Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil is an American talk show hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw. It debuted on September 16, 2002, after McGraw had enjoyed success with the "Tuesdays with Dr. Phil" segment on the hugely popular Oprah Winfrey Show. On both shows McGraw offers advice in the form of "life strategies" from his experience as a clinical psychologist. The show covers a wide variety of human issue topics, including weight loss, financial planning, errant children, gift suggestions, and support for good causes. He is noted for often bringing back families for multiple shows for "follow-up" therapy sessions in his segment called "Dr. Phil Family." Generally, the program is filmed and guests appear in studio, but in 2006, the Dr. Phil House began as an occasional series. Dr. Phil and his production staff invite guests to a special house wired with numerous cameras and microphones, which is similiar to that of the Big Brother house. There, his staff monitor the conversations of the guests he is trying to help, and intervene as necessary to prevent physical violence. Dr. Phil also provides on-the-spot advice and counseling to the houseguests as he determines necessary. Taping in Los Angeles, the fifth season of Dr. Phil aired Monday, September 11, 2006. It is in syndication throughout the United States and Canada, as well as a number of other countries. Also, the show's syndication contracts specifically state that if Dr. Phil is on another station, it cannot air at the same time as Oprah. It was announced on August 3, 2005 that Dr. Phil had been renewed through at least its 12th season, lasting through the 2013-2014 season.