The BEST episodes of Dr. Phil season 18
Every episode of Dr. Phil season 18, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dr. Phil season 18!
Dr. Phil is a talk show hosted by Phil McGraw. After McGraw's success with his segments on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Phil debuted on September 16, 2002. On both shows McGraw offers advice in the form of "life strategies" from his life experience as a clinical psychologist.
#1 - Young Parents at War: Baby at Risk?
Season 18 - Episode 118 - Aired 3/4/2020
JenaLeigh’s brother, Wade, had a surprise baby with his ex-girlfriend, Margaret. JenaLeigh and her mother, Jeanne, say they are now worried about the baby’s safety because they claim his parents have a physically and verbally abusive relationship. And, to top it off, Wade is being evicted from the home he rents from his uncle, John, who claims Wade has turned it into a disaster. Can Dr. Phil help these young parents at war?
#2 - Losing 400 Lbs., Gaining it All Back and More
Season 18 - Episode 108 - Aired 2/19/2020
Today, a transformation like you would not believe! At 26 years old, David was 600 pounds. At 31, David started exercising and eating right, and without gastric bypass surgery, David says he went from a dud to a stud losing 400 pounds in two years! However, David has transformed himself again, and now, the 43-year-old weighs 656 pounds. David says something happened to him when he was young, and it could be the reason why he can’t keep the weight off. David’s younger sister, Jen, and David’s father say they’re afraid David is going to die soon, and Dr. Phil is his only hope for help.
#3 - A Teen Missing 399 Days: Was She Being Kept Prisoner?
Season 18 - Episode 109 - Aired 2/20/2020
Hailey Burns was only 16 years old when she disappeared from her home in North Carolina. After 399 days, she was found, reportedly malnourished and confined behind a gate in the bedroom of a 31-year-old man she met online. The man, Michael Wysolovski, insisted he was helping Hailey, and their BDSM relationship was consensual. In a daytime exclusive, Hailey tells her story. Admitting that she went with Wysolovski willingly, she claims their 399 days together included non-consensual acts, and she is struggling to deal with the aftermath of her experience.
#4 - A Family of Lawyers Embroiled in a Dangerous Dispute
Season 18 - Episode 110 - Aired 2/21/2020
Dr. Phil meets a family of lawyers torn apart by a dark accusation. Heather claims to have been raped by her father and alleges that a video of the rape was then sold on the dark web for millions of dollars. Heather’s father, sister Jennifer, and niece Amanda all claim that this is a terrible, damaging lie – one of many told by Heather over the years -- but what is the truth of the matter? Does Heather produce evidence to support her claims? Tune in to find out!
#5 - Our Device Addicted Violent Teen Controls the House
Season 18 - Episode 111 - Aired 2/24/2020
Kathi says she lives in fear of her 14-year-old son, Nico, who plays video games up to 17 hours a day, has stolen his mom’s credit card and charged thousands to buy tokens for his games, and only went to school six days this year before refusing to attend because he wants to stay at home and game. Kathi says Nico’s violent outbursts are becoming exceedingly dangerous, and when she tries to get Nico to put down his video game controls, he rages, curses, and terrorizes the household. Kathi says Nico learned his violent behavior from his father, Evo, and Evo agrees. He says he is the ultimate sucker for his son even though Nico threatens his parents’ lives almost daily.
#6 - My Mooching Mom Has 5 Months to Get a Life
Season 18 - Episode 112 - Aired 2/25/2020
Time is of the essence for Cindy. Her daughter, Cheyenne, is a 24-year-old-college student and also her primary caretaker and sole financial supporter. Cheyenne’s boyfriend, Blake, calls Cheyenne Cinderella and wants to propose, but he says he doesn’t want Cindy ruling their future. Cheyenne says she will no longer be able to support her 56-year-old mom in five months when her college loans run out. The clock is ticking for Cheyenne and Cindy to find a way to both stand on their own.
#7 - A Blown Inheritance and Threats with a Loaded Gun: Our Mother is Out of Control
Season 18 - Episode 113 - Aired 2/26/2020
Siblings Kristle, Kayla, and Patrick all claim their mother Sherry is out of control. They say she’s blown through an inheritance worth over a quarter of a million dollars in the past 11 months by running up $500 bar tabs with her friends and strangers, and buying lavish things, like multiple motorcycles. But that’s not all. These adult children claim Sherry is popping non-prescribed pills and washing them down with rum after work. They claim her behavior has even become violent, including pulling out a loaded gun during an argument with Kayla on Christmas Eve. Sherry admits she spent the inheritance and pulled out the gun, but says abusing pills and alcohol is all in her past.
#8 - “Doomsday Couple” Found in Hawaii; Family of Missing Children Speak Out
Season 18 - Episode 114 - Aired 2/27/2020
It's a mystery that has America absolutely baffled. An Idaho teenager and her younger brother with special needs vanish and have not been seen by anyone in almost four months. Their mother, Lori Vallow, appears completely unbothered by the fact that her two children are just gone, and is in Hawaii seemingly carefree with her fifth and newest husband, Chad Daybell, who reportedly has extreme religious beliefs. Adding to the mystery, four untimely deaths surround Lori and Chad, yet she still refuses to say a single word about her children’s whereabouts. How could these children just go missing for months without a trace? Where are they? Today, family members of Lori Vallow speak to Dr. Phil to try and shine a light on this unbelievable situation.
#9 - Real Life “Pretty Woman” … Not So Pretty Ending!
Season 18 - Episode 115 - Aired 2/28/2020
Jessica says she believed that once she married her Prince Charming, Jerry, she would never have to work as an escort again. Well, flash forward 27 years later, and Jessica is still keeping men company for money! Her husband, Jerry, says he is just fine with Jessica’s profession, but claims that he and Jessica are on the verge of divorce because Jessica doesn’t trust him and thinks he’s cheating on her! Jessica claims her husband is a lying, uncaring, unsympathetic psychopath, as she has been abused multiple times by her clients. Can Dr. Phil help save this atypical marriage?
#10 - Drunk and in Denial
Season 18 - Episode 116 - Aired 3/2/2020
Three siblings, Ashley, Marena, and Tony, have come together to confront their mother, Traci, who they claim is a raging alcoholic. They accuse Traci of drinking six-to-seven nights a week and refusing to acknowledge or believe she has a drinking problem. Traci’s boyfriend, Jeff, says Traci is absolutely not an alcoholic, she just drinks because she is constantly stressed out by her children! Tony and Marena refuse to allow Traci to see her grandchildren until Traci admits that she has a problem. Are Traci’s children overreacting, or does Traci have a serious problem that needs to be addressed?
#11 - Extreme Sentencing: Bail Reform
Season 18 - Episode 117 - Aired 3/3/2020
Dr. Phil investigates a controversial new law known as "bail reform," where judges will no longer have the power to set bail for a long list of misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. Dr. Phil meets two esteemed judges, Rosemarie Aquilina and Darrell Jordan, who are in strong opposition to each other on this issue. Then, hear from Akeem Browder, whose brother Kalief took his own life after spending three years in a violent jail for a crime he did not commit because he could not afford bail, and a woman whose nephew died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver who was released from jail weeks after his arrest. Plus, Duane Chapman, aka “Dog The Bounty Hunter,” who strongly opposes the new law claiming it favors criminals over the safety of the general public, will join the conversation. How will bail reform affect the average citizen?
#12 - A Parent Accused: Jim Confronts His Children
Season 18 - Episode 107 - Aired 2/18/2020
Dr. Phil continues to speak with parents, Liz and Jim, about why each blames the other for their son’s drug addiction. Liz says she blames what she calls Jim’s abusive parenting philosophy for their son retreating to drugs, which Jim vehemently denies. Find out what happens when Jim faces his daughter, Chloe, and son, Nic. Will they support their mother’s accusations against their father?
#13 - My Teen Son: Childhood Cancer Survivor To Gang Member
Season 18 - Episode 120 - Aired 3/9/2020
Sharon says her 15-year-old son, Gabe, a childhood cancer survivor, has been in trouble with the law since he got arrested at age 12 and is now hanging out with alleged gang members. Gabe’s dad, Jason, claims his wife sinks to Gabe’s level and doesn’t understand Gabe is who he is and can’t be forced to change. Gabe’s older brother, Jadian, says his parents allow Gabe to manipulate them. Sharon’s best friend, Rosalie, says both Sharon and Jason blame Gabe’s cancer for his behavioral problems. Gabe says he likes to hang out with his “homies” and says his mom gets too emotional about everything he does.
#14 - 14 Years Old, Out of Control and Desperate for Love
Season 18 - Episode 121 - Aired 3/10/2020
Heather claims her 14-year-old son, Jason, is completely out of control, runs away, refuses to go to school, steals, attacks police officers, and has even punched her in the face. Even worse, she claims he recently was involved in a shooting that led to her eviction! Heather’s sister, Amber, claims her sister is a terrible parent who ignored Jason his entire life. She says she believes Jason’s bad behavior is a desperate cry for love and attention. Can Dr. Phil turn this dysfunctional family around?
#15 - Exclusive: Man Accused of Murdering Wife Freed After Friend Confesses
Season 18 - Episode 122 - Aired 3/11/2020
A brutal murder: Tracy Harris, a wife and young mother, was found naked, drowned, and possibly strangled in a river in 1990. The case went cold for 20 years, before Harris’ husband, Carl, was arrested. But right before his murder trial, somebody very close to him confessed. Today, Carl speaks out in an exclusive interview. Plus, a shocking reunion. Will Carl’s daughter forgive him after believing he murdered her mother?
#16 - My Top Model Son is Convinced He’s Mentally Ill
Season 18 - Episode 123 - Aired 3/16/2020
Kimberly says her son Blake is a successful model who has traveled the world. However, she says behind his success, Blake lives in constant fear of developing schizophrenia. This has caused nonstop drama in the household and the family to pull apart. She says Blake will spend 10-plus hours on Google obsessing over what could be wrong with him and seeks his family’s reassurance that he's not mentally ill. Blake’s twin brother, Chad, says his brother’s obsession has affected their relationship, and Blake’s girlfriend, Maxie, is worried this will hold him back from his modeling career.
#17 - Coronavirus: Facts vs Fears
Season 18 - Episode 124 - Aired 3/17/2020
Dr. Phil investigates the widespread pandemic known as the coronavirus. How afraid should we be? What are the facts? Dr. Phil speaks with a group of leading medical and health professionals who reveal their genuine concerns about this ever-growing, ever-changing medical phenomenon that is captivating the globe. First, eminent neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Johnson discusses the fears around this virus along with distinguished molecular and microbiology professor Paula Cannon, PhD. Then, hear from Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, whose social media post about the pandemic was shared over 1.5M times. Plus, a coronavirus survivor and his wife relive the moment of his diagnosis. And, a woman in New York reveals she is so worried about the illness that she has isolated herself in her home and intends to do so for the next two months. Watch while Dr. Phil dissects the fine details of this complex and controversial illness. How bad will it get? When will it end? Tune in to find out!
#18 - Gen Z: Lifestyles of the Mooching and Wanna Be Famous
Season 18 - Episode 125 - Aired 3/18/2020
Dr. Phil's guests say they believe internet fame is their road to fortune – but are they willing to put in the hard work to “make it big”? Mariah Malibu says she’s a “star in the making” on her way to becoming the next Anna Wintour or Paris Hilton. She wants her own fashion empire and says she’s willing to ruin relationships if that’s what gets her closer to the top! Twenty-year-old TJ says he’s wanted to be a YouTube star since he was 9 years old, so three months ago, he quit his job and is now pranking people and filming it. But his parents say he needs to come back to reality and find a job that pays the bills. And Billy Blu says his goal is to be an internet “influencer” and create his own skin care business, all while his father foots the bill. Is his father ready to cut the purse strings? Are these GenZ’ers ready for a wake-up call, or are they well on their way to a lifestyle of the rich and famous?
#19 - What’s Going on With Our Daughter?
Season 18 - Episode 126 - Aired 3/19/2020
Vicky says she avoids interacting with her 23-year-old sister, Valerie, because she has full-blown mental breakdowns and angry outbursts almost daily. Vicky says she is extremely worried Valerie will end up on the streets if she doesn’t get help. Adam says his relationship with his daughter Valerie is nonexistent because he got tired of dealing with her threats of wanting to harm herself and others. He says Valerie threatened to jump out of his car while he was driving over 60 mph on the highway. Amy says her daughter Valerie will scream, punch holes in the walls, and hit people. She says it’s hard to be around Valerie because her daughter jumps to conclusions and randomly explodes. Valerie says no one understands how debilitating her daily struggle with anxiety is and how it makes her avoid public interaction at all costs.
#20 - Coronavirus: Parenting Under Quarantine
Season 18 - Episode 127 - Aired 3/24/2020
COVID-19 has changed life as we know it. Here, in the United States, nearly 100,000 schools have closed, resulting in over 40 million children forced to stay home and leaving their parents with a new set of challenges. From children struggling with cabin fever and teens trying to cope with losing their senior year of high school, to parents struggling to turn their homes into classrooms, Dr. Phil is tackling all these new parenting struggles and more. Today, from a remote location, Dr. Phil is speaking with parents and teens from around the country, answering crucial questions when it comes to living and parenting under quarantine.
#21 - Coronavirus Fears: “My Anxiety Is Crippling”
Season 18 - Episode 128 - Aired 3/25/2020
Guests join Dr. Phil remotely from around the country and world who say their anxieties are difficult to manage while coping during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Phil talks with 29-year-old Andrea from New York City, who says she is anxious day and night, fearing she could get sick and worrying about her parents who are halfway across the country. Jonathan, who is a journalist living in China, says he has experienced some of Andrea’s fears for the past few months and says being quarantined is a mental challenge. Then, Vanessa just learned that her 90-year-old mother, Fiona, was diagnosed with coronavirus and fears she won’t be able to be with her when she dies. And, Sarita, a widowed mother, fears she will have no financial stability. Dr. Phil injects some reasonable facts to help each person understand and rationalize their own situations so they can have a healthy perspective.
#22 - Coronavirus Naysayers: “We’re Still Going To Live Our Lives”
Season 18 - Episode 129 - Aired 3/26/2020
As COVID-19 spreads across the United States, state officials have begun to establish curfews, shut down public spaces, and institute a host of other restrictions. Ava, a former Dr. Phil guest, is making headlines again. The 21-year-old college student who defied all the rules went viral on TikTok for licking a toilet seat on an airplane, as she headed to spring break festivities. Ava says the coronavirus is fake news made up by social media. Then, law enforcement visited Pastor Tony Spell because, in continuing to minister to his congregation, he violated an emergency order banning groups of more than 50 people. While Pastor Tony admittedly had over 1,100 people at Sunday Service, he says not allowing large groups to worship but letting people shop is a persecution of the faith.
#23 - House of Addicts: The Family Confronts Shayne
Season 18 - Episode 97 - Aired 2/4/2020
Shayne is ready to confront her family about her drug addiction, and to confront her sister, Shelby, because she feels she is responsible for their sister’s death. Shelby says her relationship with Shayne is non-existent because Shayne put all the blame on her when their sister died. The sisters' parents, Mary and Michael, say they hope Shelby and Shayne can work through their issues, and that Shayne finally realizes she has a serious drug addiction and needs help.
#24 - My Ex Put Cameras at My House to Prove I’m a Horrible Mom
Season 18 - Episode 87 - Aired 1/21/2020
Jason says his 16-year-old daughter refuses to talk to him because he is a disciplinarian, while his ex-wife, Tina, refuses to be a parent. He says their daughter is so entitled, she runs the house – and Tina has allowed it. Tina says her relationship with Jason has always been dysfunctional and toxic, and they constantly fight and argue. She says Jason has even put up seven cameras around the outside of her house to watch her and her daughter and listen to their conversations. Jason’s mom, Patricia, says Tina gives her daughter anything she wants, and it’s her fault that her daughter has become violent and irresponsible.
#25 - Black Eye and Busted Lip: Daughter Confronts Dad on Stage
Season 18 - Episode 88 - Aired 1/22/2020
Dr. Phil continues his conversation with Jason, who says his 16-year-old daughter won’t talk to him, and his ex-wife, Tina, who Jason claims refuses to be a parent. Their daughter claims Jason has followed her home from school, tried to fight her boyfriend, and taken pictures of her friends' license plates. She says she’s ready to confront her dad on Dr. Phil’s stage about how she ended up with a black eye and busted lip during an argument with him. Jason says he did not hurt his daughter and he is forced to stay away from her because he is afraid of getting arrested. Tina says Jason and his mother, Patricia, make the situation worse by always exerting their power over Tina and their daughter’s living situation, including Jason installing cameras around the house they live in which Patricia owns. Patricia says Tina always plays the victim but she is the reason why her granddaughter is out of control.