After 21 remarkable seasons, Dr. Phil McGraw will be bidding farewell to his long-running show this spring, as CBS Media Ventures announced on Tuesday. The decision was made solely by the esteemed doctor himself.
The media company is looking to bring the beloved television show back with a fresh perspective. They plan to repackage and air old episodes during the 2023-2024 season and beyond, including new segments hosted by McGraw himself as well as “guest updates”. With this exciting change, viewers everywhere can enjoy classic content in an updated format!
“I have been blessed with over 25 wonderful years in daytime television,” McGraw stated. “With this show, we have helped thousands of guests and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness and raising children. 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.”
McGraw declared he will redirect his attention to prime-time programming and is optimistic about the new partnerships anticipated to begin in early 2024.
“I am compelled to engage with a broader audience because I have grave concerns for the American family, and I am determined to help restore a clarity of purpose as well as our core values,” McGraw continued.
In the late 1990s, the psychologist gained recognition as a regular on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Finally, in 2002, he launched his own TV series.
In 2015, McGraw was honored by the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and in February 2020 he earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. His show has been nominated for 31 Daytime Emmy awards and provided more than $35 million worth of resources to its guests behind the scenes.
Last year, nearly a dozen present and former staff members of “Dr. Phil” expressed their discontent to BuzzFeed in regards to the show’s working environment being “traumatizing” and similar to a “war zone”. However, H. Patrick Morris—McGraw’s attorney—unconditionally rejected these assertions. Despite this controversy surrounding “Dr. Phil”, it has still managed to thrive off its exploration into controversial topics over many years now.
Dr. Phil McGraw’s 2016 interview with Shelley Duvall was condemned by critics as being “appallingly cruel”; after interviewing Danielle Bregoli, he received criticism for his post-show treatment of her; and when Britney Spears faced mental health issues in 2008, there were claims that he had “betrayed” her.
