NYC Sues Dr. Phil's Son To Block Release Of NYPD Reality Show

NEW YORK CITY — New York City have filed a lawsuit to block a production company, run by the son of TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, from releasing an NYPD reality show filmed during ex-Mayor Eric Adams' time in office.

The lawsuit claims that the series called "Behind the Badge" exposes sensitive police operations, endangers undercover officers and poses "an imminent threat to the life and safety of active police officers."

The series was greenlighted in April 2025 and then-mayor Adams granted Jordan McGraw access to follow NYPD officers while on-duty as well as behind-the-scenes access to NYPD operations.

The contract called for an 18-episode series, with the agreement that the city and NYPD could review footage and edit material they deemed could “compromise public safety or the public trust.”

According to NBC New York, Adams made the deal with McGraw, and cut the NYPD out of that decision despite objections from police commissioner Jessica Tisch. His administration eventually lost control of the production.

McGraw is accused of refusing to remove footage deemed "dangerous" by the city. According to the lawsuit, the production company did not obscure faces, voices and names of undercover officers conducting operations in plainclothes.

In addition, the city is claiming that McGraw wants to distribute footage showing faces of witnesses, crime victims and persons in custody without their consent. The footage also reveals a secret passcode to a station house door.

The lawsuit seeks to block McGraw's production company from selling or distributing the unedited footage that would tarnish the NYPD's reputation.

In a social media post, Adams said that McGraw "brought exceptional talent in revealing the inside story of the dangers NYPD officers face every day" and that his team addressed every concern raised by City Hall.

"I’m proud that the work they did tells the real story of our brave police officers," the former mayor continued. "Heroes don’t wear capes, they wear blue uniforms. I understood that. I hope America will get to see that too," Adams added.