Dr. Phil Primetime Explained

Genre:Talk show
Language:English
Location:Fort Worth, Texas
Runtime:42 minutes
Presenter:Phil McGraw
Camera:Multiple
Company:Merit Street Media
Country:United States
Network:
Num Seasons:1
Related:Dr. Phil (talk show)

Dr. Phil Primetime is an American prime time talk show hosted by Phil McGraw, airing on Merit Street, from Fort Worth, Texas.[1] The show premiered on April 2, 2024 and is produced by McGraw's own production company, Merit Street Media.[2] Its accompanying streaming service Merit+ also carries the show.

History

On November 6, 2023, four months after the end of his daytime show, McGraw announced plans for a new prime time show on his own television network, Merit Street.[3] Dozens of longtime Dr. Phil staffers were reported to have relocated from Los Angeles to Texas to continue working alongside McGraw.[4]

The first episode aired on April 2, 2024, and featured a debate between Hamas defector Mosab Yousef and two pro-Palestinian college students.[5] On June 7, 2024, McGraw drew criticism for interviewing former U.S. president Donald Trump on the show and agreeing with Trump that his hush money trial was unfair, describing it as "prosecutorial abuse."[6] [7] [8]

Format

Most episodes consist of McGraw talking to guests about their personal issues or general hot-button issues, in front of a live studio audience.[9] [10] In contrast to his previous Dr. Phil show, the program features more of McGraw's personal views on education, family values and immigration, some of which have been described as conservative talking points.[11] [12]

Notes and References

  1. News: Dr. Phil Launches New Cable Channel With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in Fort Worth. Dallas Observer. Carly May Gravley . 2 April 2024.
  2. News: Dr. Phil Returns! 'New' Show to Air on Phil McGraw's Own Cable Network — Get Premiere Date . Yahoo Finance Canada. Ryan Schwartz . 6 March 2024.
  3. News: Dr. Phil Is Back: Here's When the Oprah-Launched TV Star's Show Will Return on His Own Network. Julia Moore . 6 November 2023. People.com.
  4. News: Phil McGraw To Launch Cable Network Anchored By 'Dr. Phil Primetime' Nightly Show. Nellie Andreeva . 6 November 2023. Deadline.
  5. News: Dr. Phil, 'Green Prince' take on anti-Israel college activists in Michigan. Jewish News Syndicate. David Isaac. 5 April 2024.
  6. News: Dr. Phil's Description Of Donald Trump During Their Interview Has Folks Thinking... What?!?. HuffPost. Stephanie Webber. 7 June 2024.
  7. News: Dr. Phil Bolsters Donald Trump's Attacks On Felony Conviction, But Claims He Made "Headway" In Tempering Former President's Vows For Revenge. Deadline. Ted Johnson. 7 June 2024.
  8. News: Trump compares his court cases to Oprah's and says it's an 'honor' to have Dr. Phil's support. Colorado Springs Gazette. Jenny Goldsberry. 6 June 2024.
  9. News: Dr. Phil is already returning to TV with new primetime show — and cable network. New York Post. Stephanie Webber. 7 November 2023.
  10. News: Dr. Phil Is Launching a New Primetime Network Out of Studios in Fort Worth. New York Postauthor=Lance Murray. 8 November 2023.
  11. News: Dr. Phil Is Launching a Cable Network. Daytime Confidential. Jillian Bowe. 6 November 2023.
  12. News: Oprah's TV psychologist Dr. Phil starts new network in North Texas. Chron. Steven Santana. 9 November 2023.