How to Be a Guest on The Dr. Phil Show

Dr. Phil McGraw
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Do you ever watch and think to yourself, “I have a story to tell” or “I could be that person on stage”? If so, the opportunity is yours. Just remember: being a part of the show is never guaranteed and if you are part of the show, you – and your story – will be shared with millions of people.

How to Be a Guest on The Dr. Phil Show

  1. Review upcoming topics by visiting Dr. Phil’s ‘Be on the Show’ page to review upcoming issue topics, such as relationships/dating, current events, family, children/teens and more.
  2. Select the topic that matches your story, issue or interest.
  3. Click through the topic and fill out the guest application.
  4. Complete the application and wait for the show to contact you.
  5. Share your story in a brief, but compelling way. Capturing the producers’ imagination and interest – helping them visualize your story – will help you achieve your goal.
  6. You must be over 18 years old to participate.
  7. Minors may participate with a parent or guardian’s consent.
  8. You must submit your full name, birthdate, street address, city, state, contact phone number, e-mail address and confirm your willingness to be on the program.
  9. Be aware that once you submit your story and email, you consent for the show to use the story on its website or on the program.

What It Is Like to Be a Guest on ‘The Dr. Phil Show’

If you’re curious what it’s like to be a guest on Dr. Phil, you’re not alone. Everyone wonders how an actual appearance will go. Dr. Phil answers that question a bit on the show’s website in a post that follows a guest for the day.

The post explains how the show receives thousands of emails and correspondence from viewers who want to be a part of the show. Many of those viewers are looking less to have their issue resolved by Dr. Phil and more to debate with Dr. Phil the topic at hand.

That’s what happened to Kellie, a past guest on the show. She wrote in to air her differences with one of the topics Dr. Phil was covering (Project Single Girl), not thinking much of it (Kellie said Dr. Phil should air a show titled “Project Dumb Ass” about the things men do). Next thing she knew, producers were reaching out to her to see if she wanted to debate Dr. Phil on the air.

Guests do get a bit of the star treatment. They’re picked up at the airport by limousine and stay at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood. They’re then transported to the show where they settle in their own dressing room. That’s followed by makeup and hair and then on to the show.

One thing to remember before applying to be a guest: your story and your opinion will be viewed by millions of people on television and, possibly, online for as long as the video lives online. As long as you’re comfortable with that, then there’s no reason not to try to be on the show!