After over two decades on the air, the popular daytime TV talk show hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw is ending, as the former practicing psychologist plans to step back from daytime, saying: “There is so much more I wish to do.”
Dr. Phil show coming to an end
In the late 1990s, psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw first rose to fame with regular appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Prompted by the popularity of the segment, Oprah then helped McGraw launch his own show, titled “Dr. Phil.” The advice show kicked off in September 2002.
This week, Dr. Phil announced that he plans on stepping away from his long-running TV show, CNN reported
“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,” Dr. Phil said. “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.”
Dr. Phil, 72, did not immediately give full details on what his plans might be, but it appears that retirement isn’t one of them.
“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 said.
It also appears that Dr. Phil will continue to be involved in television.
McGraw said he “will focus on prime-time programming and plans to announce a strategic prime-time partnership, scheduled for an early 2024 launch.”
That partner appears to be CBS, with Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, saying in a statement: “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.”
By 2020, the Dr. Phil show had helped put McGraw in the 22nd spot on the same Forbes Celebrity 100 list with earnings of $65.5 million.
Will Dr. Phil go back to psychology?
Although Dr. Phil gives advice on television, he has long given up the clinical practice of psychology. In 2006, Dr. Phil stopped renewing his license to practice psychology, for which he holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, according to Wikipedia.
McGraw obtained his doctorate from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), in 1979. From there, he soon achieved a number of successes with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Ever the entrepreneur
In 1985, Dr. Phil created self-help seminars along with a Texas businesswoman, Thelma Box, entitled “Pathways.” He sold his share of the company in 1991 for $325,000.
In 1990, McGraw co-founded trial consulting firm Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI) with attorney Gary Dobbs. The company advised top trial lawyers, every major airline in the world, and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Although Dr. Phil is no longer an officer or director at the company, the TV show Bull was based on his experiences, and he is credited as one of the series’ creators. It was through CSI that McGraw began working with Oprah Winfrey.
It appears from McGraw’s recent statements that his entrepreneurial spirit remains in high gear and he is poised to create his next venture.
