dr Phil McGraw is leaving his talk show Dr. Phil” after 21 seasons to focus on other projects.
dr Phil McGraw is ending his daytime talk show of the same name after more than two decades on the air.
McGraw, who has a PhD in clinical psychology, said in a statement that while the show was “an incredible chapter of my life and career,” he wants to pursue other projects after the show’s 21st season.
“I’ve been blessed with over 25 wonderful years in daytime television,” McGraw said. “Through this show, we’ve helped thousands of guests and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellbeing and parenting.”
“DR. Phil” will continue to air original episodes in the 2022-2023 television season.
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As a next step, McGraw says he will focus on prime-time programming and plans to announce a strategic prime-time partnership to be released in 2024.
“I am compelled to engage with a wider audience because of my deep concerns for the American family, and I am committed to helping restore clarity of purpose and our core values,” McGraw said.
McGraw began his television career in the late ’90s on The Oprah Winfrey Show and later made his debut with Dr. Phil” in September 2002. The show was an instant hit, staying at number 1 or 2 in its genre for its entire run and garnering 31 Emmy nominations.
The show also drew its fair share of controversy. In February 2022, a dozen current and former employees of the syndicated talk show claimed a toxic and traumatizing work environment in a Buzzfeed report.
Those who spoke to BuzzFeed said they were often yelled at by executive producer Carla Pennington and other senior staff. Five of those interviewed claimed that she mocked people as “idiots” or “stupid” and used other insults during Pennington’s explosions.
The story goes on
“This show devastated me mentally, emotionally and physically,” a former employee claimed at the time. “They make you feel that not only are you worthless, but that you’re being told every day how (expletively) you are, how horrible your work is, and yet you’re essential lest they fire you. That kind of mental play takes us into different positions emotionally and physically after we leave the show.”
Aside from his hit talk show, McGraw is also a producer. His work includes the CBS series Bull, on which he served as executive producer, writer and co-creator. He also hosts the podcasts Phil in the Blanks and Mystery & Murder: Analysis by Dr. Phil”.
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Featuring: Erin Jensen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dr. Phil is ending his long-running talk show after 21 seasons