Dr. Phil Primetime - Season 2 / Year 2025

She's been called tough, controversial, and at times, downright unfiltered. But now, Abby Lee Miller is sitting down with Dr. Phil to face the questions everyone's been asking. How did a dance career turn into a prison sentence? What's the real story behind her public feud with former students and colleagues? And after everything, is she ready for redemption—or is the ‘Dance Moms' diva still calling the shots? Find out in this compelling one-on-one interview!

Samantha, a former special ed elementary school teacher says all she wanted to do, since she was a child, was work in education. But after experiencing the reality of teaching in the modern day, she says she will never step foot in a classroom again. Also, disgruntled parents, Mark and Val, noticed their two kids being underserved in their public schools. Their son was falling behind in reading and math, and their daughter was unchallenged. But they didn't know until the pandemic forced them to look at what their kids were doing in school. They decided to pull them out of school, sell their house, and "world school" them. Justin, a former principal, reveals how schools are being pressured to pass students even if they don't show up to class. Jeanne Allen, the CEO of the Center of Education Reform, shares her 30-year battle with the education system and how she's trying to change the "factory-like" public school system into a more productive one.

Los Angeles County District Attorney and Sheriff talk to Dr. Phil about charges against looters and arsonists.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman talks to Dr. Phil about charging 10 individuals in four crimes committed during the devastating wildfires. Nine people are facing felony charges in connection to residential burglaries in the cities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and a separate defendant has been charged with arson for intentionally starting a fire in the city of Azusa. "These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability," District Attorney Hochman said. "Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."  The felony charges were the result of a multi-agency collaboration that underscores the strength of local, state, and federal partnerships. Law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; Los Angeles Police Department; Los Angeles County Fire Arson Unit; U.S. Attorney's Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated closely with the District Attorney's Office to bring these suspects to justice. And Sheriff Robert Luna talks to Dr. Phil about his request for additional National Guard members to help his team. Looting and theft remain a top concern for the sheriff's department as well as online scams. Plus a man who says thanks to strangers his home in Altadena was saved.

The Los Angeles wildfires decimated ten of thousands of acres, killed at least 10, and forced the evacuation of more than 180,000 people Dr. Phil focuses on a devastating crisis that's hitting close to home. Homeowners in California and across the nation are left helpless and vulnerable as insurance premiums skyrocket, leaving many with a heartbreaking choice: pay for coverage, or put food on the table. First, a woman whose parents nearly lost everything in the Los Angeles wildfires, she says it's a miracle that they didn't because no insurance company would cover them, and they were without insurance. Then, Dr. Phil speaks with Kristy and Michael, who know this reality all too well after losing two homes in the last six years to California wildfires. Now, they're trying to rebuild for the second time. Plus, Dr. Phil talks to Macie and Caleb, who couldn't afford flood insurance due to rising costs. When Hurricane Helene hit, they watched helplessly as floodwaters destroyed their forever home. Macie says it felt like a thief came in the night and stole everything. Dr. Phil also hears from Jamie, who was shocked when her home insurance was unexpectedly canceled due to wildfire risks. Now, her family lives in constant fear of losing everything. Dr. Phil will also speak with attorney at law Steven Bush who says that insurance companies are in it for the profit and offer tips for homeowners seeking coverage in these uncertain times. 

Dr. Phil sits down with Los Angeles' new District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, a no-nonsense prosecutor with decades of experience. Known for his tough but balanced approach, Hochman is stepping into one of the most high-profile DA roles in the country. Unlike his predecessor, George Gascón, Hochman has promised a "hard middle" approach to crime—rejecting extreme policies on both ends of the spectrum. Backed by law enforcement heavyweights like Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Hochman isn't afraid to shake things up. He opens up about his plans to prioritize public safety, hold dangerous offenders accountable, and restore trust in the DA's office, all while steering clear of blanket policies that don't work. Dr. Phil asks him about the Menendez Brothers' future and his plans on mass deportations in his sanctuary city.

There is a growing concern by many who claim some mental health professionals and psychology professors have placed their own socio-political ideologies over what's best for their patients and the students entering the field. These same critics claim the bias has left many patients feeling the need to censor themselves or forgo much needed treatment all together. Dr. Phil will speak with 18 year old Claire, who claims her therapist crossed the line after subjecting her to a shocking political rant after her session ended, which forced her to sever ties with her therapist during a time she needed her the most. Dr. Phil will also speak with Dana, a mother who insists a therapist with a social justice agenda and clear bias against her, further drove a wedge between her and her daughter in only three sessions. Dr. Phil will also speak with Soad, a licensed therapist who says she requires all prospective clients to check her social media so they know she is a conservative who only deals in reality, and will challenge any non- fact based position on social justice topics. Plus, Dr. Phil speaks with Megan, a licensed clinical counselor who says she's facing online cancel culture over her political social media posts. And, Dr. Phil will Dr. Hartz who is the founder of the Open Therapy Institute, an organization focused on removing bias from mental health care across the country.

"Doom Scrolling", "FOMO", "Likes" and "Follows" these are things that keep pre-teens, teens and early 20-somethings focused on their phones. In fact, nearly 40% of young Americans, aged 18 to 22, are reportedly ADDICTED to social media, leaving many feeling Targeted and Trapped. A recent study from San Diego State University, shows that 7-out-10 teens, who spend over 5 hours a day on social media, are more likely to struggle with suicidal ideation. So tonight, Dr. Phil sits down with parents who are taking on the social media giants after losing their son and several teens who get candid about what drives their anxiety, depression and potentially darker thoughts.

Tonight, Dr. Phil focuses on a dangerous trend law enforcement calls a "street takeover," where hundreds of young adults close down streets to perform reckless car stunts. Dr. Phil will speak with Cindi and Maria, who know first-hand how dangerous a street takeover can be. Maria says what started out as a fun night hosting a dinner party for friends, ended with her in a coma, and her loving fiancé Raymond, dead. Maria says while crossing the street she and Raymond were run over by a young man allegedly leaving a street takeover. Now, Maria is left to pick up the pieces while Raymond's sister, Cindi, fights for safer streets in honor of her late brother. Plus, Dr. Phil speaks with car enthusiast Eli, about how he is trying to stop this dangerous trend. Dr Phil will also speak Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar to discuss this trend from a law enforcement point of view. Dr. Phil will also speak with retired Child Cyber Crime Detective Rich Wistocki, for tips on how to report takeover crimes.

Dr. Phil conducts an in-depth interview with Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, a Maryland woman tragically murdered in 2023. The conversation centers around both the emotional toll of losing a child to violent circumstances, as well as the broader social and political issues surrounding the case. Rachel Morin's mother reflects on her daughter's life and the devastating impact of her loss. She also shares her personal commitment to advocating for change, fueled by the belief that stricter immigration enforcement could help prevent violent crimes committed by individuals who may be living in the country illegally.

Patty Prewitt, recently released from prison after serving 40 years for a crime she maintains she didn't commit, joins Dr. Phil alongside her daughter, Jane Prewitt, and News On Merit TV anchor, Loni Coombs. Together, they discuss Patty's fight for freedom, the challenges of reintegration after incarceration, and the ongoing push for justice. Dr Phil, who has closely followed Patty's case, shares his perspective on the controversial conviction and what it reveals about systemic flaws in the criminal justice system. Plus, Patty opens up about her emotional reunion with family and her plans for the future.

Tom Homan, the former ICE Director and now President Trump's 'border czar' is all about transparency and the letter of the law. When they decided to undertake the first large multi-agency operation to identify, target, and arrest dangerous illegal aliens in Chicago, Homan agreed to allow Merit TV and Dr. Phil to embed with agents and document factually what was going on. Specifically, how targets were identified, prioritized, approached and taken into custody. Dr. Phil filmed a variety of arrests including a convicted sex offender and internet predator from Thailand who was residing illegally in Chicago. Dr. Phil discovers they are not sweeping through neighborhoods or raiding schools. These brave men and women are laser-focused on taking hardened criminal illegal aliens who've been hiding in plain sight.

The health of American children is under attack- and its biggest threat is a basic need, food. Research is showing that ultra-processed foods are linked to the chronic illness epidemic that is sweeping our nation. More than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition, such as asthma, obesity, and behavior/learning problems. Less than 1% of children eat ideal meals. Ultra-processed foods currently make up nearly 60% of what a typical adult eats- and nearly 70% of what children eat. Dr. Phil speaks to Calley Means, co-founder of Truemed; Dr. Cate Shanahan, board-certified MD and nutritionist; and Jillian Michaels, a fitness expert and trainer to weigh-in on this uniquely American crisis.

Dr. Phil speaks to two women who illustrate the importance of the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and the problems with diet and nutrition in our country. Both women say they came from poverty-stricken families and have never had healthy relationships with food- one woman has been diagnosed as obese since she was in elementary school, the other has a severe case of type 2 diabetes that she developed at age 25. Both of their children also suffer from chronic illness- and they live together as roommates. They've both been on a weight-loss journey in the past year and want advice and guidance on how to help themselves and their children.

Tonight, Dr. Phil sits down with Rachel and Jenna, two young women in recovery from nitrous oxide addiction. They open up about how their misuse of this legal substance left them unable to walk or care for themselves. Jenna's father shares the heartbreaking impact of his daughter's addiction, revealing how it pushed him to fight for restrictions on sales of nitrous oxide in his state. Dr. Charles Sophy joins the conversation to explain exactly why the misuse nitrous oxide is so addictive and dangerous, shedding light on the shocking consequences of this seemingly harmless substance. Dr. Phil dives deep into the growing crisis and what parents need to know to protect their kids from this legal high they can get in any gas station.

Tonight, Dr. Phil is discussing an issue that has been reported to be a national crisis that's been on the rise for years. Every 39 minutes someone dies from a drunk driving crash, with the number of inebriated drivers getting behind the wheel 300,000 times each day. First, Dr. Phil will speak with Sophia, who was recently arrested and charged with, "DUI with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .15 or higher." Her arrest made international headlines and has gone viral online due to the body cam footage captured during her arrest. Dr. Phil will also speak with Chase, a mother and full-time bartender who admits a large part of her 3 plus week attempt at sobriety is to keep her from continuing to drive under the influence an estimated 40-50 times per year. Plus, Dr. Phil will speak with Sydney, who lost her husband, Shane, and 19-year-old son, Jakob, when a drunk driver reportedly killed them both on the way to Jakob's college orientation.

Families shattered, dreams cut short, and an epidemic that knows no boundaries. Fatal curiosity takes the life a college student, peer pressure pushes a teen to a deadly mistake and negligence, deceit, and disregard led to death of an innocent 4yo. Dr. Phil shares the heartbreaking stories of parents who never saw coming their child's death by Fentanyl poisoning, and who are now turning their grief into action. How can a single pill take a life? And what can be done to stop this silent killer from claiming more victims? Their pain, their fight, and their hope for change..

More than 20 years after Jennifer Harris was murdered, her family is still searching for answers. On Dr. Phil Primetime, Jennifer's sister, Alyssa Wernick, and her husband, Barry Wernick, sit down with Dr. Phil, former investigator Daryl Parker, and host of Crime Stories, Nancy Grace, to break down the case. With new insights and forensic advancements, could the truth finally come to light? Dr. Phil and Nancy Grace uncover what went wrong in the investigation and what it will take to bring Jennifer's killer to justice.

Tonight, Dr. Phil explores the growing phenomenon of AI companionship, where people form deep emotional bonds with artificial beings. Social media influencer Caryn Marjorie reveals how her AI chatbot, CarynAI, went from a fan engagement experiment to a disturbing case study in addiction and detachment from reality. Justin, CEO of You, Only Virtual, explains how his company helps people maintain conversations with deceased loved ones, redefining grief itself. Eugenia, the creator of Replika, a popular AI companion platform, shares how AI can offer support but warns against the dangers of emotional dependency. Professor James Brusseau weighs in on the ethical and societal risks of AI replacing human relationships. As AI technology rapidly evolves, Dr. Phil asks the crucial question: Are we building a better future or losing touch with real human relationships.

Suicide touches every family and every community and too often leaves loved ones with more questions than answers. Every 11 minutes, an American takes their own life. It's the leading cause of death among our youth. Why is nobody listening when our children are screaming for help from the edge? In harrowing cases, children have reached a desperate breaking point, crying out for intervention—yet some schools remained silent, and the adults in the room failed to act. How do these tragedies unfold, and what does it say about the systems meant to protect our youth? Dr. Phil will peel back the layers of a devastating failure and search for answers that might save many more lives.

In response to the devastating January wildfires in Southern California, Los Angeles businessman Rick Caruso has initiated several efforts to aid in the region's recovery. In an exclusive interview with Dr. Phil, Mr. Caruso describes how the fires hit close to home for his family and why he's driven to help LA come back stronger than ever.

Human Trafficking is one of the most underreported crimes, leaving us with only a fraction of the true scope; it's in our cities, our suburbs, and even our social media feeds. Tonight, we're exposing the shocking tactics traffickers use to lure victims. We'll go undercover with a private investigator works to rescue victims, hear from survivors who escaped the unthinkable, and learn what you can do to stop it. This is the wake-up call America needs—because no one is truly safe until we all know the truth.

The Menendez case involves brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The brothers, who were 21 and 18 at the time of the crime, claimed they acted in self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, but prosecutors argued the motive was financial. In a recent development, District Attorney Nathan Hochman has taken a firm stance against granting a new trial for the Menendez brothers and has asked the court to deny Erik and Lyle Menendez's habeas corpus petition. Following his pivotal press conference, Dr. Phil spoke with the DA who tells him about his recent crucial decisions that could profoundly impact the brothers' legal status. Dr. Phil talks to Merit TV's own Loni Coombs to unpack this case that has been grabbing our attention for decades now.

Grants Pass is a smaller community, nestled in the beautiful backdrop of southern Oregon, that has many residents claiming there has been an explosion of homelessness, leaving their idyllic community unsafe. Grants Pass has gained national attention because of a court case between local homeless individuals and the city. At the heart of the matter is whether it is cruel and unusual punishment for the city to arrest or fine people for sleeping outside in public, even with just a pillow or blanket, when there is no safe shelter available. The case has gone all the way to the Supreme Court, with a decision coming soon, and potentially having national implications on whether cities can criminalize those with no other option but to sleep in public. Dr. Phil sent his team to Grants Pass to speak with residents and people experiencing homelessness to see firsthand what is going on. Dr. Phil will speak with residents Missy and Brock, who claim the rise in homelessness has left many residents scared due to the rampant drug use, crime, and even physical assaults on residents. The debate over whether to criminalize people experiencing homelessness sleeping in public heats up when Dr. Phil invites two experts on opposite sides of the issue: Donald Whitehead (Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless) and Matt Mackowiak (Co-founder of Save Austin Now). Plus, Dr. Phil speaks with Dion, a young man who is currently experiencing homelessness, and says criminalizing the things needed to survive on the street is not the answer.

With a decision from the Supreme Court looming on whether cities and states will have the right to criminally punish people experiencing homelessness for sleeping in public, many are divided on what that decision should be. Tonight, Dr. Phil will hear from people experiencing homelessness themselves and learn why they are strongly against being criminalized. Plus, the debate continues as Donald Whitehead (Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless), Matt Mackowiak (Co-founder of Save Austin Now), Michele Steeb (Senior Fellow with the Texas Public Policy), and residents of Grants Pass (a town that has gained national attention because of a court case between local homeless individuals and the city), debate the solutions to the homelessness epidemic.

Tonight, the difficult topic of grief. The emotions that come with grief can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. It's not a linear process, nor is there a "right" way to grieve. So, when a young wife and mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she and her husband made the choice to openly share their journey. The courageous and touching videos they made have viewed millions of times on social media.

Last year, nearly 400,000 uncertified teachers were reported to be employed in school districts across the country, largely to combat a teacher shortage. In addition, it has been reported that many states have lowered the standards and requirements teachers once needed to enter the classroom. Tonight, Dr. Phil will discuss the impact these solutions could have on American students. Dr. Phil will speak with Amber Shields, a former principal and non-profit education leader who claims districts have prioritized filling teaching vacancies over the education of the students, which can result in months of lost learning. Dr. Phil will also speak with Jessenia who says she was hired as a long-term substitute without even a formal interview, credentials, or prior experience. Jessenia admits a student truly passionate about a particular subject could probably teach the class better than she could. Plus, Dr. Phil will speak with Aurora who says she was stunned when she received an email from her son's principal that his 6th grade science teacher is uncertified and had been instructing him for months. Aurora says she had no clue that schools were even allowed to hire a teacher who had no certification and says there is nothing she can do because her son is required to take the class, and the district is not going to fire the teacher.

Social media trends can change drastically in just a year, and two movements are now capturing widespread attention—and controversy. The "Trad Wife" phenomenon, where women embrace traditional homemaking roles and step away from the workforce, has surged in popularity, amassing millions of followers and nearly 100 million views. But while some celebrate the lifestyle, critics argue it reinforces outdated gender roles and diminishes women's societal standing. Meanwhile, young men across the country are being drawn into a more dangerous trend—following fitness influencers who promote performance-enhancing drugs like steroids. A study from the Center for Countering Digital Hate reveals that in just three years, videos pushing steroids to teens and young men have been viewed over 420 million times. As these two trends gain momentum, they spark heated debates about gender, health, and the influence of social media.

In this exclusive interview, former Acting ICE Director and "Border Czar" Tom Homan joins Dr. Phil for an in-depth discussion on the latest efforts to secure the U.S. borders. Homan provides an up-to-the-moment breakdown of the challenges facing border security, including the implementation of the Alien Enemies Act, the ongoing battle against drug smuggling—particularly Fentanyl—and broader immigration enforcement strategies. With his extensive experience in border operations, Homan offers critical insights into the policies and measures being taken to address illegal crossings, national security threats, and the impact on American communities.

On January 26th, 2011, Ellen Greenberg was found dead in her apartment with twenty stab wounds to her head, neck, and back, as well as eleven bruises in various stages of healing on her right arm, leg, and abdomen. The medical examiner initially ruled it a homicide, but after a secret meeting with police, he changed the cause of death to suicide. Ellen's fiancé, Samuel Goldberg, alleged that he had gone down to the gym in their apartment building for 30-45 minutes and was unable to get back into their apartment. He called, texted, and yelled into the apartment before asking the building manager for help getting into the apartment, only to find out the door was latched from the inside. After an hour of this, Sam busted through the door and found Ellen's body on the floor. He called 911, and then he moved on with his life. He's now married with two children and is a sports TV producer. Ellen's parents, Joshua and Sandee Greenberg, fought for justice for 14 years. Just this month of February, they settled two civil cases with the city of Philadelphia and remain devastated and angry over the mishandling of their only child's death. The city of Philadelphia has also agreed the current medical examiner will reopen Ellen's case and, look at the physical and medical evidence of her cause of death and draw their own conclusion. This type of challenge to the medical examiner is unprecedented in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania- and could change state law in the future. Attorney Guy D'Andrea, who personally investigated the case for the Philadelphia DA in 2015, will discuss the huge inconsistencies in the evidence he found at the crime scene and in the autopsy. Our very own Nancy Grace, who has been following the Greenberg's case for months and is releasing a book about Ellen's death, will also join to dissect the case and discuss the relationship she's built with Joshua and Sandee along the way.

On January 26th, 2011, Ellen Greenberg was found dead in her apartment with twenty stab wounds to her head, neck, and back, as well as eleven bruises in various stages of healing on her right arm, leg, and abdomen. The medical examiner initially ruled it a homicide, but after a secret meeting with police, he changed the cause of death to suicide. Ellen's fiancé, Samuel Goldberg, alleged that he had gone down to the gym in their apartment building for 30-45 minutes and was unable to get back into their apartment. He called, texted, and yelled into the apartment before asking the building manager for help getting into the apartment, only to find out the door was latched from the inside. After an hour of this, Sam busted through the door and found Ellen's body on the floor. He called 911, and then he moved on with his life. He's now married with two children and is a sports TV producer. Ellen's parents, Joshua and Sandee Greenberg, fought for justice for 14 years. Just this month of February, they settled two civil cases with the city of Philadelphia and remain devastated and angry over the mishandling of their only child's death. The city of Philadelphia has also agreed the current medical examiner will reopen Ellen's case and, look at the physical and medical evidence of her cause of death and draw their own conclusion. This type of challenge to the medical examiner is unprecedented in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania- and could change state law in the future. Attorney Guy D'Andrea, who personally investigated the case for the Philadelphia DA in 2015, will discuss the huge inconsistencies in the evidence he found at the crime scene and in the autopsy. Our very own Nancy Grace, who has been following the Greenberg's case for months and is releasing a book about Ellen's death, will also join to dissect the case and discuss the relationship she's built with Joshua and Sandee along the way.