Why 'Dr. Phil' Is Coming to an End After 21 Seasons
The long-running talk show is slated to air its last original episode in the spring.
The era of Dr. Phil is coming to an end.
The long-running talk show hosted by daytime icon Dr. Phil McGraw will wrap up its final season after over two decades on the air, multiple outlets, including Deadline, confirmed on Tuesday.
The decision to stop the show reportedly comes from McGraw himself, as the 72-year-old's most recent contract is nearing its end. The last original Dr. Phil episode is slated to air in Spring 2023, when the show finishes out its 21st and final season.
"I have been blessed with over 25 wonderful years in daytime television," McGraw said in a statement, per Deadline. "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. This has been an incredible chapter of my life, but while I'm moving on from daytime, there is so much more I wish to do."
CBS Media Ventures
While his plans for the long run are unclear, the TV personality plans to focus on primetime programming in the immediate future, with a new partnership launching in 2024.
"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," he shared.
Amid the news of his departure, CBS Media Ventures president Steve LoCasio made a statement to reflect on McGraw's role in one of daytime TV's most successful shows. "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."
According to the reports, the distributor hopes to keep reruns on the air for the 2023-2024 season and beyond. The library of episodes will feature new content, including new wraparounds, introductions from McGraw, and updates about the show's guests.
"Phil changed the daytime landscape as the force behind one of the most popular talk shows ever on daytime TV," LoCasio continued. "We plan to be in the Dr. Phil business with the library for years to come and welcome opportunities to work together in the future.”