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 - My Mother Refuses to Cut the Cord with My Mama’s Boy Brother
Season 13 - Episode 83 - Aired 1/15/2015
Andreya says her 32-year-old brother, Tony, is addicted to prescription pills and has a gambling problem, with losses that she believes could be more than $100,000 -- and their mother, Linda, is enabling him all the way. She says their mother lets Tony live with her for free, works two jobs to pay all his bills, refuses to kick him out and turns a blind eye to his drug use. Linda says all she wants to do is take care of her “little boy” and refuses to listen to anyone bad-mouth her baby. Tony admits he’s a smooth operator and can use charm and personality to get anything he wants. He says he was even facing 45 years in prison for drug trafficking, but the arresting officer pleaded for leniency, and Tony served only a little more than three years. Can Linda learn to stop supporting her son’s dangerous lifestyle before he ends up back in prison -- or dead? Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s plan for both mother and son!
#2 - Black and Blue: Race Relations in America
Season 13 - Episode 69 - Aired 12/12/2014
Racial tensions have reached a boiling point across the nation after the officer-involved deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland and Eric Garner, the unarmed father of six who died after being put in a chokehold by a police officer in New York. Dr. Phil examines the controversial cases and asks: What is the solution? Hear from Eric Garner’s sister and oldest daughter, as well as Michael Brown’s mother. How are they coping? And, what message do they want to share with others? Then, professional football player Ben Watson -- whose Facebook post about the Ferguson case went viral -- weighs in. Why did he decide to speak out? Plus, two black college students who allege they were racially profiled by the police talk about an encounter they say should never have happened. And, are allegations of excessive force just a black and white issue? A brother and sister say their unarmed sibling, a 20-year-old white man, was shot and killed by a police officer -- who was not charged. Tune in and weigh in: What can we learn from these tragic stories?
#3 - Young, in Love and in over Their Heads
Season 13 - Episode 70 - Aired 12/15/2014
Natalie, 22, says her boyfriend of four years, Justin, 25, has an anger problem, and she fears for her life and for their 10-month-old son. Natalie says that since their son was born, Justin has turned into someone she doesn’t even recognize. She says he throws things, rips doors off their hinges and once shoved her while she was holding their baby. Justin admits he has punched holes in walls and slammed doors into walls but denies pushing Natalie and says she is overly dramatic. Both admit their child has witnessed the turmoil. Does this young relationship have a future? Then, Samantha shared her experience with abuse in The Aspire Initiative, a free domestic violence education curriculum from When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation. She returns and has some words of wisdom for Natalie. Plus, tune in as Robin announces the winners of the iAspire Campus Challenge, which awards a grant to students who effect change on the issue of sexual violence on college campuses.
#4 - Is Dad a Bad Santa or Should His Son Be Put on the Naughty List?
Season 13 - Episode 71 - Aired 12/16/2014
Jon, 32, says he hates his father, Jim — with whom he and his 9-year-old daughter live — so much that he wishes Jim would die. He says Jim is money-hungry, selfish and untrustworthy and claims his dad has called the police on him multiple times — including once for “stealing” a pork chop! Jim, who works over the holidays as a Santa Claus, says all he wants for Christmas is peace in his house. He says his son is an entitled, ungrateful “mooch” who could never survive on his own. Dr. Phil intervenes in this father-son feud. Why hasn’t Jim told his son to leave? Hear from Jon’s brother, Jimmy, and mother, Luann — what do they say about the drama? Can Jon and Jim put an end to the fighting? Then, professional trainer and body builder Greg thinks he is on the show to talk about health and fitness, but Troy Dunn has a big surprise for him: his long-lost son! Tune in to see this emotional reunion decades in the making! And, don’t miss a moving performance by 14-year-old singing sensation Jackie Evancho!
#5 - The Night Four Girls Went into the Woods and Only Three Came Out Alive
Season 13 - Episode 72 - Aired 12/17/2014
Dr. Phil takes a hard look at a disturbing trend in the news: Teenagers murdering their best friends. Several recent cases, including the fatal stabbing of Skylar Neese, have shocked the nation, leaving many to wonder: Why and how could this happen? Hear from a woman who says she lived exactly such a scenario. Karen was just 17 years old in 1985 when she and a friend lured Missy Avila, also 17, to a spot in the woods where her life would ultimately end. Karen, who spent 23 years behind bars for her involvement in Missy’s death, recounts that fateful day. What does she say happened? And, if she could go back, what would she do differently? Hear the message Karen wants to impart to all young girls. Plus, when Shemida appeared on the show six weeks ago, she said she had been diagnosed with more than 70 medical and mental health conditions and was in so much pain she could barely get out of bed. But her family said they believed she was fabricating some of her issues for attention. How is Shemida doing now?
#6 - “I'm Divorcing the Real-Life Mommy Dearest”
Season 13 - Episode 73 - Aired 12/18/2014
Jamie says his soon-to-be ex-wife, Jennifer, is a real-life “Mommy Dearest” who verbally attacks their two children constantly — yelling at them, calling them “stupid” and even waking them up at night to correct their chores. He says the drama has gotten so bad, he got a protection order against Jennifer — something she claims he did in order to force her out of their lives. Jennifer admits she’s strict but absolutely denies being abusive and says Jamie is exaggerating. When Dr. Phil brings this estranged couple together in search of a resolution, Jennifer confesses a disturbing and dangerous behavior. When offered a chance to get her life back on track, will Jennifer accept?
#7 - Inside the Bill Cosby Sex Scandal
Season 13 - Episode 74 - Aired 12/19/2014
Dr. Phil delves into the headline-grabbing sex scandal that has threatened to destroy acting legend Bill Cosby and caused many in the nation to wonder: Could the allegations against “America’s dad” be true? More than 20 women have come forward in the media, claiming legendary actor Bill Cosby drugged and/or sexually assaulted them years ago. Dr. Phil talks to several of Cosby’s accusers, including one woman who says she is telling her story for the first time. Why do the women say they waited until now to speak out? And, how have their lives been impacted? Cosby, who has not been charged with any crime, recently broke his silence but did not address the allegations against him directly. His wife and partner of 50 years, Camille, and one of his daughters, Evin, have spoken out in his defense, insisting he is not the man who has been portrayed in the media of late. Plus, hear from a former Playboy bunny who says she knew a very different Cosby than the one depicted recently. How does she describe her interactions with him? Plus, if the allegations are true, what does it mean for Cosby’s legacy?
#8 - Mom vs. Dad: Who is Responsible for Their Daughter's Big Relapse?
Season 13 - Episode 75 - Aired 1/5/2015
When 24-year-old Andee Andee last met with Dr. Phil more than a year ago, she was struggling with drug addiction -- and her parents, Pam and Ed, were at odds, blaming each other. Pam claimed her ex-husband, Ed, was an alcoholic who enabled Andee by giving her money for drugs, while Ed accused Pam of treating their daughter like a child. Dr. Phil gave the parents specific instructions on what their next steps should be, and Andee went straight to rehab after the show taping. Did Pam and Ed follow his advice? Andee says she completed 90 days of rehab but later relapsed and is now desperately in need of Dr. Phil’s help once again. With her parents still pointing the finger at each other, who really is responsible for Andee’s downward spiral? And, Andee says she recently moved across the country to live with her new boyfriend -- is he enabling her? Dr. Phil has words of warning for the couple. Is Andee finally ready to commit to staying clean?
#9 - “Get Off My Back about My Body”
Season 13 - Episode 76 - Aired 1/6/2015
It’s a new year -- are you ready for a new you? Nicole says she wants to lose weight but says her “fitness freak” husband, George, has no compassion or empathy for her struggles, and his intense, drill-sergeant ways aren’t helping. George says Nicole is her own biggest obstacle to losing weight -- he says she’s lazy, makes excuses and gives up too easily -- and all his efforts to help her have only strained their relationship. How can he motivate his wife? And, Dominique says she knows she needs to lose weight but says her mom, JoAnn, won’t stop nagging her about it. Could JoAnn be sabotaging her daughter with her constant comments? Then, Charles says ever since his identical twin brother, Adam, lost 90 pounds, he has become an arrogant jerk who loves to embarrass Charles about his body. Adam says his brother resents him for getting healthier and needs a serious wake-up call about his weight. Can these brothers heal their relationship while getting to a healthier place?
#10 - “My Mother is a Menace! She is Controlling My Daughter with Her Money and Turning Her against Me!”
Season 13 - Episode 77 - Aired 1/7/2015
Rachel says her mother, Dixie, is “controlling, narcissistic and pure evil” and has turned her 18-year-old daughter, Abbie, against her. She says Dixie is buying her daughter’s loyalty and affection and claims that’s the only reason Abbie chooses to live with her grandmother. Rachel — who hasn’t spoken to Dixie in eight months — admits she was a party girl when she was younger and often wasn’t around for Abbie, but she insists she has changed. How can she repair her relationship with her mother and her daughter? Dixie says she doesn’t trust that Rachel is really a changed woman, and she feels Abbie is better off living with her. What does Abbie have to say about her living situation — and her relationship with her mother? Dr. Phil reunites the three generations. Can they hit the reset button and move forward in a peaceful, healthy way?
#11 - “Dr. Phil, Save My Family”
Season 13 - Episode 78 - Aired 1/8/2015
Allen and Cheryl say their 9-year-old son, Steve, is terrorizing their family. They say he has threatened to harm his siblings multiple times, tells his teachers that he wants to blow up his family’s home and shows no empathy for others or remorse for his bad behavior. They say Steve has been diagnosed with 18 mental illnesses and has been placed in three mental hospitals in the last year alone, but nothing seems to help for long. The parents turn to Dr. Phil for answers. What’s at the root of Steve’s bad behavior? Cheryl’s mother and two sisters say they believe the boy is overmedicated and under-parented -- and they say Cheryl’s blog about her parenting challenges is also a cause for concern. How does Cheryl respond? Then, Dr. Phil sits down with Steve for a one-on-one conversation. Does he see room for change? And, world-renowned child clinical psychologist Dr. Alan Kazdin shares a suggested plan for changing behavior in the child -- and the parents. How can Allen and Cheryl regain a peaceful, healthy family?
#12 - 300 Women and Counting: “My Brother is Addicted to Everything, and It's All My Mom's Fault”
Season 13 - Episode 79 - Aired 1/9/2015
Ashley says she is desperate to get help for her older brother, Justin, 32, who she says is addicted to everything — including sex, alcohol and pain pills. Justin admits he has slept with at least 300 women and struggles with substance abuse, but he blames his mother, Laura, for his problems — which he claims stem from his rocky childhood. Laura admits she wasn’t the best mother to Justin, whom she had when she was only 18, at times prioritizing men and partying over parenting. She also says she has a history of being involved in abusive relationships, which her children witnessed. Still, she thinks Justin needs to get over the past and stop making excuses for his own bad behavior. Dr. Phil sits down with the family in search of a resolution — and has some tough questions for everyone involved. Is there a family legacy that needs to be broken? Will Laura finally accept the role she plays in Justin’s struggles? And, can Justin — who is now a parent himself — commit to getting clean and getting his life back on track?
#13 - Wild Behavior Caught on Camera
Season 13 - Episode 80 - Aired 1/12/2015
From fist fights gone viral to the so-called “fire challenge,” Dr. Phil looks at the troubling trend of wild behaviors being videotaped and posted online for the world to see. First, hear from 27-year-old Catherine, who says she was attacked by a former co-worker while bystanders watched and recorded — but did nothing to help. Then, Emily, 15, became an Internet sensation after she was recorded throwing a shovel at another girl during a fight. Hear why she says all the attention has changed her life. And, meet the classmate who was behind the camera — why didn’t he stop recording and step in? Then, Dr. Phil talks to a young man who lit himself on fire in hopes of gaining video views — hear his strong warning for others. Plus, Lisa and Tom say their 15-year-old daughter, Katie, is a violent “mean girl,” and they fear she’ll end up in a fight video — or worse. What’s at the root of her behavior? Dr. Phil has a special challenge for Katie and six other teens who say they have experiences with bullying. Tune in to see this social experiment!
#14 - Pretty, Young and Violent
Season 13 - Episode 81 - Aired 1/13/2015
In part one of a special two-part series, meet seven teenage girls who say they have either been victims of bullying or have been bullies themselves. One girl says she was punched in the face by a classmate; another was accused of sending harassing text messages to a former friend, who eventually took her own life; and another says she is just too pretty for other girls to like her. The teens, who have never met, and their mothers head to The Dr. Phil House for a special retreat. But before the activities can even begin, the drama kicks into high gear when a group exercise goes awry! Plus, Dr. Phil sits down with the girls. How do the alleged bullies of the group explain their behavior? And, will they have a change of heart? Plus, don’t miss part 2 tomorrow!
#15 - Why is My Mom Faking Cancer?
Season 13 - Episode 82 - Aired 1/14/2015
Jessica says her mother, Patricia, claims she is defying the odds by becoming a record-setting weight lifter while simultaneously battling Stage 3 brain cancer. But Jessica insists her mother isn’t sick at all and that she is lying about her health to gain sympathy and attention. She says Patricia has been spinning stories about various medical ailments for as long as she can remember — and it’s time to come clean. Patricia strongly denies her daughter’s accusations and insists her diagnosis and incredible survival story are real. Why does she claim Jessica is out to get her? Emotions run high when mother and daughter meet on Dr. Phil’s stage. Do Patricia’s claims hold up? And, can this mother and daughter repair their fractured relationship?
#16 - The “Honey Boo Boo” Scandal: Chickadee and Grandma Speak Out
Season 13 - Episode 68 - Aired 12/11/2014
A few weeks ago, former Here Comes Honey Boo Boo star "Mama June" Shannon spoke exclusively with Dr. Phil and denied rekindling a romantic relationship with Mark McDaniel — the man convicted of molesting her 20-year-old daughter, Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell, when Anna was 8. Now, Anna joins Dr. Phil alongside her grandmother, Sandra, to tell her side of the story. What does she say happened to her as a child? And, why does she claim her mother knew about the sexual abuse when it occurred but chose not to believe her? Anna also accuses Mama June of draining her $30,000 trust fund, leaving her nearly penniless — an allegation her mother completely denies. Is there any chance at repairing her relationship with her mother? Plus, "Uncle Poodle" returns and reunites with Anna for the first time in nearly a year. This program contains sexual content. Viewer discretion advised.
#17 - Yes, I Abandoned My Children, but I’m Not a Bad Mom
Season 13 - Episode 84 - Aired 1/16/2015
Jamie says his longtime girlfriend, Akealia, was an abusive and irresponsible mom who abandoned him and their five children more than two years ago to start a new life with a man she had known for only a few days — and has seen the kids only twice since. Akealia admits to smacking her children in the face and calling them names but denies being abusive and says she thought they were better off living with Jamie. Tensions run high when Dr. Phil brings the exes together for the first time in more than two years. Why hasn’t Akealia seen her children all this time? Does she want a relationship with them? Plus, hear from Akealia’s sister, Josephine, who says Jamie isn’t innocent in the situation. Why does she blame Jamie for causing Akealia to leave? Plus, Jamie and Akealia both say their 12-year-old daughter’s behavior has gotten out of control to the point where she’s a threat to her siblings. Can these parents put their differences aside and work toward getting their family back on track?
#18 - 15 and a Teenage Terror
Season 13 - Episode 85 - Aired 1/19/2015
Vicki says she is desperate for help for her out-of-control 15-year-old daughter, Josie. She says her daughter has been kicked out of school, steals, drinks, uses drugs, has been caught sneaking boys into her bedroom and is facing battery and runaway charges. Josie admits she doesn’t like being told no but says, “Every teenager makes mistakes.” Dr. Phil has some tough questions for Vicki. Is this a case of a bad teen, bad parenting or something else? And, Dr. Phil talks to Josie about how her choices now could affect her future. Will she be inspired to make some positive changes?
#19 - “My Parents Won't Accept My Controlling Pastor Husband”
Season 13 - Episode 86 - Aired 1/20/2015
It has been more than eight years since Sarah married her pastor husband, Jason, but she says her parents, Bill and Laura, won’t accept him and won’t stop meddling in her marriage — and she’s tired of being caught in the middle. Bill and Laura say they have good reason to interfere — they claim Jason is controlling, verbally abusive and is just using Sarah to keep up his image in the church community. Jason admits he can be overbearing and “a jerk” at times, but he insists he loves his wife and children and says Bill and Laura are the real problem. Emotions run high when these feuding in-laws face each other on Dr. Phil’s stage. Have Bill and Laura overstepped their bounds? Are they justified in their concerns? Plus, don’t miss Part 2 tomorrow! Tensions boil even higher when Jason’s parents join the conversation. What do they say about this union?
#20 - “Who Am I Married to: My Mother or My Man?”
Season 13 - Episode 87 - Aired 1/21/2015
Dr. Phil continues his discussion with Sarah, who says she has been in caught in a tug-of-war between her pastor husband, Jason, and her parents, Bill and Laura, who have disapproved of Jason for nearly a decade. Bill and Laura claim Jason is controlling and abusive and say Sarah needs to leave him. Jason says he may not be perfect, but his in-laws are impossible! Today, for the first time since the wedding, Sarah’s parents come face to face with Jason’s parents, Doug and Melodie, who defend their son. Can Dr. Phil ease the tension and help these families move forward? Then, newlyweds Bobby and Felicia say they are at their wits’ end living under the same roof as Felicia’s “meddling, drama queen” mother, Randee. What’s more, the couple claims Randee is putting their special needs daughter at risk by selling pain pills out of their home! How does Randee respond? Dr. Phil doesn’t mince words with the group — will all of the adults involved accept accountability?
#21 - “My Family Doesn’t Know I’m a College-Aged Sugar Baby”
Season 13 - Episode 88 - Aired 1/22/2015
Michelle, 23, says she moved out of state, and her family thinks she is attending a prestigious university and working a retail job. But in reality, she is making a living as a sugar baby — a young woman who dates older men and is pampered with money and perks. Michelle says she has received more than $80,000 in cash, lavish gifts and trips — and she says she believes it’s an honest living, because she doesn’t sleep with men for money. When Michelle reveals her secret to her brother and father, how will they react? And, Michelle says she hopes to become an attorney one day — could her sugar baby lifestyle affect her career aspirations? Plus, a few months ago, Ashley revealed to her then-fiancé, Cesar, that she had been a sugar baby throughout their engagement — did he call off the wedding? Tune in to learn the surprising twist that happened after the show!
#22 - What Happened to Tempest?: Standing Up to Mean Girls
Season 13 - Episode 89 - Aired 1/23/2015
Last week, in Part 1 of a special series, seven teenage girls, each with a different story about bullying, were picked to spend three days together in The Dr. Phil House. Today, Dr. Phil continues his work as he sits down with the girls’ mothers — how much do they really know about their daughters? One mom says she is spread too thin to keep up with her daughter’s social life — is she hiding from the truth? Dr. Phil has important advice for these mothers and for all parents of teens on how they can stop the bullying and help their children move forward. Then, when a house rule gets broken, how will everyone respond? Plus, don’t miss Dr. Phil’s must-hear advice for dealing with “mean girls” — and how victims of bullying can take back their power.
#23 - Parental Alienation or Runaway Sisters?: “Help Me Find My Teen Daughters”
Season 13 - Episode 90 - Aired 1/26/2015
Brian says he has been living a parent’s worst nightmare since last July, when his teenage daughters, Sydney, 15, and Danielle, 14, vanished while visiting their mother, Michelle, for the summer. Two weeks later, Michelle also disappeared, and Brian, who has full legal custody of the girls, says he believes his ex-wife is hiding them. But Brian’s oldest daughter, Brittany, 19, says she believes the girls ran away so they wouldn’t have to live with Brian, who she claims is overbearing, controlling and abusive -- accusations Brian firmly denies. Dr. Phil brings this father and daughter together for the first time in almost a year in search of answers. Plus, hear from Michelle’s brother, Troy, who says he has twice received videos of Sydney and Danielle. Does he have any idea where they -- or Michelle -- might be? And, see a brand-new video of the girls specifically addressing Dr. Phil. What do they say about the situation? Can Dr. Phil help get to the bottom of this mystery?
#24 - “I'm Scared of My Sister's Boyfriend”: Is He a Danger to Her Children?
Season 13 - Episode 91 - Aired 1/27/2015
Tracy says she is desperate for her sister, Shelly, to dump her boyfriend, Jason, who Tracy believes may have sexually abused Shelly’s two granddaughters — an accusation Jason and Shelly vehemently deny. Shelly adopted the girls, ages 7 and 9, and is raising them as her own, because she says her daughter, Roxy, was an unfit mother. Both Shelly and Jason claim Roxy has coached and bribed the girls to lie about being abused in hopes of regaining custody. Dr. Phil brings all the players in this family drama together in search of answers. Was there actually abuse, or just twisted lies? Roxy is adamant that she did not fabricate the accusations against Jason and says she can’t believe her mother is defending him. Do journal entries from Roxy’s 7-year-old daughter reveal anything? Plus, hear from Shelly’s 16-year-old son — what does he say the girls told him? And, where can this family go from here? Dr. Phil weighs in — who does he think should have custody? This program contains mature subject matter. Viewer discretion advised.
#25 - Shocking Viral Video: Teen Says, “If Your Boyfriend Hits You, It's a Sign of Love”
Season 13 - Episode 92 - Aired 1/28/2015
Eighteen-year-old video blogger Romina sparked outrage after she made a video telling her many social media followers that if their boyfriend hits them, it’s a “sign of love.” Romina says she’s a role model to her 153,000 fans — but does she realize the danger of the message she’s sending? And, after hearing a domestic violence survivor’s harrowing story, will she change her mind? Plus, Jessica, 26, made headlines in 2011 when she accused an ex-boyfriend of abusing her, stalking her and even setting fire to her mother’s house. But then, Jessica admitted she fabricated evidence, including letters and phone calls, and even confessed to starting the fire — though she now claims her confession was coerced. After spending a year behind bars for public mischief and criminal harassment, Jessica is speaking out. Did she set her house on fire? And, why would she lie to police? Plus, while in prison, Jessica says she fell in love with a convicted torturer, who is currently serving an indefinite sentence. How does she say her mother, Barb, facilitated the romance — and why? And, can Jessica learn to make better choices in men?