Dr. Phil Wraps Up Show, Eyes Prime-Time TV Opportunities
The prominent daytime talk show “Dr. Phil” is ending its 21-season run after airing for over a decade. It has become a yardstick for viral kickbacks between its host and guests and online memes.
In a statement from CBS Media Ventures on Tuesday, the show’s host, Dr. Phil McGraw, said the show “has been a wonderful part of my life and career” but that he has “decided to exit” for new projects that will grow his audience in the coming year.
“I have witnessed 25 incredible years in daytime TV,” McGraw said. “The show has helped thousands of guests and viewers through things like addiction, mental wellness, and difficulties in marriages and raising kids,” He added.
The Dr. Phil show will soon end after 21 seasons on the air. Phil McGraw said in a recent statement: "This has been an incredible chapter of my life and career, but while I’m moving on from daytime, there is so much more I wish to do." pic.twitter.com/bAuzLCJwlr
— IGN (@IGN) February 1, 2023
However, the “Dr. Phil” show will keep airing original episodes through its current 2022-2023 television season. McGraw also talked about his next move and said he is working toward a “strategic prime-time partnership” that he will announce in 2024.
In the statement, the President of CBS Media Ventures, Steve LoCascio, said, “Though his show may be ending after 21 long years, I am proud to say our relationship is not.”
According to McGraw, “I am moved to engage with a wider audience because of my deep concern for the American family, and I want to bring back a clarity of purpose and our core values.”
McGraw, 72, who began his television career on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the 1990s, later introduced himself as a talk show host with “Dr. Phil” in September 2002.
The show gained massive success, retaining the number 1 or 3 spot in its category throughout its run.
Who is Dr.Phil in real life?
‘Dr. Phil’ set to end this Spring after 21 years. pic.twitter.com/G2WqdcdLkV
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 1, 2023
McGraw has a doctorate in clinical psychology. He is well-known for his outlandish interviews involving guests with high shock value. It included a lady who believed she was pregnant with the Baby Jesus and the daughter of rapper Eminem.
The show and its host have also attracted a fair share of controversy. McGraw was accused in 2016 of exploiting “The Shinning” actress Shelley Duvall in an interview where she appeared to be going through severe mental issues.
In 2020, McGraw received backlash for his negative comments. He discussed shutdowns related to the coronavirus, despite having any related medical expertise.
And in February 2022, a Buzzfeed report revealed some staffers of the television show alleged a toxic work environment.
Since first airing in September 2002, the hit talk show has received 31 Daytime Emmy nominations and 5 PRISM awards. McGraw also worked on the CBS series “Bull” as co-creator, writer, and executive producer.
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