Dr. Phil will not return.
The long-running daytime talk show hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw will come to an end after its current 2022–2023 season.
McGraw is quitting the show after signing his most recent deal with CBS Media Ventures in 2018, which had a five-year expiration date. The syndication company is expected to give networks the option of airing previously recorded programs for the next 2023–2024 season.
McGraw said in a statement to PEOPLE, “I have been blessed with over 25 amazing years in daytime television. With our show, we have helped tens of thousands of guests and millions of viewers with issues including mental health, parenting, addiction, and marriage. There is still so much I want to do, despite the fantastic time in my life and career that has just come to an end.
According to CBS Media Ventures, McGraw will soon provide details on a “strategic primetime arrangement” that will allow him to “raise his impact on television and audiences.”
The project’s premiere is expected to occur the following year.
“I have major concerns about the American family,” McGraw said in his closing statement. “I’m determined to help restore a clarity of purpose as well as our essential values. I feel motivated to engage with more people.
McGraw has reportedly been focusing on creating narrative projects and hosting two podcasts called Mystery & Murder: Analysis by Dr. Phil and Phil in the Blanks, according to CBS sources who talked to Variety.
McGraw’s career in television truly took off when he routinely made appearances as a guest expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the 1990s. He debuted his own show in the second part of 2002. About 4,000 presentations that had 20,000 guests and 5 million viewer messages were moderated by him.
Dr. Phil continues to have an average audience of 2 million people per episode, making it the second-most watched talk show. According to Variety, Live with Kelly and Ryan is currently the best program.
McGraw’s decision was praised by CBS Media Ventures President Steve LoCascio, who said, “Phil is a treasured partner and member of the CBS/King World family, and while his show may be ending after 21 years, I’m delighted to announce our connection is not.”
He continued, “Phil changed the everyday scene as the inspiration behind one of the most watched talk shows on daytime television. We hope to keep working with the library and Dr. Phil for many years to come and are excited about any potential future partnerships.
McGraw’s exit coincides with the cancellation of several other daytime talk shows, including The Wendy Williams Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Dr. Oz, and The Real.
