Allegations Emerge About Dr. Phil Show's Treatment of Guests

New docuseries examines claims that the show did not provide adequate medical support for struggling participants

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A new docuseries on E! called "Dirty Rotten Scandals" is examining allegations about the behind-the-scenes treatment of guests on the long-running Dr. Phil talk show. The series features an investigation by Boston Globe journalist Evan Allen, who says she heard "uniform" complaints from past guests about their experiences on the show, including claims that the show's staff did not feel obligated to provide medical help even when guests were clearly struggling.

Why it matters

The allegations raise concerns about the show's duty of care towards vulnerable guests who appeared on the program seeking help for personal issues. As one of daytime television's most prominent mental health-focused shows, the revelations could undermine public trust in Dr. Phil McGraw's approach and the show's practices.

The details

The docuseries focuses in particular on the case of Survivor winner Todd Herzog, who claims he was provided with a bottle of vodka in his dressing room before appearing on the show to discuss his alcoholism, and then went on air while heavily intoxicated. The show's representatives have provided shifting explanations about the level of medical supervision provided to guests, initially claiming Herzog was "medically supervised" before backtracking to say only those "agreeing to treatment" get that level of care.

  • The Dr. Phil Show aired from 2002 to 2023.
  • The new E! docuseries "Dirty Rotten Scandals" examining the show premiered on March 4, 2026.

The players

Dr. Phil McGraw

The host and face of the long-running Dr. Phil talk show, which is now the subject of allegations about its treatment of vulnerable guests.

Evan Allen

A Boston Globe journalist who investigated complaints about the Dr. Phil show and is featured in the new E! docuseries.

Todd Herzog

A former Survivor winner who appeared on the Dr. Phil show to discuss his alcoholism, and claims he was provided with alcohol backstage before going on air intoxicated.

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What they’re saying

“We heard that, in fact, Todd was medically supervised the entire time he was involved with tapings of Dr. Phil. We said, 'Okay. So, how did Todd get so drunk?' And then they came back to us again, saying that what they actually meant was that a hundred percent of guests agreeing to treatment get medical supervision.”

— Evan Allen, Boston Globe journalist (E!)

“We said, 'Well, do you have a responsibility to treat people medically when you bring them here?' And he said, 'Of course not. It's a television show.'”

— Evan Allen, Boston Globe journalist (E!)

What’s next

The allegations against the Dr. Phil show will likely continue to be investigated, and could potentially lead to scrutiny of the show's practices and duty of care towards guests.

The takeaway

These allegations raise serious questions about the ethical standards and medical support provided to vulnerable individuals who appear on high-profile television programs seeking help. It underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency around the treatment of guests on such shows.