Dr. Phil McGraw Involved In Messy Bankruptcy & Lawsuits
By
John Witiw
News Talk Shows
Dr. Phil - YouTube
“Dr. Phil” McGraw recently launched a new media company and network following the end of his long-running namesake talk show. However, the company has recently become the subject of a bankruptcy filing and legal battles. An inside source has also weighed in on the story.
Phil McGraw Launched A New Media Company In 2024, Complete With A New Series, Dr. Phil Primetime
McGraw, better known as “Dr. Phil,” initially rose to fame with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Following this, he became well-known for his namesake talk show, Dr. Phil, which ran from 2002 to 2023.
Back in 2023, McGraw announced plans for a new television network and media company, Merit Street Media, which launched the following year. The Merit TV network was anchored by a new series, Dr. Phil Primetime, which served as a successor to his previous talk show. In addition, the network aired reruns of The Island With Bear Grylls, Steve Harvey’s namesake talk show, and the classic Dr. Phil series.
Dr. Phil / YouTube
‘Dr. Phil’ – YouTube
According to People, Merit Street Media has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This was attributed to a dispute with the Christian broadcast network, Trinity Broadcasting Network, or TBN.
An insider spoke with the publication, claiming that the move was done to preserve the brand’s values instead of a shutdown. As they claimed, “Dr. Phil is deeply committed to the future of the brand and his employees. Despite the situation, he remains focused, energized and — true to form — as supportive and engaged with his team as ever.”
The source shared a positive description of McGraw, describing him as “one of the kindest, most dedicated people.” They continued, “This is someone who clearly cares and always leads with integrity.”
In Addition To The Bankruptcy Filing, McGraw’s Company Has Also Issued A Complaint
Merit Street Media filed for bankruptcy on July 2, 2025. According to a complaint, it is also suing TBN and TCT Ministries, Inc. in the process.
Through the complaint, Merit Street Media claimed that TBN “abused its position as the controlling shareholder of Merit Street to improperly and unilaterally burden Merit Street with unsustainable debt.” It was also claimed that Merit Street had to “pay or incur obligations to third parties in excess of $100 million.”
The complaint continued, “The most egregious impact is TBN’s conscious and knowing choice to cause Merit Street to lose its national distribution by withholding distribution payments.” It was claimed this took place “despite repeatedly acknowledging those distribution payments were 100% TBN’s sole responsibility.”
Summing things up, it was claimed that “Merit Street has nowhere to send its broadcast signal. And nowhere to air its programming no matter how great it may be.” According to the complaint, it was alleged that TBN’s actions were “a conscious, intentional [pattern] of choices” that ultimately sealed Merit Street Media’s fate.
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