The daytime TV ecosystem is made up of several key organisms.
But how to categorize Dr. Phil McGraw, whose eponymous series is currently the No.
1 syndicated talk show?
Credit: OWN Network
For a time, it seemedDr.
A random sampling of episodes fromDr.
Phils new season (its 17th!
), however, revealed none of the deranged joy present inSpringeror even its sleazier stepchild,Maury.
Philseems intent on harnessing all of the bleakness of human dysfunction with none of the fun.
Through it all, Dr. Phil rotates through several demeanors.
(That part always makes me think ofBaby Mama, to be honest.)
Recently, a despairing mom named Theresa sat facing her angry and impetuous teen daughter Tessa.
Later that day, I tried the technique on my 8-year-old (minus the uncomfortably close chairs).
Be quiet, he sighed, and walked away.
