The WORST episodes of Dr. Phil
Every episode of Dr. Phil ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Dr. Phil!
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 - Anorexic Mom: Torn Between Two Men
Season 14 - Episode 131 - Aired 4/11/2016
An anorexic woman says she has only three months to live and does not trust her drug-addicted husband to care for her children.
#2 - A Bite Mark and Broken Ribs: A Mother Accused of Abusing Her 16-Week-Old Baby
Season 14 - Episode 113 - Aired 3/3/2016
Marty made local headlines after she says a visit to the emergency room with her then 16-week-old son turned into a “nightmare,” and she was accused of abuse by authorities. Marty says that she was interrogated for eight hours and several days later, she was arrested and accused of biting her son, breaking several of his ribs and his shoulder bones. She claims she was told she “should be thrown under the jail” for what she allegedly did to him, and that the baby was "ripped away" from her and her fiancé, Derrick, and immediately put into foster care. Marty says it has been almost two years since she and Derrick have seen their son; they say they have been denied any visitation or contact. Marty vehemently denies harming her son and says there is a medical explanation for her son’s injuries, that does not involve abuse of any kind. Could Marty’s son suffer from a medical condition that caused his bones to become fragile and break? And, Dr. Phil and Robin fight back against an online beauty endorsement scam using Robin's name and image!
#3 - Torn Ligaments, Bruised Arms and a Busted Lip: A Mother Abused by Her Sons or Angry Antagonizer?
Season 14 - Episode 114 - Aired 3/4/2016
Victoria says for years she’s been living in fear of her 15-year-old son, Angelo. She claims that Angelo has spiraled out of control, and has become physically and verbally abusive toward her. She says Angelo has punched, slapped, and pushed her, and now she fears for her life … and the life of her 10-year-old daughter, who has called the police at least 21 times because of Victoria’s fights with Angelo. Victoria admits that she voluntarily put Angelo and his older brother in foster care when Angelo was only 7 years old because she claims her sons were abusive toward her. She also admits that she has been in domestic violence relationships in the past that her sons have witnessed. Angelo says his mother is the one who is out of control, and that he has hit her only in self-defense. Angelo, who says he feels his mother doesn’t love him, says he doesn’t know what to do when she comes after him. Angelo presents Dr. Phil with dramatic evidence of Victoria’s behavior at home and the devastating words she screams at him. Is the domestic violence in this home the result of an out-of-control teen, or an angry mother who has even called herself “a bad parent”? Dr. Phil tries to get to the real root of the problem. Then, Dave Navarro of the band Jane’s Addiction was only 15 years old when his mother, Connie, was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Now, Dave and his friend Todd Newman have produced a documentary, "Morning Son"about his mother’s tragic and brutal death and what he says are “the horrific realities of domestic violence.” And, Dave, who has now become an advocate for victims of domestic violence, shares a special message with Angelo.
#4 - I'm Living in a Mancession! My Lazy, Underachieving Husband Refuses to Get a Job!
Season 14 - Episode 115 - Aired 3/7/2016
Chelsie is frustrated because she has to financially support her family, then come home to clean up after her baby and her husband, who has been unemployed throughout their marriage.
#5 - Our Handsome, Charismatic Son Is a Devil-Problem Child
Season 14 - Episode 116 - Aired 3/8/2016
Brandon, 22, has been threatening to kill his parents daily since he was 10 years old and has been in and out of mental hospitals since he was 11; he says his parents are the problem, then walks off the stage; a woman transforms her life.
#6 - Dr. Phil, You Saved Me Once, Can You Save Me Again? Now I'm Addicted to a Raging Husband and My Kids Are Paying the Price!
Season 14 - Episode 117 - Aired 3/9/2016
Jared has anger and mood swings that he does not know how to control, and his wife fears his violent outbursts and threats to harm himself.
#7 - We're Terrified of Our Beautiful, Charismatic, Cunning, Explosively Violent 12-Year-Old Daughter
Season 14 - Episode 122 - Aired 3/28/2016
Violent 12-year-old Aneska says there are times when she feels like someone else is in control of her body; her parents say she has killed animals and has threatened to do the same to her mother.
#8 - I Can't Pull My Husband Away From His Video Game!
Season 14 - Episode 123 - Aired 3/29/2016
Preteen Aneska's parents say her rage and violence have them at their wits' end; Rachel wants her husband to put down his game controller and pay attention to her.
#9 - “My Ex Is a Terrible Parent and a Danger To Our Children”
Season 14 - Episode 118 - Aired 3/14/2016
Chris claims his ex-wife, Kelly, is completely unfit to be a mother and is constantly placing their two young daughters in harm’s way. Chris says Kelly’s “look-the-other-way” parenting style disgusts him and forced him to sell his business and move thousands of miles in a desperate attempt to save his daughters from their own mother. Chris claims his ex allowed their oldest daughter to be intimate with a convicted 28-year-old sex offender when she was 14, and he gives Dr. Phil video evidence that Kelly allowed their underage and unlicensed daughter to take her mother’s car in the middle of winter. Kelly says she is not a perfect parent, but asks if Chris is such a good father, why was he investigated by the state department of Health and Human Services after his daughter accused him of abusing her both physically and sexually? Chris admits he used a belt to discipline his girls, but says their mom coached them to make it appear much worse than it was, and he adamantly denies any sexual misconduct involving his daughter. Plus, how does Chris, who says all the accusations against him have been created by his ex in order to further alienate him from his daughters, react to Dr. Phil’s conversation with Chris’ daughter?
#10 - “I Killed Mom”: A Daughter’s Confession and Shocking Picture She Texted Dad
Season 14 - Episode 119 - Aired 3/15/2016
On Thanksgiving Day 2013, the Hutson family’s celebration turned deadly. While Donald Hutson was out shopping the Black Friday sales, he had no idea his home was being turned into a horrifying and gruesome murder scene. His 19-year-old daughter, Rachel, fatally shot her own mother. She then called her father to confess to the crime, and when he didn’t believe her, she texted him a photo of her mother’s body. Rachel's lawyers say she had a history of mental illness that had gone undiagnosed for years. Did the added stress of caring for her ailing mother push her to snap? Or, did she have a different motive? Now, Rachel is speaking out in an exclusive interview. Will it finally be revealed what caused her to commit this unthinkable crime? And later, Rachel comes face to face with her family for the first time since she was sentenced.
#11 - Torn Between Her City Boy Husband and Country Boy Lover Plus Ten Girls Honored
Season 14 - Episode 125 - Aired 4/1/2016
Richard says his wife is being manipulated and guilted into continuing an affair with a childhood friend; the 2015 National Young Women of Distinction Gold Award Recipients.
#12 - My Husband Calls Me A Moron. Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
Season 14 - Episode 126 - Aired 4/4/2016
Paul doesn't believe his explosive marriage to Julie can be fixed; Julie tries to be a good wife and isn't ready to give up on Paul despite his treating her like a child and calling her names.
#13 - I Have 2 Years, 3 Months and 15 Days Left in This House. Can You Fix My Family?
Season 14 - Episode 124 - Aired 3/30/2016
Valerie says her husband is an emotionally stunted bully who favors one of their children, while the rest of their family is invisible to him; another child says she is counting down the years until she can move out; how to get out of a rut.
#14 - Help! I Believe My Son Is A Lazy, Entitled, Mooching, Mia Dad!
Season 14 - Episode 128 - Aired 4/6/2016
A troubled 31-year-old father, who has been kicked out of the house by his parents for being lazy and jobless, admits to making mistakes and wants to improve his situation; an unexpected incident that occurred the morning of the show is revealed.
#15 - My Childless Sister Is Trying To Steal My Grandchildren From My Son And Me
Season 14 - Episode 129 - Aired 4/7/2016
A custody battle between Jasen, his mother, Kim, and her sister, Genevieve, who has temporary custody of Jasen's 8 and 12-year-old children, has turned into a war over who is a more fit parent; Kim believes Genevieve stole her grandchildren.
#16 - First the Mistress in a Murder Case, Now Accused of Larceny: Help Me Clear My Name
Season 14 - Episode 112 - Aired 3/2/2016
Charlie says he had it all … a beautiful wife of 23 years, a good job, nice cars, and a big house on the water. But Charlie says his world was rocked on May 2, 2002 when his wife, Leslie, was kidnapped by Charlie’s friend and former employee. Leslie escaped with some injuries but lived to tell about it. Two days later, Charlie found Leslie dead at the bottom of the stairs in their home. Seven years after his wife’s death, in January of 2009, Charlie was arrested and charged with murder. Authorities believed Charlie’s motive was that he was having an affair with a bartender named Carolyn, whom he lavished with gifts. Charlie, who was found not guilty of murder, speaks out for the first time. Carolyn says the stigma of being the reported mistress of an accused murderer has taken a toll on her. Hear what she says she is being accused of now. Carolyn and Charlie, who both deny having an affair, come face to face for the first time in over two years.
#17 - What Happened to Baby Noah? An Accident or Abuse?
Season 14 - Episode 133 - Aired 4/13/2016
After her 2-year-old was diagnosed with symptoms commonly associated with shaken-baby syndrome, Kayla was charged with felony child abuse and the boy's absentee father showed up and demanded custody.
#18 - Hoarding Ultimatum: Your Junk Or Me
Season 14 - Episode 134 - Aired 4/14/2016
Richard says his six-year marriage to Kelli ended mainly due to Kelli’s obsession with keeping “stuff”! The couple has been divorced for 12 years and is now considering getting re-married, but only, Richard says, if Kelli can stop hoarding once and for all. Their new wedding date is quickly approaching and Richard says Kelli has made zero progress to give up her hoarding addiction. Kelli admits she has a problem and says her "valued" possessions range from collectible ceramic shoes, to old newspapers, garbage bags full of receipts, unopened expired boxes of cereal and plastic bags full of plastic bags. Richard says Kelli’s hoarding problem is so bad that they can only get into one of their four bedrooms, and Kelli sleeps on one couch and their 14-year-old son sleeps on the other. Their son also says he’s been sleeping on the couch since he was 5 or 6 years old, that he can’t get into his bedroom and that he has never been able to have friends over. Kelli says she hasn't allowed anyone in her house in over 14 years — except the Dr. Phil show. You won't believe what producers saw and what a professional found when the home was tested for possible mold. Can Dr. Phil help put this family back together again and help Kelli overcome her hoarding habits?
#19 - I Believe My Daughter Is Being Controlled by Her BFF
Season 14 - Episode 135 - Aired 4/15/2016
Rachel had high hopes for her daughter, Shaila, with dreams of her graduating college, getting into the medical field, marrying a smart, handsome man and becoming a mother. But Rachel says those dreams were shattered when her daughter met Destinee. Rachel says Shaila’s BFF has been more of a BFD – best friend disaster -- ever since they became roommates two months ago. Shaila has now dropped out of college, and her mom claims she is more of Destinee’s servant than sidekick. She says she believes her daughter is belittled, mistreated and “beaten down” all because of her so-called bestie, Destinee, who strongly denies Rachel's allegations. She says she wants Destinee out of her daughter’s life forever.
#20 - My Twins Are Complete Opposites: One Is a College Honors Student and the Other Might Be a Sugar Baby and Drop Out!
Season 14 - Episode 136 - Aired 4/18/2016
Identical twins Shaylen and Skyler admit they were close growing up – so close even friends could barely tell them apart. The two did everything side by side, including playing softball, swimming and joining the dance team. But their mom, Sheri, says that after she snooped through Skyler’s cell phone, she discovered there were many secrets being kept and lies being told. Sheri claims she found texts between Skyler and strange men on a sugar baby website, and that Skyler was providing sexually explicit videos in exchange for money. She claims Skyler was also partying, sleeping in her car, escaping from police and getting multiple DUI’s -- while Shaylen was about to graduate with honors and plan her wedding! Skyler admits to letting her mom take her phone after she went to a 30-day alcohol treatment program, but says her mother has gone too far with her snooping and it’s beyond an invasion of her privacy! Skyler says her parents and her twin need to support her more and stop treating her like “the bad twin,” while they treat Shaylen like “the good twin!”
#21 - A Husband's Decision: His Marriage or His Mistress
Season 14 - Episode 137 - Aired 4/19/2016
Stacey says she was living the perfect life as a mother of six children and wife to a successful business owner, until 2009, when she says that she found out that her husband of 23 years, Dave, was cheating on her with a woman half his age, who she claims was an exotic dancer. Stacey says that when Dave refused to end things with his girlfriend, she moved with their kids into a two bedroom apartment, and Dave started a new life with his girlfriend, moving her into a brand-new house. Stacey claims Dave would call her while living with the girlfriend and tell her that he wanted to get back together with her – and when she refused, she claims, Dave became verbally abusive with threats of violence. Dave, on the other hand, says he worked long hours to provide for his family but got nothing in return from Stacey, who he says never showed him any affection. He says the other woman made him feel alive for the first time. Dave absolutely denies abusing Stacey and says he was the one who was trying to avoid getting into fights with her since she would always call the cops on him. Now, seven years later, Stacey, who recently suffered the death of her boyfriend of two-and-a-half years, is living on Dave’s couch. The former couple wonders if they can – and should — try to pick up the pieces and be a family again. Can Dr. Phil help this couple revive their relationship – should they?
#22 - Caught on Tape: Who's to Blame for Preston's Problems?
Season 14 - Episode 138 - Aired 4/20/2016
Steve and Stephanie claim they’re living in a war zone completely controlled by their 15-year-old son, Preston, who they call a “tornado of drama!” They claim Preston hits Stephanie daily on her arms, back and thighs and touches her in “inappropriate” areas, such as her chest and buttocks. Recently, they claim Preston bloodied Steve’s nose by punching him in the face. They also claim their son has destroyed most of the furniture in their home with, they claim, his violent temper tantrums. However, Steve’s mother, Dawn, says she can’t understand how they lost control of their son who acts so well-behaved when he’s around her. And what does Preston have to say? Dr. Phil has an emotional heart-to-heart talk backstage with the teen. What does he say about his relationship with his father? Then, meet Preston’s older brother, Adam, who admits he plays a part in the fights with his brother, but wants him to get help. Will this family figure out how to break their patterns of violence? See Dr. Phil’s advice for Preston’s parents, who claim they are spending 24 hours a day trying to help their son.
#23 - Disowned by My Daughters After 35 Years of Drinking, 57 911 Calls, 170 Days in Jail and 8 Rehabs
Season 14 - Episode 139 - Aired 4/21/2016
Morgan and Ashley claim their mom is “a toxic, violent alcoholic,” who they say is way out of control, and that although she’s been to rehab eight times, hasn't stayed sober. In the past year, Morgan says the police have been called to the house 57 times, for violence, threats, assault and even arson. Morgan says if her mom doesn’t stop her excessive drinking and end the violence, she will walk away for good. Ashley says her mom has gone from being a functioning alcoholic to a non-functioning one and that she might be better off in jail, because at least she would be safe behind bars. She says she moved out two years ago because of her mom’s behavior and has now cut her out of her life. Treva says she does not want to go to another “dumb treatment center” as she is “done with them” and claims they do not work for her. She has said that she believes the problem is 10 percent her and 95 percent everyone else – and that she believes her family needs an intervention.
#24 - Our Mooching Son Is Ruining Our Lives
Season 14 - Episode 140 - Aired 4/22/2016
Cathy and Gary say they worked their entire lives imagining that by now, they would be quietly enjoying their golden years together. Instead, they claim their 32-year-old “lazy, mooching” son, Jeremy, has ruined their hopes of that. In fact, Cathy and Gary say they’ve had to put their retirement plans on hold. These parents claim Jeremy goes days without bathing, rarely leaves the house and spends 18 hours a day sleeping in what they say is his disgusting, garbage-filled room. Jeremy's parents say they are also concerned because when they ask him to do the littlest thing, like feed the dog, it can turn into World War III. But, Jeremy claims his mother triggers his anger, and that he can't move out or take care of himself because he's bi-polar and depressed – which he says is also Cathy's fault. Jeremy's sister, Tiffany, says she's sick and tired of her brother threatening and terrorizing their parents, and she wants him out of their parents’ house immediately. Cathy and Gary say they want to know where they “went wrong” as parents and how to get their “mooching” son out of their house once and for all. Find out what Dr. Phil has planned for these parents and their son to help them attempt to get their lives and family back on track.
#25 - Accusations of Bruises, Moldy Baby Bottles and a SWAT Team: I'm Not Giving My Grandson Back!
Season 14 - Episode 141 - Aired 4/25/2016
What kind of parents would allow their infant to be raised in a home with maggots, moldy baby bottles, dirty dishes and beer cans right next to the baby’s bassinet? Kim claims those parents are her son, Sam, and his fiancée, Shannon. Kim claims that not only were they raising her grandson in a pigsty, but their relationship was so volatile that she was forced to step in and take guardianship of her grandson. Shannon and Sam claim that Kim tricked them into signing permanent guardianship of baby Conrad over to her when he was just 6 months old and for the past four-and-a-half years, she’s been raising him 600 miles from where they live. They now claim Kim won’t return the child unless they meet what they describe as her “outrageous” demands. What happens when Dr. Phil steps into the mix, and who does he think the child should end up with?