By Geno McGahee
Dr. Phil is the most well-known TV therapist, helping his guests through their problems, which has proven relatable and entertaining. With each episode, the audience is treated to the therapy of Dr. Phil and the stories of the guests that come onto the show for help and maybe some notoriety.
The guests have become celebrities and have generated discussion at the water coolers at work. Despite some criticisms of Dr. Phil from some, his methods prove effective and he has provided resources to the guests that they probably would not have had before. Although there were many notable guests, there were some that really stand out.
Burke Ramsey was surrounded by controversy and speculation when his sister, JonBenet Ramsey, was murdered. When he appeared on Dr. Phil, Burke appeared socially awkward, but was able to open up about the allegations against him and the ordeal that he had to go through in order to find some sort of normalcy.
The street performer known as “Sexy Vegan” came onto the show to get publicity more than help, but he became a guest that made quite the impression on the people at home. He was kicked off the show, which made him even more memorable, but he’d eventually return and Dr. Phil would do his best to get him on the right track.
Creating a meme frenzy and new saying “cash me outside”, Danielle Bregoli, a 13-year-old was a troubled child and immediately got the ire of the live show audience. Bregoli would show her immaturity but would later show her appeal, becoming a musician with a rumored high payout deal.
Dr. Phil has the ability to draw the people in the headlines onto his show in quick fashion and that was the case when he welcomed Mama June, the mother of Honey Boo Boo, who was in the middle of a huge controversy involving her boyfriend, an accused child molester. The episode covered a lot of ground and the good will that Mama June once had evaporated.
One of the most controversial Dr. Phil episodes involved Shelley Duvall. She made some shocking comments and some believed that Dr. Phil didn’t handle the guest very well, leaning toward sensationalism rather than therapy, while others believe he handled it well and did his best to help.
Dr. Phil remains one of television’s most popular personalities and continues to find relatable topics and memorable guests that keep the people talking.
