Dr. Phil McGraw To Launch Cable Network

Dr. Phil McGraw, the Emmy-winning executive producer and host of the hit talk show, Dr. Phil, announced today the launch of Merit Street Media, a new cable TV network “dedicated to bringing viewers essential news and entertainment.” It will be anchored by Dr. Phil Primetime, set to premiere on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, and will air nightly at 8 p.m. ET.

“I absolutely love talking to real people about real problems. People who aren’t just complaining but are actively looking for real solutions to better their lives,” McGraw said. “American families and our core values are under attack. I love this country, and I believe family is the backbone of our society. Together we are going to stand strong and fight for the very soul and sanity of America and get things that matter back on track.”

McGraw continues to receive thousands of requests from viewers seeking advice. “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.”

Merit Street Media, “named for Dr. Phil’s respect for the meritocracy on which this country was built,” will be based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where a new state-of-the-art broadcast center, spanning over 5 acres, is completing construction. The company said that dozens of longtime Dr. Phil staffers have made the transition to continue working alongside McGraw.

Merit Street said it will announce its full primetime lineup in the coming months and is expected to initially offer multiple hours of original daily programming, including live news broadcasts “that will bring fact-based truth and transparency.”

Dr. Phil Primetime will follow the well-known format, with McGraw continuing to offer his no-nonsense advice to guests and viewers. “It all begins and ends with real people dealing with these issues for real, using common sense, fact-based information, and action plans to create results,” said McGraw, who will also continue to conduct interviews with headline newsmakers.

Veteran news and programming executive, Joel Cheatwood, known for his work at WCBS New York, CNN and Fox News, will serve as chief operating officer of Merit Street. Announcements on network executives, show producers, cable providers and additional programming will follow over the next few months, the company said.