Dr. Phil concludes his television program, pursuing possibilities in prime-time broadcasting
After a 21-season run, the daytime talk show "Dr. Phil" is coming to an end this spring. The show, which has been a staple of television since its first airing in September 2002, has received numerous accolades throughout its tenure, including 31 Daytime Emmy nominations and 5 PRISM awards.
Host Dr. Phil McGraw, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, expressed his gratitude for the show's success in helping thousands of guests and viewers navigate various issues such as addiction, mental wellness, and marital and parental difficulties.
Following the end of "Dr. Phil," McGraw is venturing into new projects. In early 2024, he launched a new cable network called Merit Street Media, anchored by the program "Dr. Phil Primetime" airing nightly. However, the network faced significant challenges and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid-2025, citing breach of contract and technical service failures from its distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).
Undeterred, McGraw is now launching a new media company called Envoy Media Co. This venture will include a free interactive phone app and a television channel expected to launch soon. Envoy plans to feature citizen journalists contributing community news and stories, original programs from Dr. Phil and collaborations with Steve Harvey, a focus on real people and real challenges, and the use of "disruptive technology" to engage viewers in real time.
The strategic shift from traditional cable network to a mixed digital and broadcast model marks a significant move towards interactive and user-generated content to build a prime-time audience.
| Project/Network | Details | Status | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Merit Street Media | Cable news/entertainment network anchored by Dr. Phil Primetime; based in Dallas; launched 2024 | Filed for bankruptcy July 2025; lawsuit filed against TBN | | Envoy Media Co. (new) | New media company with TV channel & interactive mobile app; citizen journalist focus; original shows including collaborations with Steve Harvey | Launch imminent after Merit Street bankruptcy |
Throughout his career, McGraw has been known for his outlandish interviews and has faced controversy. Despite this, he remains committed to his mission of engaging with a wider audience due to his deep concern for the American family and bringing back a clarity of purpose and core values.
The Dr. Phil show will continue to air original episodes through its current 2022-2023 television season. For more news and articles, visit Inquirer.net.
- McGraw, known for his controversial interviews, aims to continue engaging a wider audience with his new media company, Envoy Media Co., which features real people, original shows, and disruptive technology to connect with viewers in real time.
- With the upcoming launch of Envoy Media Co., Steve Harvey will collaborate with McGraw to bring a focus on real challenges and original programming, joining the roster of citizen journalists contributing community news and stories. The move towards interactive and user-generated content signals a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape.
