Why do you think people go on these live shows like Dr. Phil and such?

I am assuming you saw today's show. I think that husband is really crazy and I would not go back to him in a million years. Did you see the previews where he is trying to escape!!! To answer your question the reason I was asked to go on the show Last September was one I had a problem and just happened to visit his website for the first time . I could not believe my eyes when they were asking if anyone had this problem and they described exactly what my problem was so I replied. With in 3 hours I had an email asking for more details. I did this and the next morning I had a phone call from one of the producers telling me I did not have the problem but the other party certainly did. I was offered and all expenses paid trip and I seriously considered doing it. They called me every day for ten days but in the meantime my son-in-law is begging me not to do it. So I declined; but I have to add they lady I spoke with was very, very nice and I still have her phone number...just in case!

I think some people go on there because they want to be on national tv and want to get attention. Some people want other people to feel sorry for them so this is their way to get attention. Other people may feel Dr. Phil is better than any other doctor or counselor out there so they feel they can get the best advice with their problem from him. I would never discuss personal issues on tv in front of people like that. I would rather keep my affairs private and behind closed doors.

They get their hotel, their flight and I believe they make a bit of a "salary" for their appearance. They sure aren't suffering financially for what they are baring on TV. I agree, I don't think if my situation was so deeply emotional and socially controversial that I would want to talk about it in front of millions of people. I am sure though, that some people make up a load of sh*t just to get the attention and the trip. Also, I believe they are compensated financially when Dr. Phil puts cameras in their homes. What I don't get is how they act like all their fights in front of the cameras are completely spontaneous. I am sure some is acted out and made up.

It does make you wonder what people are thinking when they tell all their private business to millions of people. I don't think I would do it and certainly not for plane ticket and a hotel room. I might be tempted for a large sum of money.

Well these people are already disturbed and need mental help so the fact they want attention and think airing their business on national television is going to help sort of just goes with the belief they are already crazy to me.

Personally, I would never be able to do that. I would be so nervous the whole time that I wouldn't be able to even concentrate on the issue at hand. I honestly think that a lof of the people that go onto those types of shows dont answer questions honestly. Like, when Dr. Phil asks someone if they're doing something because of ...this...or that..and they answer yes, I feel like its just to agree with him. And also, they know they're being watched so I doubt that they're being truly open with eachother.

I think that when it comes to Dr Phil atleast many people would do anything to get his advice, and maybe that is their only chanse. At the time when I lived in hell I have to say that i was so down and saw no way out. If they woud have comed along and offered me this and said that possibly it could have helped i might have done it. I had tried everything else and was still in the same situation.. I would hate to soill it all on tv, however i think if there was one chanse of getting help it would have been worth it,

No, I wouldn't air my dirty linen in public either. Why they do, beats me, unless it's because they want a break away from home, all expenses paid, in a nice hotel. lol. From my experience, a lot of these people sound either backward, or desperate, so I would think going on the shows might be an outlet for them. I don't know, but I've seen many of them walk out of different doors, in tears. It remains a mystery, I'm afraid, my friend. :-)

I have always believed that those type of people just get off to announcing their dirty laundry on television, kind of like the Jerry Springer folks, where do they come from? I think there is a need for every want we have and I would think that as normal people we would not consider doing such in real life.

I've often wondered why people appear on those shows but, then, I try to see their side of it too. I mean, absolutely, there are many who are just in it for the "free ride", if you will (and knowing how a lot of those hosts like Ellen or Oprah or Dr. Phil like to give their guests gifts and trips and more, it's not surprising). It's been documented in the media more than once that people have lied and fooled their way onto a talk show (Oprah comes to mind... she has been duped by liars in the past). Then, I consider the Dr. Phil episodes that are airing right now with the obsessive and abusive husband. I am actually glad that the wife is on the show because it makes me think that she might have a chance of surviving this guy. I truly believe that he is capable of killing her or, at the very least, seriously harming her and/or her children. Making a dangerous situation so public certainly serves to shine a very bright light on it and makes it a bit harder for the guy to continue to do what he has been doing in secret. I've actually been following that story (I don't watch much tv but I had seen the previews) and I find myself wanting to see justice served in that case. Could I do it? I don't really know. I guess if I were at my wit's end and felt that I had exhausted all the resources I could find on my own, I could get desperate enough to seek that kind of intervention... but I know I'm a very private person and that wouldn't be the first place I'd turn, that's for sure. On another recent show, my daughter told me that the female guest burst into tears when Dr. Phil walked into the room because, at the moment, she realized that her family's problems were real and that they had gone so far as having to take them to Dr. Phil to try to get help. I guess, for some of them, it's as much an eye-opener as anything else.

I would never do it. I don't know why so many people think it is cool to be on TV and be a part of this insanity. At least, that is what I think it is. And does anybody remember what happened 2 or 3 weeks ago or a month ago on these shows? I almost want to say they are fake, but I don't want to disrespect those who are having real problems. But, if you look closely and follow many of the stories, these people are creating their own messes by their compromising behaviors. I mean they are setting them- selves up to be disappointed and hurt and taken advantage of by the way they live. Sorry, but I don't go along with all the victimhood you see on these shows. Whatever happened to self responsibility? This is not to say anything bad about those who are suffering from real problems they have little control over...I don't see the purpose of putting this drama on TV.

I don’t know- I would not go on either. Then again I’m not in any kind of a situation like that – that would require me to get help. Maybe these people that are in these situations think this is the last resort- Dr. Phil- He has been known to help a lot of people. I can see going onto Dr. Phil- but I wouldn’t choose any other- like Jerry Springer- Oh my. I don’t think the people who are going onto the show are looking for the money- just help. Personally I would go to counseling in my area- not on national tv.

I have no idea why people would go on those shows, but something about them sure interests US doesn't it ? maybe some of them ARE just paid actors/actresses. you never know! or maybe they just dont have anyy self respect left. Or maybe they just REALLY want to be on tv and dont care WHAT it takes to get there!!murray is great for that kind of shock value.. The baby's daddy is NEVER who they thik it is LOL. I really like tyra though! she's pretty decent, and she does a lot of womens issues!

No I would never EVER air my laundry like that, how embarassing! I think they go on the shows for money and the trip. Even though it wouldn't be much for some people that's all it would take. Plus people like to see themselves on tv, even though it might not be in the best light. I couldn't do it. In fact my husband knows someone that was on Dr Phil recently with his wife and was in "man camp" or whatever that series on dr phil was called, and I think he said when he was at work after it aired everyone was making fun of him, lol.

It depends on the subject, I guess. Lots of people would jump at the chance to get on TV and get their 15 minutes of fame, even if they're looking foolish. Others are looking to solve problems with family, relationships, etc. and maybe they figure going on one of these shows is like free therapy, where professionals try to help them work out solutions. And some folks probably do it for the payment (they probably get free lunch too, and maybe airfare and hotel). These people seem to be the type who probably watchTV a lot, so maybe they figure why not be *on* TV instead of watching it, and get paid for it.

I don't know why anyone would want to go on live t.v. in front of billions of people and tell their problems. BUT, I do enjoy watching them. LOL - sorry but Dr.Phil is my all time favorite talk show. Of course Jerry Springer should be off air and I'm surprised he lasted this long.

I think all they get is their flight and their hotel. Perhaps meal expenses but I don't think they get a set dollar amount. At least I have never heard of that. I know what you mean though about going on the show. But I think some people are just at the end of their rope and if he can offer and pay for some counselling then I can see where they are coming from. Maybe they feel they have no where else to turn. Definitely makes for some interesting tv though.

I guess some people really believe Dr. Phil to be "an expert" and so they go on the show on the belief that he can truly help them with a really bad situation. However, I think there are some "secondary motivations" that never get put out in the open. When I look at these people, it often seems like the original "complainant" has a strong need to get to a "TOLD you so!" place before they can accept anything. So maybe they have a desire to "publically establish" their point of view... either way, I wouldn't go on shows like that. The ones that REALLY mystify me are the ones that end up on daytime shows that clearly have little or NO redeeming value... just a bunch of people screaming obscenities at each other, over the SAME issues, over and over.

I agree with you I could never do such a thing!! But then again these people are in desperate situations and relly need the help. If my life was really messed up I might consider it just to get the help that perople like Dr.Phil offer =) It would be really embarassing being on TV for me =)

I think some of these people really need the help and they can't afford it or something. For instance, when I see those "feuding inlaw" episodes, I think the husband or wife probably called the show because the inlaws wouldn't ever do counseling with the family -- but if you say "we'll be on DR phil" they'll show up. That guy yesterday was insane. I can't imagine living in that sitation. And no, I wouldn't be televising my therapy either.