Dr. Phil is launching his own cable channel

Before anybody really had time to miss Dr. Phil (did anybody miss Dr. Phil?), the longtime television host has announced his triumphant return to television with his very own cable network. On top of a slate of as-yet unknown news and entertainment programs, Dr. Phil himself will host Dr. Phil Primetime, a nightly program airing at 8 PM E.T. starting February 26, 2024, per Deadline.

Before Dr. Phil closed up shop earlier this year, the daytime series faced toxic workplace allegations. Nevertheless, “Dozens of longtime Dr. Phil staffers have relocated their families to Texas” where a “new state-of-the-art broadcast center, spanning over 5 acres” is being erected as the center of Dr. Phil’s new venture, Merit Street Media. The name of the network “refers to McGraw’s publicly stated respect for the meritocracy on which the U.S. was built,” per the outlet. (Finally, someone committing to their publicly stated respect for the U.S. meritocracy.)

The new channel will be populated by “multiple hours of original daily programming, including live news broadcasts,” while Dr. Phil Primetime will once again be based around Phil McGraw doing buzzy interviews and giving people advice. “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. It all begins and ends with real people dealing with these issues for real, using common sense, fact-based information, and action plans to create results,” he said in a statement (via Deadline). “As always, the audience will dictate our content because they are our content, and I want my viewer’s help in building Merit Street. I continue my pledge to help individuals, couples, and families have the tough conversations, face the hard realities, and get real answers for the most positive and effective outcome.”