After saying goodbye to his TV show of 21 years in early 2023, psychologist and TV personality Phil McGraw (Dr. Phil), announced he was planning to retire from daytime programming and move on with a new chapter in his career.
This new chapter will come to life on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, with the premiere of McGraw’s new TV show Dr. Phil Primetime. But a new talk show is not all that McGraw’s got under his sleeve — instead of airing on CBS as he did for two decades with his previous show, the television host announced on Nov. 4, 2023, that he’s also launching his own cable TV network Merit Street Media.
Initially, the cable TV network is expected to offer multiple hours of original daily programming, including live news broadcasts. But despite all these changes, fans of the old show don’t have too much to worry about. With long-time Dr. Phil staffers moving to Texas to keep working alongside McGraw, the new show will continue with the well-known format and McGraw’s no-nonsense advice to guests and viewers.
"I absolutely love talking to real people about real problems,” said McGraw in an official statement. "As always, the audience will dictate our content because they are our content, and I want my viewer's help in building Merit Street. I continue my pledge to help individuals, couples, and families have the tough conversations, face the hard realities, and get real answers for the most positive and effective outcome."
The new network will bring the whole operation with a 5-acre broadcast center located somewhere in Dallas-Fort Worth. A complete lineup of primetime shows to be announced in the coming months. Television executive Joel Cheatwood, known for his work at WCBS, CNN and Fox News, will also join the project as chief operating officer for Merit Street Media.
