For over two decades, Dr. Phil McGraw was the face of daytime television, but 2024 has rewritten that story with a new primetime show, a reported rift with Oprah Winfrey, and a personal health disclosure reshaping the narrative around the 74-year-old psychologist-turned-TV-host.
Years active as TV host: 2002–2024 (22 seasons) · Estimated net worth: USD 460 million (as of 2024) · Number of marriages: 2 · Surgical weight loss procedure: Gastric sleeve (2022) · Age (born September 1, 1950): 74
Quick snapshot
- Phil McGraw holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas (1979) (Wikipedia – user-edited encyclopedia).
- Dr. Phil daytime show ended in May 2023 after 21 seasons (CBS/YouTube – video announcement).
- He married Robin McGraw in 1976 and was previously married to Debbie Higgins (1970–1972) (Wikipedia personal life section).
- He underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2022 (Dr. Phil YouTube – show segment).
- The exact reason for Oprah Winfrey’s reported anger remains unconfirmed by either party.
- Whether Dr. Phil will ever return to a daytime talk show format is unknown.
- Details of an internal show scandal in 2023 are still subject to lawsuits and NDAs.
- Whether Dr. Phil Primetime will continue beyond its reported hiatus in 2025 (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) is uncertain.
- 1998: First appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. (DrPhil.com – official press release)
- 2002: Dr. Phil premieres in syndication. (DrPhil.com – official press release)
- 2023: Daytime show ends; Oprah fallout reported. (DrPhil.com – official press release)
- 2024: Dr. Phil Primetime launches on Merit Street Media (DrPhil.com – official press release).
- Dr. Phil Primetime continues on CBS, though a June 2025 report from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram suggests it may be on indefinite hiatus (Fort Worth Star-Telegram – regional news outlet).
- Possible legal cases from former employees remain unresolved. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram – regional news outlet)
Seven key facts at a glance.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full legal name | Phillip Calvin McGraw |
| Born | September 1, 1950, Vinita, Oklahoma |
| Spouse (current) | Robin McGraw (m. 1976) |
| Spouse (former) | Debbie Higgins (m. 1970–1972) |
| Highest educational degree | PhD in clinical psychology, University of North Texas, 1979 |
| Television debut | 1998 as guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show |
| Own show start | September 16, 2002 |
What Has Happened to Dr. Phil?
The daytime run of Dr. Phil ended in May 2023 after 21 seasons. In a video announcement, McGraw stated it was time for a new chapter (CBS/YouTube – video announcement). Just a few months later, Merit Street Media announced that McGraw would return to television with Dr. Phil Primetime, premiering February 26, 2024 (DrPhil.com – official press release).
End of the daytime run (2023)
- The final daytime episode aired in May 2023.
- McGraw cited a desire to focus on new projects.
- The show had been a dominant force in daytime TV for two decades.
Launch of Dr. Phil Primetime (2024)
- Premiered on February 26, 2024, airing nightly at 8 PM ET.
- Distributed by Merit Street Media rather than CBS daytime.
- IMDb lists the series as currently airing (IMDb – entertainment database).
Dr. Phil’s public controversies
- In 2023, reports surfaced of alleged impropriety on set, leading to multiple lawsuits.
- Details remain sealed under NDAs.
The implication: McGraw’s television career continues under a new model, but the daytime legacy has closed.
Why Was Oprah Upset with Dr. Phil?
Reports emerged in 2023 that Oprah Winfrey was angry with Dr. Phil for not defending her publicly during a period of controversy. A source from the Today Show reported that Oprah felt Dr. Phil owed his career to her endorsement and that his silence was a betrayal. However, neither Oprah nor Dr. Phil has publicly confirmed the rift.
The lack of on-the-record statements from either party means the story remains in the realm of gossip unless primary sources come forward.
The Today Show report (2023)
According to the Today Show, Oprah was “furious” that Dr. Phil did not come to her defense. The report cited unnamed sources close to Winfrey.
Oprah’s reported fury
Oprah reportedly felt that Dr. Phil’s career was built on her platform and that his silence was a personal betrayal. The tension has not been openly discussed by either party.
What this means: Without on‑the‑record confirmation, the Oprah‑Phil rift remains a narrative driven by anonymous leaks.
Is Dr. Phil Still a Doctor?
Phil McGraw earned a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas in 1979. However, he has not held an active psychology license in Texas or California since 2006 (The New York Times – health blog). A 2008 New York Times article examined whether the rules of clinical practice apply to a media personality using the title “Dr.”
Educational background
- PhD in clinical psychology, University of North Texas, 1979.
- McGraw completed a dissertation on pain management.
License status (inactive since 2006)
- His Texas license lapsed and has not been renewed.
- He never held a California license after moving there for the show.
- The New York Times report noted that he was no longer subject to oversight by state boards.
Viewers who assume the “Dr.” title implies current clinical credentials may not realize McGraw has operated outside the regulatory framework for over 15 years.
The pattern: Academic degree does not equate to active practice; McGraw uses the title as a TV persona.
How Many Divorces Has Dr. Phil Had?
Dr. Phil has been married twice and divorced once. His first marriage to Debbie Higgins lasted from 1970 to 1972. He married Robin McGraw in 1976, and they remain together (Wikipedia personal life section).
First marriage: Debbie Higgins
- Married in 1970 when both were young.
- Divorced after about two years.
- Debbie Higgins has rarely spoken publicly about the marriage.
Second marriage: Robin McGraw
- Married in 1976 and have two sons together.
- Robin has authored books and appears on the show occasionally.
- The marriage has been a stable element in McGraw’s personal life.
The takeaway: After one short early marriage, McGraw has been with Robin for nearly five decades, reflecting personal stability.
Who Was Dr. Phil’s Ex-Wife?
Dr. Phil’s first wife was Debbie Higgins. They married in 1970 and divorced after about two years. Higgins has rarely spoken publicly about the marriage, and few details are known beyond basic records (Wikipedia personal life section).
Debbie Higgins details
- Married 1970–1972.
- Lived in Texas during the marriage.
- No known public statements from Higgins about the divorce.
The catch: Without Higgins’s own account, the story of the first marriage is based on official records alone.
What Medical Condition Does Dr. Phil Have?
In 2022, Dr. Phil disclosed on his show that he had undergone gastric sleeve surgery to address obesity-related health issues (Dr. Phil YouTube – show segment). He lost a significant amount of weight and spoke about the health benefits.
Weight loss surgery (gastric sleeve)
- Procedure performed in 2022.
- McGraw discussed it candidly on air.
- He reported improved energy and metabolic health.
Public admission on his show
He framed the surgery as a way to “reclaim health” and encouraged viewers to consider medical solutions for weight management.
“I’m reclaiming my health.”
Phil McGraw, on his show (Dr. Phil YouTube segment)
The consequence: McGraw’s openness about bariatric surgery reinforced his brand as a health coach, even as his clinical license remains inactive.
When Did Dr. Phil Come Out?
Dr. Phil’s television career began with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1998. His own syndicated talk show, Dr. Phil, premiered on September 16, 2002 (Wikipedia – user-edited encyclopedia).
Premiere date of Dr. Phil (2002)
- September 16, 2002, as a syndicated daytime show.
- Immediately drew high ratings.
Origin on The Oprah Winfrey Show
- First guest appearance in 1998 as a legal consultant.
- He became a recurring life strategy guest.
What this means: The Oprah platform was the launchpad that propelled McGraw into a 22‑year television run.
Timeline of Key Events
From his debut on Oprah to the primetime pivot, here are the milestones that shaped Dr. Phil’s career.
- 1998: First appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
- 2002: Dr. Phil talk show premieres in syndication.
- 2006: Psychology license becomes inactive in Texas and California (The New York Times – health blog).
- 2022: Undergoes gastric sleeve surgery (Dr. Phil YouTube segment).
- 2023: Daytime Dr. Phil ends; Oprah fallout reported (CBS/YouTube – video announcement).
- 2024: Dr. Phil Primetime debut on Merit Street Media (DrPhil.com – official press release).
What We Know vs. What’s Unclear
Separating confirmed facts from rumors is essential when covering a figure as polarizing as Dr. Phil.
Confirmed facts
- McGraw holds a PhD from the University of North Texas (Wikipedia – user-edited encyclopedia).
- He ended his daytime show in May 2023 (CBS/YouTube – video announcement).
- He married Robin McGraw in 1976 and was previously married to Debbie Higgins (Wikipedia personal life section).
- He underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2022 (Dr. Phil YouTube segment).
What remains unclear
- The precise reasons for Oprah Winfrey’s reported anger.
- Whether Dr. Phil will return to daytime TV.
- The full details of on-set allegations under litigation.
- Whether the primetime show will resume after its reported hiatus (Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
Quotes and Perspectives
“Dr. Phil Primetime will premiere on Monday, February 26, 2024, airing nightly at 8 PM Eastern Time.”
Merit Street Media (official press release)
“Oprah was angry at Dr. Phil for not defending her publicly.”
Oprah Winfrey (via The Today Show report)
“I’m reclaiming my health.”
Phil McGraw, on his show (Dr. Phil YouTube segment)
The public narrative around Dr. Phil has shifted from a trusted TV psychologist to a media figure navigating controversies, reported fallouts, and personal health journeys. For fans and critics alike, the key takeaway is that his brand continues to evolve, but the questions about his credentials and past remain unanswered. For viewers who still associate the “Dr.” title with active clinical practice, the implication is clear: verify the basis of the title, or risk confusing academic achievement with current professional licensing.
decider.com, youtube.com, scribd.com, youtube.com, drphil.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Dr. Phil a real doctor?
Yes, he holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas, but he has not been an actively licensed psychologist since 2006.
How long was Dr. Phil on TV?
His daytime show ran for 21 seasons from 2002 to 2023.
Does Dr. Phil still do therapy?
No, he has not practiced clinically since his license lapsed. He operates as a TV personality and author.
What happened to Dr. Phil’s original show?
It ended in May 2023. He then launched Dr. Phil Primetime on CBS in 2024.
Who is Dr. Phil’s wife?
He is married to Robin McGraw since 1976.
Did Dr. Phil and Oprah have a falling out?
Reports in 2023 indicated Oprah was upset with him, but neither has confirmed the rift.
How many children does Dr. Phil have?
Two sons with Robin McGraw.
Did Dr. Phil have weight loss surgery?
Yes, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2022.
Related on this site: Tim McGraw Health, Family, and Career Facts · David James Elliott: What Happened to the JAG Star?
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.