Dr. Phil’s Deal They Couldn’t Refuse!
Holy smokes, folks! Dr. Phil McGraw, the TV shrink with a mustache and a knack for drama, is in hot water. His big plan to team up with Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) turned into a wild mess, leaving the Christian network broke and crying foul. McGraw’s self-described “gangster move” has jaws dropping, but what’s the real story behind this TV-sized scandal? Stick around to find out how this daytime star’s deal went south!
TBN’s Big Bet on Dr. Phil
In 2022, Dr. Phil pitched a shiny new network, Merit Street Media, to TBN. He promised true crime, talk shows, and his famous Dr. Phil Primetime. TBN, an Evangelical Christian giant, jumped in with a $500 million deal, snagging a 70% stake. McGraw got $20 million upfront, boasting CBS offered him $75 million a year. However, TBN now says that was a lie to rush the deal. They trusted McGraw’s charm, but soon, cracks appeared in this TV dream team.
The Gangster Move Revealed
TBN uncovered an email in which McGraw brags about pulling a “gangster move,” cutting their stake in Merit Street from 70% to 30%. He allegedly planned to flip the network for $425 million, leaving TBN as a minor player. Meanwhile, he hired pricey staff, jacking up costs, and refused to share his Dr. Phil show library without an extra $100 million. TBN says McGraw’s promises were fluff, costing them over $100 million. Talk about a plot twist!
Merit Street’s Big Flop
By July 2025, Merit Street hit the skids, filing for bankruptcy with $100 million in debt. TBN blames McGraw’s mismanagement, such as pricey deals with pals like Steve Harvey. McGraw’s team, however, points the finger at TBN, saying their shoddy production—think broken teleprompters—tanked the network. McGraw demanded a $96 million loan to keep things afloat, but only if he won his lawsuit against TBN. Yikes!
Dr. Phil’s Next Act
While TBN scrambles to sell its $17 million jet to cover losses, Dr. Phil’s already onto his next gig. Enter Envoy Media, his new app and TV channel for news and sports. Launched in July 2025, it’s like McGraw didn’t skip a beat after Merit Street’s crash. Critics chuckle, saying he’s dodging the mess he made, leaving TBN and others to clean up. Is this TV doc just too slick for his own good?
What’s Next for This Drama?
The courtroom’s buzzing as TBN sues McGraw for fraud, demanding cash and control of his show library. McGraw’s team calls TBN’s claims “laughable lies.” Yet, his “gangster move” quip stings, making him look like a TV villain. As Dr. Phil dives into Envoy Media, TBN fights to recover. So, what do you think—did McGraw play dirty, or is TBN just bad at the TV game?
Follow the author on X: KM Broussard
My articles on patriotnewswire.com
