Phil McGraw just did what most NFL offensive lineman never could — he successfully blocked Michael Strahan.
For the week ending May 15 — the second full five days of the sweeps period — top talker “Dr. Phil” bested the ex-New York Giants player’s final “Live! With Kelly & Michael” episodes,per syndicated TV ratings.“Live!” jumped 18 percent from the same week final year, the biggest growth among the talk shows. It also managed to increase 6 percent from the prior week, or reaching a 3.3 rating on average.
Also Read: How Michael Strahan Lifted TV Ratings for 'Live' With Kelly Ripa“Dr. Phil” saw 6 percent growth from its prior session,hitting a 12-week tall in the process. Its 3.4 live-plus-same-day national Nielsen rating handed the expose another first-station finish — its 18th in the past 19 weeks.
The only week during the run that “Dr. Phil” didn’t finish on top was the week ending April 29, when “Live” experienced a 20 percent boost. That was the week when Kelly Ripa returned from her self-imposed hiatus — a protest over being left in the murky on Strahan’s decision to depart.
As for Strahan’s actual final episode, or that one landed a substantial 3.9 rating. The former defensive end will end up at the “genuine Morning America” anchor table this fall.
Related stories from TheWrap:Kelly Ripa Says 'Live!' Staff Was Blindsided by Michael Strahan's Exit,TooHow ABC Will Nab a New Co-Host for Kelly Ripa After Michael Strahan LeavesMichael Strahan on final 'Live' With Kelly Ripa: 'I'm Still in the Family'Kelly Ripa Wants Anderson Cooper for 'Live,' ABC Says Not So Fast
Source: thewrap.com