The BEST episodes of Dr. Phil season 17

#1 - Sex Trafficking Survivor Demands Answers from Her Therapist Mother

Season 17 - Episode 114 - Aired 3/1/2019

Savannah was repeatedly sexually abused as a young child before being adopted at age 6. As a teenager, Savannah was involved in prostitution and was eventually kidnapped and sex trafficked. Savannah believes her adoptive mother, Andrea, should have done more to protect her. Andrea says she received her master’s degree in psychology to try and help understand her daughter but says, “it didn’t work,” and turned to Dr. Phil for help. Emotions run high when Savannah comes face-to-face with her mother, who she has not seen in a year. Also, Dr. Phil catches up with actress Jan Broberg. Jan says she can absolutely relate to Savannah’s story after being abducted as a teen — not once but twice — by a close family friend who molested, raped, and brainwashed her into believing they were supposed to have a child together in order to save the world. Jan’s story is the subject of the Netflix documentary, Abducted In Plain Sight. Jan lends a supportive voice to Savannah.

#2 - Save My Beautiful Daughters from Their Narcissistic Father

Season 17 - Episode 117 - Aired 3/6/2019

Stay-at-home mom Jessica claims her soon-to-be ex-husband of 23 years, Mike, is a narcissist who controls everything in her and their teenage daughters’ lives, especially the finances. Sixteen-year-old Chloe and 18-year-old Zoey say the worst thing he did was to shatter their dreams of becoming professional dancers in New York City. But Mike claims Jessica is putting the girls in the middle of their fight and brainwashing them to hate him. Dr. Phil tells Mike and Jessica what every couple needs to do with children when their marriage falls apart.

#3 - Mystery at Sea: What Happened to Actress Natalie Wood?

Season 17 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/13/2018

Yachting with husband Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken, actress Natalie Wood somehow ends up drowned in the Pacific in the dead of night; her sister, Lana Wood, insists she was murdered.

#4 - Exclusive: Grieving Parents React To Chris Watts Confession

Season 17 - Episode 120 - Aired 3/11/2019

Authorities release a shocking five-hour prison confession from Colorado killer dad Chris Watts describing disturbing new details about the murder of his pregnant wife, Shan’ann, and their two daughters. In an exclusive interview, Shan’ann’s parents and brother reveal their reaction to Watts finally admitting what happened to their daughter and grandchildren in their final moments.

#5 - I Swiped Right on My Quadriplegic Boyfriend

Season 17 - Episode 121 - Aired 3/12/2019

Harley says when she met her boyfriend, Bailey, on a dating app, she knew he was unable to walk but that didn’t stop her from getting to know him and falling in love. Now, three years later, she says she is at the end of her rope being his full-time caregiver. She says all they do is fight, and she feels so guilty for getting frustrated with him. Bailey says nine years after the accident that left him paralyzed, things started to look up when he met his beautiful girlfriend. Now, he says he constantly feels like a burden to Harley and all those around him and wonders if it would be better if he just moved into a nursing home and died. Harley and Bailey both say they love each other and are willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. Can this relationship be saved?

#6 - The One Who Survived

Season 17 - Episode 118 - Aired 3/7/2019

Over a 10-year period, Andrew Urdiales brutally murdered at least eight women in both California and Illinois. Jennifer Asbenson was kidnapped by Urdiales 26 years ago, but somehow, she managed to get away. Jennifer is a survivor and the author of The Girl in the Treehouse, which shares her personal story of escaping a serial killer and overcoming other emotional traumas she faced growing up. So, how exactly did she manage to escape this eight-time serial killer? Why was she chosen as his victim? Jennifer tells all the chilling details on how she became the one who got away.

#7 - Violent, Angry and on the Edge: My Daughter Wants Me Dead

Season 17 - Episode 172 - Aired 5/22/2019

Donna claims her 28-year-old daughter, Brittany, is explosively violent and angry and she is terrified that Brittany will follow through on her threats to kill her family one day. Brittany says Donna is a liar who is exaggerating her behavior and that she has always been the scapegoat of her family’s problems. Her father, Steven, divorced Donna when Brittany was only 8 years old and for the past 11 weeks, Brittany has lived with him – find out why he says it was the most difficult 11 weeks in his entire life. Don’t miss when Dr. Phil reveals some explosive footage taken at the guests’ hotel that may shine a light on exactly why this family is here. Is Brittany really the antagonist in her family’s drama? Find out in part 1 of this tense family standoff.

#8 - A Hostile Hotel Showdown: Can Brittany be Helped?

Season 17 - Episode 173 - Aired 5/23/2019

Donna and her ex-husband, Steven, both claim their 28-year-old daughter, Brittany, is violent, angry and out of control. After a tense reunion with Steven and an explosive confrontation with Brittany in their hotel, is Donna willing to trust Dr. Phil’s advice when it comes to Brittany? And, is Brittany’s life really as happy and functional as she says it is? Dr. Phil calls for backup from life coach Mike Bayer. Did Brittany’s session with him go as planned? Don’t miss the conclusion of this intense family drama.

#9 - My African-American Daughter Believes She Is Caucasian

Season 17 - Episode 33 - Aired 10/24/2018

Treasure, 16, is African-American, but aligns herself with European-Americans, and has racist views against other African-Americans.

#10 - A Daughter’s Brutal Murder; Her Father’s Quest for Justice

Season 17 - Episode 174 - Aired 5/24/2019

Lindsay was a 24-year-old real estate agent when she was targeted and brutally murdered. Lindsay’s father, Jeff, says he is willing to die in pursuit of justice for Lindsay, so much so, he says he once had a gang member pull a gun on him and threaten his life. Find out why Jeff says he believes police are covering up who killed his daughter. Plus, the woman who is using DNA ancestry websites to help solve seemingly once unsolvable cold cases … all from her couch.

#11 - Self-Help Author Can't Help Himself: Locked in a Room With Baseball Bats, Afraid of Violent Sons

Season 17 - Episode 7 - Aired 9/18/2018

Self-help book author Xavier says his adult sons are entitled, violent, and unable to survive without their parents' help; Dr. Phil finds out why he is so afraid of them.

#12 - Is a Serial-Killer Gang Murdering Young Men Across the U.S.?

Season 17 - Episode 107 - Aired 2/20/2019

A team of retired investigators, Kevin Gannon, Anthony Duarte, Mike Donovan and Dr. Lee Gilbertson, say a spray-painted smiley face with a taunting grin could be the disturbing signature of a nationwide network of serial killers who target college-aged men. The chilling symbol has been seen near many of the sites where these young men have been found in incidents that police ruled accidental drownings. But Oxygen’s new six-part true crime docuseries, Smiley Face Killers: The Hunt for Justice, follows six mothers who are in disbelief that this tragedy has happened to their family. Could the drowning deaths of these young men be the work of a group of serial killers who are still on the loose?

#13 - Exes at War: Bruises, CPS Reports, and Allegations of Abuse

Season 17 - Episode 51 - Aired 11/19/2018

Bronwyn claims a man she hooked up with a few times has teamed up with her mother to destroy her, and they have come up with so many outlandish lies against her that Child Protective Services knows her on a first-name basis.

#14 - Our Preppy and Privileged Son Is Now a Wannabe Gangster

Season 17 - Episode 177 - Aired 8/27/2019

Parents are shocked and horrified to see what 15-year-old Dawson, who idealizes a criminal lifestyle, has been up to right in their well-off neighborhood; a former gang member and a paralyzed woman help explain the consequences of dangerous behavior.

#15 - I Want My Vindictive Millionaire Mother Out of My Life

Season 17 - Episode 141 - Aired 4/9/2019

Forty-three-year-old Jason says he grew up living a high-class life, jetting off on international trips on private jets and enjoying family vacations on stunning beaches. Jason says money was no object because he claims his late grandfather owned a string of hotels and was worth around $80 million. His mother, Patty, says she spent hundreds of thousands of dollars giving Jason everything he wanted. So what does he want now? Well, according to Patty, Jason wants her dead. What went so wrong? Plus, an exclusive first look at Dr. Phil’s interview with Oprah! Oprah’s new book, The Path Made Clear, features great anecdotes from people like Brené Brown, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and hip-hop/business mogul Jay-Z. As is second nature for Oprah, she organically digs deep and finds the meaningful lessons to be learned from their life stories. Oprah joined Dr. Phil on his podcast, Phil in the Blanks, which is available now, to talk about the book and reveal how she found her true purpose in life.

#16 - A Second Schizophrenic Child or a Misdiagnosing Mom: Can Bodhi Be Helped?

Season 17 - Episode 111 - Aired 2/26/2019

Dr. Phil continues his discussion with exes Michael and Susan about the care of 11-year-old Bodhi, who Susan insists is dealing with schizophrenia, just like their 16-year-old daughter, Janni.

#17 - I Believe Global Terrorists Are Poisoning Me

Season 17 - Episode 135 - Aired 4/1/2019

Cheryl says she believes that a global terror network is experimenting on her with lethal chemicals, Saudi Arabia is funding a U.S. terror attack, and she will be killed by lethal poisoning. Cheryl claims the poisoning in her home is so bad that she has to wear two surgical masks just to stay alive. Cheryl says she is fighting to survive and getting weaker, and she doesn’t know how much more time she has left. Cheryl’s daughter, Bryna, says her mother is living in an altered reality and is concerned for her mental health. Dr. Phil examines Cheryl’s claims to see if they stand up to challenge. Plus, Dr. Phil reveals the results of extensive testing in Cheryl’s home — what do they reveal?

#18 - The Controversy Over Hate Crimes

Season 17 - Episode 112 - Aired 2/27/2019

The public was stunned when it was reported that beloved actor and singer Jussie Smollett was the victim of a hate crime several weeks ago. Then, the public was baffled again after hearing — days later– that the police suspected this was all a hoax. Tune in to hear from journalists and media personalities, including Harvey Levin from TMZ Live, who share their various theories about the allegations and investigation which has raised questions such as: How often do hate crimes occur? And, why would a person lie about a hate crime? Later, meet a woman who explains the reasons why she lied to police about details of a hate crime, and also, meet a man who explains how he has turned his life around after going to prison for being the perpetrator of hate crimes.

#19 - The Most Enabling Mother in America?

Season 17 - Episode 113 - Aired 2/28/2019

Amy says her 20-year-old son, Jai, is a “rageaholic ticking time bomb” and worries he’s on the verge of seriously hurting someone, especially since he recently purchased a semi-automatic rifle. Amy claims managing Jai’s anger is a constant battle, so much so that she says he got her fired and she is on the verge of being evicted. Amy admits she allows her son to do nothing all day besides smoke pot and play video games because she says she feels bad for him due to his recent struggle with cancer. Jai says he can’t stand his mother and her constant nagging. He says she’s a helicopter parent who still treats him like a child. Jai says he loves marijuana, smokes 24/7, and believes it’s the only thing that helps with his horrible anger. Is Amy the most enabling mother in America? Can Jai learn to control his black-out rage? Can Dr. Phil fix this broken family dynamic? Find out!

#20 - Exclusive: Chris Watts' Full Confession. His Daughter's Final Words

Season 17 - Episode 116 - Aired 3/5/2019

A shocking new confession from Colorado killer Chris Watts. Authorities reportedly recorded audio of Watts during a brand-new five-hour prison interview. On the tape, Watts reportedly reveals to investigators the horrifying truth about his wife and daughters’ final moments. What really happened to Shan’ann, Bella and Celeste? Shan’ann’s parents say they’ve been told what really happened, and in a Dr. Phil exclusive, their lawyers reveal the details of Watts’ devastating new confession.

#21 - Reunion Gone Wrong?

Season 17 - Episode 115 - Aired 3/4/2019

Lorie says her husband, Dan, knew years ago that she placed a baby for adoption when she was 15 years old and always supported her finding him again one day. But Dan says since Lorie reunited with her now 26-year-old son, John, two years ago, their entire family life has been shattered. Dan says he believes Lorie and John have an inappropriate relationship, and he feels like a complete outsider in his own home while Lorie snuggles on the sofa under a blanket with John watching TV shows like The Bachelor. But Dan and his daughters, Stefanie and Ashley, claim there are even more serious concerns because John has had violent outbursts toward Lorie, hitting her and causing her to have bruises on her body which Lorie tries to hide to protect John. Lorie and John both say they feel they are not only mother and son but best friends and just want to spend as much time together as possible to make up for lost years. John admits he has acted out and has occasional violent outbursts, which is partially due to him being on the autism spectrum. John says he just wishes Dan and his sisters could love and understand him like Lorie does, because he just wants to be part of one happy family.

#22 - Lies, Betrayal and Custody: “It’s Been Two Years Since We’ve Seen Our Daughter”

Season 17 - Episode 119 - Aired 3/8/2019

Danielle and Nick insist they were great parents to their now 8-year-old daughter. They claim it’s been nearly two years since Danielle’s sister, Kimberly, has “kidnapped” their daughter and not allowed them to visit her. Kimberly claims she had no choice but to obtain guardianship of her niece because she says Danielle and Nick are drug addicts and have a history of arrests. She also claims they both neglected the little girl while they disappeared to do drugs. Nick and Danielle admit they were drug addicts but say they’re clean now. They deny all of Kimberly’s accusations of neglect, and say coming to Dr. Phil is their chance to fight to bring their little girl home, despite currently living in a homeless shelter.

#23 - A Secret Revealed; “My Sister-in-Law is a Danger to Her Son”

Season 17 - Episode 122 - Aired 3/13/2019

#24 - Our Lying Daughter Would Rather Live in a Car Than with Her Own Child

Season 17 - Episode 123 - Aired 3/14/2019

#25 - A Therapist Involved in a Money Laundering Scam Faces Prison Time

Season 17 - Episode 124 - Aired 3/15/2019

James says his 58-year-old Aunt Terri is a very smart and independent woman, who is a marriage counselor with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. James claims Aunt Terri has fallen for a celebrity catfish scam, by believing she was romantically involved with Hollywood actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan from The Walking Dead. Terri says she even believed he wanted to marry her. Whoever contacted Terri online isn’t the real Jeffrey Dean Morgan. But Terri claims she’s 100 percent convinced that the actor or someone working with him is her “secret lover” who scammed her out of thousands of dollars, and put her in the center of an international money laundering scam that left her broke, brokenhearted, and potentially behind bars.