The BEST episodes of Dr. Phil season 17
Every episode of Dr. Phil season 17, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dr. Phil season 17!
Dr. Phil is a talk show hosted by Phil McGraw. After McGraw's success with his segments on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Phil debuted on September 16, 2002. On both shows McGraw offers advice in the form of "life strategies" from his life experience as a clinical psychologist.
#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.
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#2 - My Fiancé Believes He's a Superhero
Season 17 - Episode 98 - Aired 2/7/2019
Kalan wrote into the show desperate for Dr. Phil’s help because she says her fiancé, Giovanni, made a major shift in his life goals. Just two days after he asked Kalan to marry him, she says the Army veteran made a very serious decision to change his identity. Kalan says he has now taken on the persona of a superhero and will only answer to “Goose Wayne Batman.” Kalan says he refuses to take off his mask or eye makeup and although she’s loved him since she was 14, this may be too much to handle. “Goose,” as he refers to himself, says he just wants to help and protect people, and being “Goose Wayne” is a non-negotiable part of his life and also his full-time job. The two are engaged to be married, but Kalan says she doesn’t want to be walking down the aisle with a masked man.
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#3 - Angie’s Demands: DNA Test, A Polygraph or a Confession. Is Joe Cheating?
Season 17 - Episode 171 - Aired 5/21/2019
Joe says for the past two years, he has felt like a prisoner in his own home, and his wife, Angie, is the warden. He says Angie won’t let him out of her sight because she’s convinced herself that he’s been having an affair right under her nose with a 21-year-old friend of their daughter. Last year, this young woman had a baby, and Angie says it could be Joe’s. Angie says Joe and the young woman deny the affair and she wants to know if she’s the “crazy” one. Angie wants a DNA test and polygraph exam to prove his innocence. But Dr. Phil says there could be a completely different explanation for all of this, and you won’t believe what it is.
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#4 - I Think My Husband is Cheating and I Have Proof
Season 17 - Episode 170 - Aired 5/20/2019
Angie says she is convinced that her husband of 23 years, Joe, is having an affair right under her nose with a 21-year-old woman. Angie says she installed surveillance cameras all around their home in hopes of catching Joe in the act. But Joe says he loves his wife and would never have an affair. After watching hours and hours of surveillance footage, Angie claims she has proof and believes Joe is lying. She says she sees images of Joe with someone else and hears a woman’s voice. Will Dr. Phil see what Angie sees? And, the alleged “other woman” is here and what she has to say may surprise you.
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#5 - 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.
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#6 - Impostor Poses as Missing Boy: Where is the Real Timmothy Pitzen?
Season 17 - Episode 169 - Aired 5/17/2019
Timmothy Pitzen was just 6 years old when he disappeared in 2011. His mother, Amy, lied about a family emergency, took him out of school, and left. The two were spotted together at a zoo, a water park and a resort. But two days later, Amy checked into a hotel alone. She died by suicide, and the only clue she left behind was a note claiming Timmothy was safe and he would never be found. Eight years after Timmothy mysteriously vanished into thin air, an impostor told police he was Timmothy, and he had escaped kidnappers. Police doubted his story ... but if this wasn’t him, where is the real Timmothy Pitzen? His father and Aunt speak out for the first time.
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#7 - “Tales of Deception and Terror: Virtual Kidnapping” And “A Deadly Love Scam, Deceit and 'Dirty John'”
Season 17 - Episode 78 - Aired 1/10/2019
Andy and his wife, Bridget, say they were petrified after receiving a call from a scammer posing as a kidnapper who claimed he was holding their daughter, Sam, hostage for ransom money. Dr. Phil explains to the frightened couple that this trending scam is called “virtual kidnapping,” as he instructs the audience on how to recognize these types of scammers. Then, Dr. Phil meets with Debra Newell, the real woman behind the popular podcast and hit Bravo series Dirty John. Debra was a single, successful business owner who had raised her four children when she decided she was ready to go online to try to find love. Then, Debra met John, a man who first seemed like a charming, intelligent doctor but later revealed he was emotionally abusive with a dangerous and criminal past. Detective Julia Bowman also talks about how unbeknownst to Debra, she had arrested John in 2013 for stalking and harassing an ex, and he later tried to put a hit out on the detective.
#8 - 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.
#9 - 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.
#10 - Dad Confronts Daughter’s Abuser
Season 17 - Episode 47 - Aired 11/13/2018
Dr. Phil continues his conversation with D’Andre, who claims that his abusive relationship with his girlfriend, Autumn, is partly due to what he calls her “messed up” upbringing. And, hear what D’Andre says about violating the restraining order that Autumn has against him. Plus, psychiatrist and member of the Dr. Phil Advisory Board Dr. Charles Sophy weighs in. Find out why he says he believes Autumn’s parents are partly responsible for her constantly running to D’Andre.
#11 - 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?
#12 - My Husband Told My Best Friend I Was Dying and Asked Her to Marry Him
Season 17 - Episode 88 - Aired 1/24/2019
Penny says when she lost her close friend, Glena, she offered comfort to Glena’s grief-stricken husband, Glen, but was shocked when he leaned over and tried to kiss her on the day of the memorial service. Within days, Glen says he revealed his true feelings for Penny, but she says she felt like she was betraying her dead friend. Nonetheless, just three months after the funeral, Penny and Glen were married. But Penny also fell ill and claims while she was in the hospital, Glen told her best friend, Paula, that she was dying. Not only that, Penny claims he asked Paula to move in, replace her as a mother to their now 4-year-old daughter, and marry him, which Glen denies. Although Penny survived — she says she doubts her marriage can. Emotions run high when Paula confronts Glen, resulting in him having a panic attack, causing emergency services to rush to the studio.
#13 - 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.
#14 - 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.
#15 - I Cannot Leave My House Because I Fear I Will Die
Season 17 - Episode 164 - Aired 5/10/2019
Due to her extreme agoraphobia, Kirstie says she has only ventured outside her home further than her mailbox one time in the last 14 months, and that was via ambulance to the hospital. Kirstie says she is confined to her bedroom for 22 hours a day because she believes she will die if she leaves it for longer than just a few minutes. But that’s not all; Kirstie also says she needs someone to watch her 24/7 so she doesn’t die. Kirstie claims her mother’s parenting is the root cause of her debilitating anxiety. Find out what caused a serious “anxiety attack” when Kirstie allowed Dr. Phil cameras to document her daily life. Plus, see what happens when Kirstie confronts her mother for the first time about her claim that she may have caused Kristie’s agoraphobia.
#16 - 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.
#17 - “Held Captive, Drugged, and Abused by My Own Father”
Season 17 - Episode 109 - Aired 2/22/2019
Tatiana says from ages 6-25, her father forced her to do drugs so he could physically and sexually abuse her. She also claims he tortured her and would beat her feet with a bat to the point where she couldn’t walk. At 12 years old, Tatiana claims her father pulled her out of school and started sexually assaulting her every single day. She says he installed security cameras and motion sensors around their home, making it impossible for her to escape. But that’s not all. Tatiana’s father impregnated her four times, and she bore three of her father’s children. At age 25, Tatiana finally escaped 19 years of torture, after her father was arrested for stabbing her twice in the chest! Dr. Phil sits down with Tatiana who tells her horrific tale of survival. Don’t miss it!
#18 - An Estranged Father Finally Confronts His Children
Season 17 - Episode 106 - Aired 2/19/2019
On Monday, Dr. Phil didn’t allow exes Libby and Brian to appear on stage because he believed they had an inability to put their animosity for each other aside for the sake of their children. Today, the outrageous accusations continue between these two parents. Find out what happens between Brian and Dr. Phil that almost left Dr. Phil asking Brian to leave the stage. Plus, Brian sits down with two of his oldest children for an emotional reunion. Will they forgive their father?
#19 - Expelled, Handcuffed & Violent: My 14-Year-Old Daughter Is Out of Control
Season 17 - Episode 100 - Aired 2/11/2019
Melissa says her 14-year-old daughter, Destoni, is aggressive, violent, and a bully. At home, she has chased her sister and babysitter with a butcher knife. At school, Destoni yells accusations at teachers in the hallways, throws school supplies, and gets kicked out of class almost every day. But Destoni crossed a line when she threatened to shoot her teacher and other students, causing her to be suspended from two different schools. Melissa and her mother, Michelle, fear Destoni will end up killed or homeless due to her behavior. One thing is for sure, Destoni is just not functioning well in life.
#20 - Is My Nigerian Boyfriend Scamming Me?
Season 17 - Episode 99 - Aired 2/8/2019
Sixty-four-year-old Josie says she met the love of her life, Victor, on Facebook. Even though he’s Nigerian, 30 years younger, and she’s never physically met him, she insists it’s true love. She’s purchased a ticket to Nigeria and hopes to marry Victor, but her older sister, Carmen, her best friend, Angela, and her 19-year-old son, Anthony, say Josie is acting like a teenage fool. They believe Victor is conning Josie into marrying him for a green card. Dr. Phil took cameras to Nigeria to find Victor to see if he’s telling Josie the truth. Josie’s family says they want Dr. Phil to convince Josie that this relationship will never work. Is Victor who he says he is, and will Josie leave for Nigeria after hearing what Dr. Phil has to say?
#21 - Exes at War: Who's Behind the CPS Reports? And Charlamagne Tha God's Blueprint for Beating Fear and Anxiety
Season 17 - Episode 52 - Aired 11/20/2018
Bronwyn and Brett each have thousands of pages of evidence claiming the other parent is unfit and have been battling in court for years; Charlamagne Tha God (radio show "The Breakfast Club") tells how anxiety has been a driving force in his life.
#22 - 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.
#23 - 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.
#24 - A Meddling Father-in-Law Who Allegedly Trapped His Son on His Compound
Season 17 - Episode 31 - Aired 10/22/2018
Jorell and his wife say they fear his father will never stop trying to convince them to return to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and that his father forced him to stay on his "compound" for several days.
#25 - A Biological Father Accused of an Adoption Scam: The Aftermath
Season 17 - Episode 37 - Aired 10/30/2018
Dr. Phil continues his conversation with Sandy and Ava, who confronted their biological father, Frankie, about what they believe was his involvement in an adoption scam; another of his birth children and an adoptive mother speak out.