• June 29, 2001

NEW YORK (Variety) - The company that syndicates "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is developing a TV talk show to be hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw, the relationship guru who presides over "Oprah" every Tuesday.

"Dr. Phil" won't be available until fall 2002, but King World Prods. is planning to charge into the marketplace and start lining up stations.

Winfrey's Harpo Prods. will co-produce "Dr. Phil" with Paramount Domestic TV. The companies all declined to comment on distribution.

Last week, Harpo announced in a memo to TV stations that it would produce a "Dr. Phil" show for 2002-03.

One source said there's a clause in Harpo's "Dr. Phil" contract that prevents a TV station from scheduling the show directly opposite "Oprah."

- Reuters/Variety