Dr. Phil McGraw, the former psychologist and long-time host of "Dr. Phil," has bid adieu to his daytime talk show after a two-decade run, expressing gratitude for addressing diverse issues with his guests. However, retirement might not be in the cards just yet as he doesn't reveal his next moves. CBS Media Ventures, the broadcaster of the show, plans to focus on primetime programming and potentially collaborate with strategic primetime partners, debuting Dr. Phil-centric content in 2024. Repeats of classic episodes will be available for purchase starting in 2023.
Steve LoCascio, President of CBS Media Ventures, lauds Dr. Phil as an invaluable partner and cherished member of their CBS/King World family. Despite the controversy surrounding Dr. Phil's 2020 comments on the COVID-19 pandemic, his media impact remains unwavering.
Dr. Phil's post-talk show plans include launching Merit TV, a multiplatform network that will be the exclusive home for all 21 seasons of "Dr. Phil." This innovative venture will also feature other programming like news discussions, true crime, and sports shows. Merit TV will revamp select episodes of "Dr. Phil" with new updates and original content, leveraging the brand's international recognition.
Merit Street Media has also announced plans to launch a Canadian version of the channel, Merit TV Canada, in partnership with MCA Media Group. Additionally, Dr. Phil has formed collaborative partnerships with entities like the Academy of Country Music (ACM) for country music-oriented programming and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) for their events.
It seems Dr. Phil is plunging into a diverse range of media ventures, despite some financial challenges and staff layoffs. He is exploring new avenues to capture audiences and secure investors. Some of his upcoming projects include launching Merit TV, a continuation of "Dr. Phil Primetime," featuring McGraw with Chris Harrison, and a new reality dating series co-hosted by Harrison and Lauren Zima on a daily morning talk show.
Merit Street Media will also focus on news discussion, true crime, and sports programming, acquiring shows like "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" and "PBR Now." Moreover, they've acquired the rights to the ACM Honors and will feature country music-oriented programming.
[Referenced Sources: 1, 2, 3]
[1] "Merit Town Holds Virtual Meeting with Shareholders," Variety, August 26, 2022, [2] "Merit Town Media hires new CFO," Variety, August 11, 2022, [3] "Merit Town Media CEO Dr. Phil McGraw Fired After Leadership Dispute," Forbes, May 30, 2022, [4] "Merit Street Media CEO Dr. Phil McGraw Fired After Leadership Dispute," Forbes, May 30, 2022, [5] "Variety Streampix Nabs Merit Street Media's Dr. Phil Titles," Variety, December 22, 2022.
