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.
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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.
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“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.
