Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media Launches: What to Know About the New Network
Dr. Phil McGraw is launching his own network and is building up his programming slate. But there’s more you need to know when it comes to Merit Street Media.
Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Dr. Phil’s network.
What is Merit Street Media?
Merit Street Media is described as a multi-platform destination media brand spearheaded by Dr. Phil. Merit Street is creating and distributing content across diverse platforms to reach audiences nationwide. Merit Street’s media presence is led by its television network, which has been established in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network. However, the partnership is merely a business one as Merit’s TV content is being produced independently and will consist of original and acquired programming not seen on TBN.
Stewart Volland/CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection
Merit Street Media is a fully distributed cable, satellite, and free-over-the-air broadcast brand that reaches over 65 million television homes. The television network boasts original and acquired programming and is anchored by Dr. Phil’s nightly talk show, Dr. Phil Primetime. Situated in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas, Merit Street studios spans five acres and will serve as the hub for the brand.
Within these studios, multiple hours of daily news broadcasts unfold and are taped for viewers across the country. Your local cable provider determines the exact channel for Merit Street.
When and where did it launch?
Merit Street officially launched at 6 a.m. ET on Monday, April 1, as several original programs began airing on the network. Among the earliest offerings is the morning news program Morning on Merit Street, which airs on weekdays from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. As mentioned above, the channel you’re able to find Merit Street content will be dependent on your cable provider. Some of the providers that bring the network to 65 million television homes are DirectTV, Dish, and cable systems owned by Charter, Altice, and more.
What shows air on Merit Street?
Merit Street initially lined up three original programs, including Morning on Merit Street, The News on Merit Street, and Dr. Phil Primetime.
Morning on Merit Street airs on weekdays and offers a fresh approach to the morning news, “combining information, enlightenment, entertainment, and inspiration.” In addition to covering the latest news from overnight and that morning, the show also highlights stories that relate to viewers’ daily lives, covering subjects ranging from fitness to parental advice. Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger lead the show.
The News on Merit Street airs weeknights from 7 to 8 p.m. ET and takes a comprehensive look at the day’s top headlines. The program, promises to deliver the whole story and is led by senior anchor Kris Gutierrez and co-hosts Lyndsey Keith Loni Coombs.
Dr. Phil Primetime airs nightly at 8 p.m. ET and follows the well-known format of the host’s former daytime show in which he continues to offer no-nonsense advice to guests and viewers, tackling tough topics and issues facing real people in the real world today. “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,” Dr. Phil said of the series. For fans of his long-running daytime format, they definitely won’t want to miss Dr. Phil Primetime.
What is Steve Harvey’s role?
Steve Harvey joined Merit Street as an equity partner under a special deal with the network, according to Variety. Harvey is providing production, talent development, and other services to Merit Street Media. “Steve and I have been personal friends for over a decade, and it’s always the best experience when we work together,” McGraw revealed in a statement. “It’s easy to say that he’s the funniest human I’ve ever met… But his kindness and his passion to help others are really unmatched.”
Harvey is expected to co-executive produce a special that focuses on a mentoring program for young men that he runs in Georgia. The project will feature both Harvey and McGraw and is going to focus on inspiring young viewers. In addition to new programming, Merit Street also acquired 300 episodes of Harvey’s daytime talk show Steve.
Getty Images
“Partnering with my good friend on such an innovative network allows me to continue my mission of empowering and inspiring individuals through entertainment,” Harvey shared in a statement. “The docu-style special highlighting the impactful work of the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation is particularly close to my heart. I believe in the power of mentorship to transform lives and look forward to sharing this journey with viewers. The positive impact we can create together will be unlike anything seen before.”
Howis Nancy Grace involved?
In February, it was announced that Nancy Grace would helm a new series on the network called Crime Stories with Nancy Grace as part of Merit Street’s crime block of programming. The all-new show is part of a block that also includes COPS, JAIL, and True Crime: Dr. Phil, as well as The Behavior Panel.
“Nancy is an unmatched expert and legend in this field,” said McGraw. “She is a longtime friend which makes her joining Merit Street even more special.”
“I am so proud to be part of Dr. Phil’s new endeavor, Merit Street Media,” offered Grace. “I can now take the mission to fight crime and let the voices of crime victims be heard to an incredible new platform. As a crime fighter and victim of violent crime myself, this message is my life’s work.”
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace sees the award-winning legal commentator, victims’ rights advocate, broadcast personality, and bestselling author explore the inside stories of true crimes ripped from today’s headlines as well as cold cases. The one-hour episodes air daily at 6 p.m. ET on Merit Street.
Conversation42 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
P
Good for Dr. Phil and the rest of America. People need to speak up, question, and think rather than parrot.
21 5
-
R
Do you know the price of one year’s subscription? Please
-
-
O
And everything the "experts" said turned out to be wrong. "But science..."
11 1
-
O
I can’t ain’t wait, love them both!
9 3
-
O
I love Dr. Phil’s honesty. Will watch as often as I can!,
6 1
-
O
Awesome network showing stuff main stream doesn’t show!
6 1
-
O
Thank God, He always starts with the most qualified men to get the job done. Think of Moses the most educated man in the world at that time . Think of Paul . Hang on to your saddle. God bless Gods men
6 2
-
R
Loving it, free to watch on his website, runs 24/7.
3
-
O
Just started watching and loving it. Dr Phil and Steve are both such respectful caring people who actually love America. 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸. Thank you.
4 1
-
G
I hope & feel it's going to be a very good offering.
However, I'm wondering if the two News programs are anchored by bona fide Journalists to offer what is now scarce, if not non-existent: Unbiased News.
Or is the TBN connection going to have sway?
7 4
-
R
Just found Merit Street News ch 13 here in San Francisco, CA. Ch 13. As feedback :first impression: good! except don’t like the background music at all it’s too loud and affecting to hear the news reporters. Congratulations Dr Phil and family!..hoping The Merit Street news stays authentic and does not turn into an entertainment laughing show news station. I do like Nancy Grace program-she is authentic and talented beyond!
2
-
O
What city is Merit TV located?
2
-
R
I think it’s the Dallas area
-
-
G
Dr Phil is going to be banned from my television after the Trump rally!
1
-
D
McGraw, Harvey, Grace. A Trifecta of Obnoxious Jerks.
1
-
B
Thank you Dr Phil just found your channel. Now we will honest news !!!
Thank you do much
1
-
P
Thank you Dr Phil for stepping up to give information I can trust
1
-
G
Thank you for answering my prayers! We need real education
1
-
G
Dr Phil
Your welcoming of young age men into our society on earth is a very good and worth goal and I truly believe and appreciate it. Younger men are entertaining into something that they truly don't understand and despise my age I went through the experience you spoke of on 6/3/2025 when I was younger in 2000 when the towers fell and I truly felt I was the case of the war with the Middle East and even had a medical problem of epilepsy and had had it for years but I had been praying on all my life growing up by others.
Personal I was able to figure a way out of my problems with the health of my Dr and Phycologist and family but I don't know if all people can figure themselves out. Your people do need a good placement in ourselves even if they have problems. Always when you see someone who needs help even if disabled in some way go up and shake their hands in some way.
Sean
-
R
Wow, Merit had a black lady on for the genocide in South Africa. Had derogatory comments on Trump and Musk, seems biased. The went on to say only six murders of white farmers. Seen another news show that showed about a hundred crosses of murdered farmers. MERIT seems to put views on that purposely use false data? They do this quite frequently HUM? Only watch the first half of the news now.
-
B
Why does Merit News invite liberals that explain their views and conservative views have less time. Is it because the lady judge on Merit is from California? She tends to have her friend David on?
-
B
Why is Merit TV backing with guest appearances the defense of keeping killers, sexual predators, gangs in our country. WHY?
-
B
Seems the Merit TV News Ladies makeup a nee CNN liberal talking points.
-
O
I just came Your TV station so far I love it It's always good to see Doctor Phil on TV for sure
-
P
The more I watch Merit Street News the more it looks leftie. I’m in the center and the bias against Trump always seems half empty. With left comments half full. This is funded by TBN a Christian station. Is TBN a progressive Christian network? Should Christians fund progressive programs. The Steve Harvey show has some unsavory content that would make your mother blush. Hummm?
-
G
Merit Street Media News seems to show Trump in the negative light. Does anyone else notice?
-
B
Are we able to record PBR shows like we could on the other network?
-
B
13 September 2024
I absolutely am thrilled about Merit Street. I have not been able to get the programing until recently, but so far it is just great. We have several TV's, and we would love to have Merit on the others, but so far I have not figured out how to sign in on the others, it will not take my Email, Username and password. Please Help!!!
-
R
love merit have enjoyed programms question when watching there is audio distortion that is on no other network. Has no one else commented on this?
-
R
Closed captions are not consistent with speaking on dr phil
-
R
America needs Merit TV! My only exception is the shock I felt in tuning in one day to see Steve Harvey interviewing a drag queen and promoting "her" movie about other drag queens. I do not support LGBT. I thought Merit TV was above this.
1 1
-
R
I see there are movies. Where do you find it. Congratulations dr Phil. Been watching you years ago and then you disappeared in SA.
-
R
Dr. Phil, I love your new show and the staff! Thank you for being honest !
-
G
Harsh. And a broadly derisive insult if this is your one disagreement.
3 3
-
R
We don’t get his channel on Optimum Cable where I live in Texas.
-
O
Money
2 2
-
R
Quack quack quack
1 2
-
B
This is bullshit....replacing Grit TV with this crap
3 4
-
R
Wrong. Just listed to the truth
1
-
-
B
Uh, he's NOT a real doctor at all. Neither was Dr. Oz.
2 5
-
O
He is a buffoon, but Steve is a varsity one.
2 8
-
B
Dr Phil is a Buffoon talking about the negative effects of the pandemic on kids. The main goal was to keep all concerned alive.
6 20