Dr. Phil to launch Dallas cable TV network

  • 2023-11-21
Renowned TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw is launching his own entertainment and news network on cable TV in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Dr. Phil initially got his break in the entertainment industry after making a number of appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the 1990s. The new network will be named Merit Media and will be the home McGraw’s new flagship show, Dr. Phil Primetime, which is set to premiere in February 2024.

The show's 7pm time slot, along with the Meritt Media network as a whole, will fulfill Dr. Phil's goal of making the move from daytime to primetime television. Details concerning the new network’s distribution have yet to be released. According to Dr. Phil, the format of his new show won’t deviate from his old hugely popular old show.

When new shows, especially those with live audiences, are being produced, networks can use promotional methods such as flyer printing to encourage people to apply to be audience members.

Phil McGraw holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, which he received in 1979 from the University of North Texas. A daytime syndicated talk show host for over 20 years, the last episode of his present show aired on May 25, 2023.

Joel Cheatwood has been tapped as Merit Media’s CEO. Cheatwood’s resume includes work at WCBS, Fox News and CNN.

Taping will take place before a live studio audience Monday – Wednesday, with two episodes being taped per day, starting December 11. Applications to attend the new show are currently being accepted.