Back in the 1990s, we were first introduced to Dr. Phil McGraw on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” After making several guest appearances on the show, Dr. Phil got his own show in 2002. Now, after 21 years, “Dr. Phil” is coming to an end.
Dr. Phil explained in a statement to PEOPLE, “I have been blessed with over 25 wonderful years in daytime television. 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.” He added, “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.”
The last time Dr. Phil renewed his contract was in 2018. It was a 5 year contract that he is apparently deciding not to renew. The 2022-23 season of “Dr. Phil” will be the final season, but it is not the end of Dr. Phil’s television career. According to a statement from CBS Media Ventures, while he is moving away from daytime television, he will be moving to a “strategic primetime partnership” with the goal of allowing him to “increase his impact on television and viewers.”
In a statement, CBS Media Ventures’ president Steve LoCascio explained, “Phil is a valued partner and member of the CBS/King World family, and while his show may be ending after 21 years, I’m happy to say our relationship is not.” As for daytime television, LoCascio added, “We plan to be in the Dr. Phil business with the library for years to come and welcome opportunities to work together in the future.”
During Dr. Phil’s career, he has won 5 PRISM awards and he has been nominated for 31 Daytime Emmy awards. Dr. Phil’s new primetime project is anticipated to launch in 2024. In the meantime, approximately 2 million viewers watch “Dr. Phil” every day. If you haven’t watched the show in awhile, here’s a peek at what you’ve been missing.
“Dr. Phil” will be the latest in a growing list of long running daytime talk shows that have ended such as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Dr. Oz.”
Does it surprise you that Dr. Phil is ending his daytime talk show? How do you think his primetime show will be different than his daytime show? Do you watch “Dr. Phil” on a regular basis?