Dr. Phil’s New Network Launches This Month, Promises TV ‘You Can Use’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Dr. Phil McGraw’s new broadcasting network, Merit Street Media, will officially launch on Feb. 26.
TV Insider reported, “Merit Street Media is a fully distributed cable, satellite, and free-over-the-air broadcast brand that will reach over 65 million television homes. The television network boasting original and acquired programming will be anchored by Dr. Phil’s nightly talk show, DR. PHIL PRIMETIME.”
“Dr. Phil McGraw, acclaimed host, and the 26-year trusted voice in America, unveils MERIT STREET MEDIA™, a new network of essential news and entertainment delivering common sense television you can use,” the network’s website says.
Merit Street has partnered with Trinity Broadcasting Network. However, “the partnership is merely a business one as Merit’s TV content will be produced independently and will consist of original and acquired programming not seen on TBN,” TV Insider added.
The network already has three original shows lined up.
MORNING ON MERIT STREET will air weekdays and will be the network’s version of a daily morning news show. Led by Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger, it will combine “information, enlightenment, entertainment, and inspiration.”
THE NEWS ON MERIT STREET will air at 7 p.m. ET on weeknights. This evening news program will cover stories from the day, hosted by senior anchor Kris Gutierrez and co-hosts Lyndsey Keith and Loni Coombs.
McGraw’s DR. PHIL PRIMETIME will air at 8 p.m. ET every weeknight. It “begins and ends with real people dealing with these issues for real, using common sense, fact-based information, and action plans to create results,” McGraw says.
Other shows for the network are in the works, including a partnership with Nancy Grace who is known for hosting true crime content.
Variety reported, “Her new program will be part of a four-hour block that will include two hours of COPS and JAIL, followed by TRUE CRIME: DR. PHIL, classic DR. PHIL episodes where McGraw investigated headlining cases. YouTube sensation THE BEHAVIOR PANEL, which relies on body language and behavioral experts Mark Bowden, Greg Hartley, Chase Hughes, and Scott Rouse, will air weekly shows on Fridays. The new block begins airing February 26, 2024, the premiere date of the new television network.”
“I am so proud to be part of Dr. Phil’s new endeavor, Merit Street Media,” Grace said in a statement. “I can now take the mission to fight crime and let the voices of crime victims be heard to an incredible new platform. As a crime fighter and victim of violent crime myself, this message is my life’s work.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
Dr. Phil McGraw has decided to use his talents in a new partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network to launch a new TV network.
“I’m coming back in primetime on a whole new network that’s called Merit Street Media,” Dr. Phil said in a statement. “It’s my new network, but I’ve got some news that I want to share with you about that. This is actually not my network. This is our network. This is something that’s going to be focused entirely on what’s important to you. What you want to talk about, what you want to do, and Dr. Phil is going to be on in primetime.”
“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,” he added. “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.”
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