Dr. Phil RETURNS to primetime and launches his own network called Merit Street Media… after quitting the iconic talk show earlier this year: ‘It doesn’t get any bigger than this!’
Dr. Phil has announced that he is returning to primetime with a brand new show, airing on his own network.
The talk show host, 73 — who quit his iconic daytime talk show earlier this year after its 21st season — jumped to X (formerly known as Twitter) to launch his network Merit Street Media and the show Dr. Phil Primetime to be announced.
The series will air next year on Monday, February 24, and viewers can tune in at 5:00 PM (PST)/8:00 PM (EST) – with filming taking place in Dallas in front of a live studio audience.
In a video message shared on the social media platform, he was seen addressing his fans as his wife of 47 years, Robin McGraw, stood excitedly next to him.
“Hey, do you remember me?” the star began. “You know, as the end of last season was approaching, I said, ‘I’ll be back.’ Well, I indicated that news was coming and here it is.’
Big return: Dr. Phil, 73, made the big announcement that he is returning to primetime with a new show as he launches his own network called Merit Street Media
Announcement: In a video message shared to the social media platform, he was seen talking to a camera as his wife of 47 years, Robin McGraw, stood excitedly next to him
“I’m coming back to primetime on a whole new network called Merit Street Media. It’s my new network, but I have news I want to share with you about it.’
He continued by saying it’s “our network,” adding, “This is something that will be completely focused on what matters to you.”
The TV personality explained that the show will be on “every night” in primetime, discussing “the things you say you want to focus on, things you want to hear about.”
Dr. Phil – whose full name is Phil McGraw – then encouraged his followers to ‘submit’ ideas for topics on the show.
“We’re not in Hollywood anymore, we’re in Texas, right in the heart of the metroplex,” he revealed to fans. His wife, Robin, also said that “we are so excited” and also encouraged followers to watch the show live in Dallas-Fort Worth.
To end the clip, Phil teased: ‘There’s more to come, look ’cause I’m gonna be dropping new gems and showing you the new studio, the new set, everything every week or so. Keep following us, more information will follow, I’m very curious!’
In the caption he wrote: ‘It’s official. Dr. Phil goes Primetime. A new time. A new network. It doesn’t get bigger than this. Dr. Phil and Robin introduce us to Merit Street Media.”
In a statement per DeadlineMcGraw said, “I absolutely love talking to real people about real problems. People who don’t just complain, but are actively looking for real solutions to improve their lives.’
‘Our network’: He went on to state that it is ‘our network’ and added: ‘This is something that will focus entirely on what matters to you’
‘Focus’: The TV personality explained that the show will be on primetime ‘every night’ as he discusses ‘the things you tell me you want to focus on, things you want to hear about’
New location: ‘We’re not in Hollywood anymore, we’re in Texas, right in the heart of the metroplex,’ he revealed to fans
Excited: His wife, Robin, also chimed in saying “we’re so excited” and also encouraged followers to watch the show live in Dallas-Fort Worth
Premiere: The series called Dr. Phil Primetime, airs next year on Monday, February 24th and viewers can tune in at 5:00 PM (PST)/8:00 PM (EST)
“It all starts and ends with real people really tackling these issues, using common sense, evidence-based information and action plans to get results.”
The host continued, “As always, the audience will dictate our content because they are our content, and I want my viewers’ help in building Merit Street.”
“I continue my commitment to helping individuals, couples and families have the tough conversations, face the harsh realities and get real answers for the most positive and effective outcome.”
The announcement comes after Dr. Phil revealed that the 21st season of his long-running daytime talk show would be his last – with the final episode airing in May.
At the time, CBS wanted to continue airing the show through syndication until 2024. Variety reported. In a statement, the star explained, “I have been blessed with more than 25 wonderful years on daytime television.”
“With this show, we’ve helped thousands of guests and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness and raising children.”
He added: ‘This has been an incredible chapter in my life and career, but as I move forward with each day, I want to do so much more.’
Teasing: Phil teased: ‘There’s more to come, check it out because I’m going to drop new gems and show you the new studio, the new set, everything every week or so’
Excited: In the caption he wrote: ‘It’s official. Dr. Phil goes Primetime. A new time. A new network. It doesn’t get bigger than this. Dr. Phil and Robin introduce us to Merit Street Media’
Statement: In a statement, McGraw said, per Deadline, “I absolutely love talking to real people about real problems. People who don’t just complain, but are actively looking for real solutions to improve their lives’
McGraw also hinted that he planned to launch a “strategic primetime partnership” to help him “expand his impact on television and viewers.”
The star stated, “I am compelled to engage with a broader audience because I have serious concerns for the American family, and I am committed to helping restore clarity of purpose and our core values.”
Dr. Phil was created by both McGraw and Oprah Winfrey, and the first episode aired in September 2002. He most notably appeared on Oprah’s own talk show before launching his own series.
During its 21 seasons airing on CBS, Dr. Phil has a whopping 31 Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
Successful: During its 21 seasons airing on CBS, Dr. Phil has a whopping 31 Daytime Emmy Award nominations
Milestone: In February 2020, McGraw received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and opened up about working on the show, according to Variety; seen with Robin, son Jay, his wife Erica and their two children
In February 2020, McGraw received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and opened up about working on the show. Variety.
‘People see me doing very serious work, dealing with people’s lives, families and futures, and although there is also a lot of humor in Dr. Phil sits, we have fun and argue a lot…’
He added: ‘I think it’s really important that people see that I don’t take myself as seriously as everyone else. I take the work I do seriously, but you have to laugh at yourself.’
Phil has been married to his wife Robin McGraw since 1976 and the couple share two sons Jay, 44, and Jordan, 37.