You’ve probably seen the ads or heard the buzz—Dr. Phil didn't just retire; he built a whole network in Texas. But if you’re like most people, you’re just trying to figure out when the actual shows air so you don’t miss the good stuff. The merit street tv schedule is a bit of a moving target because they’ve been tweaking the lineup since their 2024 launch, especially after some high-profile shifts in their sports partnerships.
Basically, the network is built around a "news you can use" philosophy. It’s not just talking heads shouting at each other. They’ve got a massive 5-acre studio in the Dallas-Fort Worth area where they pump out live news, true crime, and lifestyle content. If you're looking for the heart of the grid, it’s anchored by the man himself, Phil McGraw, in the evenings.
The Daily Breakdown: Morning to Night
Honestly, the morning starts earlier than you think. Morning on Merit Street kicks things off at 8:00 AM ET. It’s co-hosted by Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger. Sachse is a powerhouse from Houston news who basically has a cult following for her "Over 50 & Flourishing" brand. They don’t just do headlines; they lean heavy into health, parenting, and money advice. It’s a two-hour block that wraps up at 10:00 AM ET.
Then things get a bit more varied during the day. You’ll see a mix of "library" content—stuff Dr. Phil fans love. We're talking:
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- Dr. Phil – Wake Up: Usually airs in the late morning.
- Dr. Phil – True Crime: Investigating those massive headline-making cases from the past.
- Steve: The Steve Harvey talk show pops up here too.
By the time the afternoon hits, the vibe shifts toward justice. At 3:00 PM ET, they usually roll out a block of COPS and JAIL. It’s classic reality TV, but it sets the stage for the heavy hitters in the evening.
The Primetime Heavyweights
This is where the merit street tv schedule gets serious. Nancy Grace, the former prosecutor who never lets a detail slide, takes over at 6:00 PM ET with Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She’s looking at cold cases and active investigations, often inviting victims' families on to keep the heat on the legal system.
Then comes the flagship. Dr. Phil Primetime airs at 8:00 PM ET. It’s the show he moved to Texas to make. Unlike his old daytime show, this one tackles broader social issues—everything from the impact of social media on kids to the immigration crisis—using what he calls "fact-based information and action plans."
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Changes You Should Know About
It’s worth mentioning that the schedule isn't set in stone forever. For example, Merit Street used to be the home for Professional Bull Riders (PBR). However, that deal fell through in late 2024 due to some behind-the-scenes legal disputes and rights fees issues. If you were looking for bull riding on the network in 2026, you're out of luck; that's moved over to Pluto TV and the PBR apps.
They’ve also had to navigate some rocky financial waters. There was a bankruptcy filing involving a joint venture with Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in 2025, which led to some shuffling of staff and showtimes. But as of January 2026, the core news and talk lineup remains the backbone of the station.
Where to Find the Channel
Finding the actual channel can be a pain depending on your provider. Here’s the quick list of where it usually lives:
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- DirecTV: Channel 306
- Dish Network: Channel 247
- U-verse: Channel 168
- Local Stations: Over 40 local broadcast stations carry it over-the-air (OTA). You’ll need a digital antenna for this.
- Streaming: The Merit+ app is the easiest way to watch live for free. It’s on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and mobile.
Actionable Tips for Viewers
If you want to stay on top of the merit street tv schedule without getting frustrated by sudden changes, do these three things:
- Download the Merit+ App: It has a built-in "Live TV" guide that updates in real-time. This is more accurate than your cable box’s grid, which sometimes lags behind last-minute programming shifts.
- Check the "Channel Finder": Go to the official Merit Street website and put in your zip code. Because they have so many local affiliates, the channel number on your antenna might be different from your neighbor's.
- Watch "The News on Merit Street" at 7 PM ET: This is the bridge between the true crime block and Dr. Phil's primetime show. It’s hosted by Kris Gutierrez and Lyndsay Keith, and it’s arguably the best way to get a recap of what the network is focusing on for the week.
The network is clearly trying to be an alternative to the traditional "big three" news stations. Whether you’re there for the blunt advice or the legal deep dives, knowing the timing is half the battle. Just keep an eye on that 8:00 PM ET slot—that’s when the biggest conversations usually happen.