NEW YORK (AP) — A legal battle between New York City and Jordan McGraw, son of television personality Dr. Phil, has come to an end with a Friday settlement that allows production to continue on an NYPD reality series.
The settlement ensures New York City maintains final editorial authority over “Behind the Badge,” following allegations that McGraw and his company McGraw Media attempted to seize creative control. McGraw Media must now submit preliminary episode cuts to police officials and include all requested modifications in the final version of the program, which will be hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw.
McGraw Media has committed to eliminating any material that police officials deem inaccurate, classified, legally restricted for release, or revealing of investigative methods that could jeopardize public safety or community confidence.
The production company also consented to cut any footage that the NYPD determines presents the city or police department unfavorably.
Attempts to reach Jordan McGraw’s attorney for comment were unsuccessful.
Previously, McGraw’s lawyer Chip Babcock stated the city’s legal action was unexpected “as publication of any programming was not imminent” and noted McGraw Media “had worked with the city to address the edits requested” while remaining open to continued collaboration.
The lawsuit filed in January alleged McGraw and McGraw Media breached their access agreement with the nation’s largest police department, potentially causing “immediate and irreparable harm” to the city. A court injunction prevented them from marketing or distributing any “Behind the Badge” material.
According to the legal filing, preliminary episodes submitted by McGraw Media consisted largely of raw footage containing prohibited content, including sensitive operational discussions and identifying information for undercover officers, crime victims, and witnesses.
The lawsuit detailed concerning footage showing an officer entering a security code at a station entrance, conversations about encrypted police communications, and unobscured faces of arrestees who had not been tried or convicted.
New York City signed a three-year deal with McGraw Media for “Behind the Badge” in April 2025, allowing for up to 17 annual episodes while reserving the city’s right to withdraw.
The city pulled out of “Behind the Badge” in late 2024, just before Mayor Zohran Mamdani assumed office, citing quality and content concerns. The lawsuit claimed McGraw Media refused all city edits and planned to distribute the problematic material while seeking broadcast partners.
The series was scheduled to air on Phil McGraw’s MeritTV cable and streaming platforms, where he had previously featured police department segments.
City attorneys informed a judge Thursday that both parties had “agreed to a framework” for resolution “through a collaborative effort to review rough cuts of nine episodes.”
The settlement reveals McGraw Media has already modified the first four episodes according to city requirements. Officials expect to review episodes five and six by next week, with feedback on the final three episodes due by April 16.
