| Merit Street | |
| Type: | Digital multicast television network |
| Country: | United States |
| Area: | Nationwide, via OTA digital TV(coverage 37.76%)[1] |
| Headquarters: | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Language: | English |
| Picture Format: | HDTV (720p) |
| Owner: | Merit Street Media |
| Terr Chan 1: | List of affiliates |
Merit Street, also branded as Dr. Phil's Merit Street, is an American digital multicast television network and streaming service owned by Merit Street Media, a Fort Worth, Texas-based company founded by Phil McGraw. The channel primarily carries news discussion, true crime, and sports programming.
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.[2]
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 is derived from the concept of meritocracy.[3] 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".[4] A number of staff members from 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.[5]
In February 2024, Nancy Grace joined the network to host a true crime program.[6] In March 2024, Steve Harvey acquired an equity stake in the network, with plans to develop talent and programming for Merit Street.[7] 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.[8]
Merit Street launched on April 2, 2024.[9] 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".[10]
McGraw stated that Merit Street Media 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.[11] 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 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 includes a studio show, PBR Now. Merit Street stated that it would carry a total of 300 hours of PBR-related programming per-year.[12]
In August 2024, Merit Street acquired the rights to the ACM Honors, as part of a collaboration with the Academy of Country Music (ACM) on country music-oriented programming.[13]