December for the holiday season. On October 25, 2018, it was announced that Dr. Phil had been renewed for four additional seasons, taking the show to 2023, or the end of its 21st season, which would be confirmed to be its last in January of that year. The final episode aired on May 25, 2023. The Dr. Phil talk show premiered on September 16, 2002. Before starting

1475-411: The 1980s while under his care. McGraw had denied the sexual abuse allegations since they were first made against him in 2003. The lawsuit was later dropped on mutual terms. McGraw was criticized for an interview featuring former actress Shelley Duvall , which aired in 2016. Vivian Kubrick described McGraw's behavior towards Duvall as "exploitative" and "appallingly cruel" and called for a boycott of

1534-641: The Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding News Program in 2019. In August 2021, the reality television series House Calls with Dr. Phil aired on CBS . In the series, McGraw visits various families at home and offers advice on their home life. The series ended after six episodes in September 2021. In November 2023, McGraw announced Merit Street Media , a new Fort Worth-based media company and television network he planned to launch in 2024. The network would be devoted primarily to news and true crime programming, and be anchored by Dr. Phil Primetime —

1593-811: The board of Merit Street Media as an advisor; in September 2024, it was reported that he had been fired from Tennis Channel by its owner Sinclair Broadcast Group , deeming that his involvement in Merit Street had become a "growing distraction". McGraw stated that Merit Street would focus on news and true crime programming. At launch, the channel's original series included the morning show Morning on Merit Street , The News on Merit Street , Crime Stories with Nancy Grace , and flagship Dr. Phil Primetime —a continuation of McGraw's syndicated talk show. It also carries acquired programming, including reruns of Steve Harvey's previous talk show Steve , and repackaged, themed reruns of Dr. Phil . Media outlets suggested that

1652-562: The brand name Shape Up, under a licensing agreement with CSA Nutraceuticals, a Texas start-up. The deal stipulated that a certain percentage of sales would be given to the Dr. Phil Foundation, a Dallas charity that works on issues like childhood obesity . CSA Nutraceuticals stopped producing the supplements in 2004 after the Federal Trade Commission began investigating it for false advertising. Three disappointed consumers filed

1711-716: The company had a network of around 11,000 board-certified physicians as of 2015. In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic , the company expanded its bandwidth and increased its pool of therapists to deal with the increasing volume of patients seeking virtual consultations and care. McGraw's advice and methods have drawn criticism from fellow psychotherapists and non-experts. McGraw's critics regard advice given by him to be, at best, simplistic and, at worst, ineffective or harmful. The National Alliance on Mental Illness called McGraw's conduct in one episode of his television show "unethical" and "incredibly irresponsible". McGraw said in

1770-679: The complaint file in June 1990. McGraw stopped renewing his Texas license to practice psychology in 2006; he has never had a license in California, where his show is taped. In 2002, the California Board of Psychology determined that, because McGraw's television show was more about entertainment than psychology, McGraw did not need a license. In 2003, McGraw lent his name and image to a line of nutritional supplements, including vitamin packets, meal replacement drinks, and power bars under

1829-449: The contracts to a financial institution for a percentage of the total value up front in cash. He then simply shut down the spa at some point after collecting that money and left town. It was a total rip-off because the customers would still be liable for the contract payments, only now to the financial institution." McGraw was sued by several Topeka banks for $ 41,000 they claimed he owed, but the lawsuits and investigation stalled when he left

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1888-484: The coverage to the PBR apps, YouTube channel, and Pluto TV ) amid disputes with the network, which had withheld rights fees. Merit Street Media stated that it had "agreed to work out its differences with PBR in a confidential proceeding which is ongoing", and was "astonished" by the decision to pull its programming. Phil McGraw Phillip Calvin McGraw (born September 1, 1950), known professionally as Dr. Phil ,

1947-478: The current season, ending its run at 21 seasons, with the final episode airing on May 25, 2023. The distributor offered a package of 'best-of' reruns a la Judge Judy (another show distributed by CBS Media Ventures ) for stations to fulfill the remainder of their contracts, though for the most part, much of its affiliate base refused the package for other current-day programming options, or pushed it to graveyard slots or other sister stations, and in some markets,

2006-486: The following six years, McGraw published three additional relationship books, Relationship Rescue , Self Matters , and Family First . Since 2022, McGraw and physician John Whyte have co-written a series of columns for WebMD and USA Today . The former has also written op-eds for Sportico and The Hill . McGraw was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2020, he received

2065-537: The host Phil McGraw . After McGraw's segments on The Oprah Winfrey Show , Dr. Phil debuted on September 16, 2002. On both shows, McGraw offered advice in the form of "life strategies" from his life experience as a clinical and forensic psychologist . The show was in syndication throughout the United States and several other countries. Occasional prime-time specials aired on CBS . The executive producers were Phil McGraw and showrunner Oprah Winfrey. It

2124-577: The latter pursued his lifelong goal of becoming a psychologist . There, he attended Shawnee Mission North High School in Overland Park, Kansas . He played linebacker on the high school football team and, in 1968, earned a football scholarship to the University of Tulsa where he played middle linebacker under coach Glenn Dobbs . He later transferred to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas , where he graduated in 1975 with

2183-503: The lawsuit against McGraw and CBS was dismissed. The court records disclosed the lawsuit by Deepak and Satish Kalpoe was rejected one week before the civil trial was set to begin. Another contentious case arose in January 2008, when McGraw visited pop star Britney Spears in her hospital room. The visit by McGraw drew criticism from the Spears family and mental health professionals; it appeared to be part of an attempt at getting Spears and her parents to participate in an "intervention" on

2242-480: The lifetime membership contracts customers had signed to another company, resulting in customers being still legally responsible for the membership even though the spa was closed. McGraw and his business partners were investigated by the state's Attorney General office. Lead investigator Emory Goad said "McGraw had been pulling off a textbook example of a membership scam. He was signing up hundreds of customers to long, expensive contracts, then turning around and selling

2301-433: The methods of Turn-About Ranch, an Escalante, Utah -based therapeutic horse ranch for troubled youth that McGraw had endorsed. In 2022, McGraw, Viacom and CBS were sued by Bregoli and Hannah Archuleta, another former guest, for recommending their parents send them to Turn-About Ranch. Afterward, McGraw stopped recommending Turn-About Ranch on Dr. Phil . In 1999, McGraw published his first book, Life Strategies . In

2360-610: The network to host a true crime program. In March 2024, Steve Harvey acquired an equity stake in the network, with plans to develop talent and programming for Merit Street. Chris Harrison also joined the network under an overall deal, with plans to produce a show with his wife Lauren Zima , and create and host a reality dating show . Merit Street launched on April 2, 2024. In August 2024, Merit Street Media laid off approximately 40 employees, representing 30% of its workforce, as part of "ongoing consolidations of departments and roles". Former Tennis Channel CEO Ken Solomon serves on

2419-533: The network's programming would have a larger emphasis on McGraw's conservative views. In May 2024, Merit Street acquired rights to Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events under a four-year agreement beginning in July 2024, including Unleash the Beast Series and PBR Team Series events not televised by CBS Sports (largely replacing the package previously held by CBS Sports Network ). The coverage also included

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2478-422: The patient of inappropriate contact initiated by McGraw, but the "Findings of Fact" document issued by the board on October 21, 1988, at the end of its investigation includes no reference to any physical contact of any kind. It specifically identified "the therapeutic and business relationships" as constituting McGraw's sole issue with the board. McGraw fulfilled all terms of the board's requirements, and they closed

2537-418: The producers had "decided not to go forward with the story as our guidelines have been compromised." Shelley Duvall , who was reportedly suffering from mental illness , appeared on a segment on the show in 2016. It drew significant criticism from the public, with many suggesting that Duvall's mental illness was being exploited. In the segment, she refused the offered treatment. In February 2022, around

2596-574: The reruns air on other stations entirely if not completely refused. On April 2, 2024, McGraw debuted his new show Dr. Phil Primetime out of Fort Worth, Texas on his own television network, Merit Street . Dozens of longtime Dr. Phil staffers were reported to have relocated from Los Angeles to Texas to continue working alongside McGraw. The program features more of McGraw's conservative views on education, family values and immigration. McGraw's advice and methods have drawn much criticism from psychotherapists as well as from laypersons. McGraw said in

2655-423: The show sometimes underwent polygraph tests. These tests were usually administered by retired FBI agent Jack Trimarco, who was a frequent guest on the show until he died in 2018. After Trimarco's death, he was replaced by polygraph examiner John Leo Grogan. McGraw is noted for often bringing families back on multiple shows for follow-up "therapy" sessions in his segment called "Dr. Phil Family." On May 21, 2007,

2714-551: The show, McGraw had made regular appearances as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show . Since September 2008, Dr. Phil has been broadcast in HDTV with a revamped look and a theme written and performed by McGraw's son, Jordan. Its tenth season premiered on September 12, 2011. Reruns of earlier episodes of the series began broadcasting on the Oprah Winfrey Network in January 2011. Since 2011, Dr. Phil has ranked as

2773-519: The show. In February 2022, around a dozen current and former employees of Dr. Phil alleged that they experienced "verbal abuse in a workplace that fosters fear, intimidation, and racism." Seven current employees also claimed that the show's guests are often manipulated and treated unethically. Attorneys for McGraw and his co-producer, Carla Pennington, categorically denied every allegation. A former guest who appeared on Dr. Phil in 2016, Danielle Bregoli , also known as "Bhad Bhabie", criticized

2832-535: The state. On October 17, 1988, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists determined that McGraw had hired a former patient for "part-time temporary employment". Specifically, the board cited "a possible failure to provide proper separation between the termination of therapy and the initiation of employment"; in response to the issue, they issued a letter of reprimand and imposed administrative penalties. The board also investigated claims made by

2891-447: The top syndicated talk show, before that it was the second highest-rated talk show after The Oprah Winfrey Show . In October 2015, it was reported that Dr. Phil had been renewed through 2020. On October 25, 2018, it was announced that Dr. Phil had been renewed for four additional seasons, for a total of 21 seasons, ending in 2023. On January 31, 2023, CBS Media Ventures confirmed Dr. Phil would cease production of new episodes with

2950-423: The younger McGraw sold his share in the company for $ 325,000. In 1990, McGraw co-founded Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI), a trial consulting firm, with lawyer Gary Dobbs. CSI would perform "dry runs" of court cases in simulated courtrooms, and McGraw would offer advice about what parts of the lawyer's case worked and what parts did not. McGraw is no longer an officer or director of the company. The TV show Bull

3009-431: Was The Oprah Winfrey Show . On December 11, 2018, Dr. Phil was the top syndicated show with a "2.9 live-plus-same-day" national Nielsen rating, ranking first among talk shows for the 117th consecutive week. His ranking improved, and by 2020, he was in the 22nd spot on the aforementioned Forbes list with earnings of $ 65.5 million. In 2005, Phil and Jay McGraw , Phil's eldest son, formed Stage 29 Productions, and

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3068-507: Was Frank Lawlis, who later became the primary contributing psychologist for the Dr. Phil television show. After obtaining his doctorate, McGraw rejoined his father in Wichita Falls, Texas, where the elder McGraw had established his private psychology practice. In 1985, McGraw and his father partnered with Thelma Box, a Texas businesswoman, in presenting "Pathways" self-help seminars. In October 1991, six years after joining Box,

3127-459: Was a production of Peteski Productions and distributed by CBS Media Ventures . Harpo Productions co-produced the series until 2010, with Paramount Domestic Television and its successor, CBS Paramount Domestic Television , serving as secondary co-producers until 2007. It was originally distributed by King World Productions . The program was recorded before a live studio audience in Stage 29 on

3186-512: Was domineering and would not allow her to participate in the family business. She claimed that she was confined to domestic duties and instructed to begin lifting weights to improve her bustline. McCall also claimed that infidelity had ended their marriage. While annulling the marriage in 1973, McGraw met and began dating Robin Jo Jameson, whom he married in 1976. The couple have two children together, Jay McGraw and Jordan McGraw. McGraw

3245-491: Was executive produced by Jay McGraw, and featured Judge Lynn Toler (from Divorce Court ) on MyNetworkTV . The show produced 13 episodes during its only season, which ran until May 24, 2008. Late in 2007, McGraw began promoting the Dr. Phil Show spinoff series The Doctors . The show, which first aired in September 2008 and ended in August 2022, was hosted by television personality and ER physician Travis Stork ; Jay

3304-454: Was executive producer of the show. On September 8, 2008, The Doctors debuted and, as of November 10, had a 2.0 rating. The show won a Daytime Emmy Award as Outstanding Talk Show/Informative in 2010, and was nominated eight times between 2009 and 2013. Daily Mail TV , executive produced by Phil and Jay McGraw, along with producers Martin Clarke, Carla Pennington, and Jeffrey Wilson, won

3363-521: Was named a co-defendant, along with Paramount, CBS Television, and others, in a 2006 lawsuit filed concerning the disappearance of Natalee Holloway . The lawsuit was filed by Deepak Kalpoe and his brother Satish Kalpoe , who claimed that an interview they did with McGraw, aired in September 2005, was "manipulated and later broadcast as being accurate, and which portrays Deepak Kalpoe and Satish Kalpoe 'as engaging in criminal activity against Natalee Holloway and constitutes defamation.'" On March 17, 2015,

3422-429: Was reported that a psychologist filed a complaint with the California Board of Psychology (BOP), alleging that McGraw had practiced psychology without a license and had violated doctor-patient privilege by discussing Spears' case with the media. A copy of the complaint appeared in the media, but there is no way to verify whether or not it was submitted to BOP as it does not disclose that information unless an investigation

3481-508: Was to pay McGraw $ 15 million per year and keep the show in production through the 2013–2014 television season. In 2007, McGraw was named 30th on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list. On May 21, 2007, Dr. Phil was ranked fourth by Nielsen Media Research , with 6.69 million viewers. On May 12, 2008, almost one year later, the show was ranked sixth with 5.69 million viewers. At that time, the only talk show more popular than Dr. Phil

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