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Merit Street Media
The Behavior Panel, Cops, Jail and Classic Dr. Phil Episodes Join the Four-Hour Crime Block
DALLAS, TX – February 1, 2024 – Merit Street Media™, the upcoming news and entertainment cable broadcasting network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, announces its daily true crime block. “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” an all-new show from the former prosecutor and renowned legal analyst, will headline the four-hour event programming at 6PM ET daily. The lineup will also include two hours of “COPS” and “JAIL,” followed by “True Crime: Dr. Phil,” classic “Dr. Phil,” episodes where McGraw investigated headlining cases. YouTube sensation “The Behavior Panel” will air weekly shows on Fridays. True Crime on Merit Street begins airing April 2, 2024, the premiere date of the new television network.
“Nancy is an unmatched expert and legend in this field,” said McGraw. “She is a longtime friend which makes her joining Merit Street even more special.”
“I am so proud to be part of Dr. Phil’s new endeavor, Merit Street Media,” offered Grace. “I can now take the mission to fight crime and let the voices of crime victims be heard to an incredible new platform. As a crime fighter and victim of violent crime myself, this message is my life’s work.”
“With no signs of stopping, the true crime sensation continues to grow,” said Joel Cheatwood, COO of Merit Street Media. “By creating this destination line-up with an original icon of the genre, Nancy Grace, along with the uniqueness of the Behavior Panel, we’re confident that viewers will find the entire crime block to be informative and entertaining.”
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” – Nancy Grace is an award-winning and respected legal commentator, victims’ rights advocate, broadcast personality, and The New York Times bestselling author of four books. Grace has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of victims of crime and their families. Now, the outspoken and passionate former prosecutor explores the inside stories of true crimes — ripped from today’s headlines — as well as cold cases waiting for new leads. Grace aims to bring closure and justice to families still grappling with the pain of unresolved tragedies. New one-hour episodes air daily at 6PM ET, only on Merit Street.
“The Behavior Panel” – Renowned top body language and behavioral analysts, Mark Bowden, Greg Hartley, Chase Hughes, and Scott Rouse, collectively known as The Behavior Panel, bring their expertise to Merit Street. For years they have provided the military, law enforcement, and Fortune 500 companies with expert interpretation of the gestures, fidgets, posture, and speech patterns that reveal human behavior. From YouTube, where videos amassed over 4M views, the panel’s weekly show will analyze the news conferences, interviews, and public appearances by headline-makers that capture worldwide attention. Viewers will learn the signs of dishonesty and deception to keep them safe. One-hour episodes air Fridays at 4PM ET.
“COPS” – The award-winning, groundbreaking show filmed on location with the men and women of law enforcement dedicated to keeping America safe. Compelling, raw, action-packed, and 100% real, the long-running reality show, created by the late John Langley, has aired for 35 seasons. 30-minute reruns air Monday-Friday at 3PM and Monday-Thursday and 4PM ET.
“JAIL” – Offering a behind-the-scenes look into the toughest jails and prisons in America through the eyes of Corrections Officers dealing with hardened criminals, this series, also from creator Langley, ran for 5 seasons. 30-minute reruns air Monday-Friday at 3:30PM and Monday-Thursday 4:30PM ET.
“True Crime: Dr. Phil” – Classic episodes from McGraw’s longtime running daytime talker, “Dr. Phil,” where exclusive interviews and investigations into gripping national stories have included Gypsy Rose Blanchard, Ariel Castor’s kidnapped survivor Michelle Knight, and Burke Ramsey, brother to murdered toddler JonBenet Ramsey, are among hundreds of stories that gripped the nation. One-hour reruns air Monday-Friday at 5PM ET.
Programming at-a-glance:
- Monday-Thursday beginning at 3PM ET: COPS, JAIL, COPS, JAIL, True Crime: Dr. Phil, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.
- Monday-Friday beginning at 3PM ET: COPS, JAIL, The Behavior Panel, True Crime: Dr. Phil, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.
ABOUT MERIT STREET MEDIA
Merit Street Media™ is a premier multi-platform destination media brand spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host.
Launching April 2024, Merit Street will create and distribute compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. The backbone of Merit Street's media presence is its television network, established in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network. This fully distributed, cable, satellite, and free over-the-air broadcast media brand extends its initial reach to over 65 million television homes.
The network boasts a rich tapestry of original and acquired programming, anchored by the highly anticipated nightly talk show, "Dr. Phil Primetime." Situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the expansive Merit Street studios spans 5 acres and serves as the dynamic hub for the brand. Here, multiple hours of daily live news broadcasts will unfold, embodying Merit Street Media's commitment to delivering engaging and informative content.
Contact
Jerry J. Sharell, VP Communications
