Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media launched its news and entertainment media network with a national reach of more than 80 million homes April 2.

The details

According to a news release, the premier is the “largest network TV launch in decades.” Merit Street Media will begin in 20 million homes on Samsung Smart TVs and will continue to roll out to millions of additional user homes and devices over the coming months.

The news release states a launch of this size is achieved through numerous distribution partnerships, encompassing a mix of broadcast, cable, national satellite and free ad-supported television—also known as FAST—channel platforms.

Merit Street Media has also established a partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network, according to the news release. This partnership will allow Merit Street Media to broadcast original and acquired programming for its viewers. Shows featured in its initial lineup include:
  • "Morning on Merit Street"
  • "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace"
  • "The News on Merit Street"
  • "Dr. Phil Primetime"
  • "Centuries Collide"
  • "The Scott Rasmussen Show"
In addition, the news release states daily and overnight programming includes:
  • Classic episodes of “Dr. Phil”
  • "Bear Grylls: The Island"
  • “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” with Mike Rowe
  • “Steve,” a talk show hosted by Steve Harvey
The backstory


According to a company website, Dr. Phil McGraw earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas and a fellowship in forensic psychology from the Wilmington Institute. McGraw was a licensed psychologist in Texas where he practiced clinical psychology and founded Courtroom Sciences Inc. before moving to California to launch the "Dr. Phil" show.