Dr. Phil's Post-Britney Popularity Plummets

Dr. Phil McGraw is facing not just a firestorm of public criticism, but also shrinking popularity since visiting Britney Spears at the hospital Saturday, ostensibly against her wishes. The New York Daily News reports that, despite canceling his proposed Britney "intervention" show, the famed doc is having a hard time booking guests in the wake of his ill-informed visit.The doctor's show is working on its 1,000th episode (seriously!), which was initially envisioned as a celeb-laden tribute to him. One source, however, said that "nobody wants to go near it" now. As for those who have booked, some suggest that they've done so in order to stay on the good side of Oprah Winfrey, whose company produces The Dr. Phil Show. Is it time for Dr. Phil to "get real"? — Anna DimondRelated:• Dr. Phil to Britney: "Turn to the People that Love You"• Dr. Phil Scraps Spears Show, Citing "Intense" Situation• Britney Gets Her Kicks from Champagne But Not from Dr. Phil

TV GuideNews Jan. 16, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. PT