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New York City and Dr. Phil's Son Resolve Dispute Over NYPD Reality Show
Settlement allows production to move forward with city retaining editorial control.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:53am
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New York City has reached a settlement with producer Jordan McGraw, the son of TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, over a reality show he is making about the New York Police Department. The city had previously accused McGraw and his production company, McGraw Media, of trying to wrest away editorial control of the show, titled 'Behind the Badge.' Under the new agreement, the city will retain editorial control and McGraw Media will provide 'rough cuts' of episodes to the NYPD for edits to be incorporated into the final version.
Why it matters
This settlement resolves a legal dispute that threatened to derail the production of a high-profile reality show about the NYPD. The city's insistence on maintaining editorial control highlights the sensitive nature of depicting law enforcement on television and the need to balance creative freedom with public accountability.
The details
The agreement reached on Friday allows the reality show 'Behind the Badge,' hosted by Dr. Phil, to move forward with Jordan McGraw's production company, McGraw Media. However, the city will retain the ability to review rough cuts of episodes and incorporate edits from the NYPD into the final version before release.
- The legal dispute was resolved on March 28, 2026.
The players
New York City
The local government of New York City, which had previously taken legal action against the production of the NYPD reality show.
Jordan McGraw
The producer of the NYPD reality show 'Behind the Badge' and the son of TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw.
McGraw Media
The production company owned by Jordan McGraw that is producing the NYPD reality show.
Dr. Phil McGraw
A TV personality and clinical psychologist who is hosting the NYPD reality show 'Behind the Badge.'
NYPD
The New York Police Department, which will have the ability to review and provide edits to the reality show episodes under the settlement agreement.
What’s next
The reality show 'Behind the Badge' can now move forward with production, with the NYPD providing input on the final edited episodes.
The takeaway
This case highlights the delicate balance between creative freedom and public accountability when depicting law enforcement on television. The settlement ensures the NYPD's perspective is represented while allowing the production to proceed.
