Is hit TV show 'Bull' REALLY based on Dr Phil's life? Michael Weatherly said 'there is no aspect of biography' in series
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michael Weatherly portrays Dr Jason Bull in the drama 'Bull, widely believed to be based on the early life of Dr Phil. In the show, Dr Bull is seen as the ultimate puppet master as he and his team of experts employ a variety of strategies to help their clients win in court.
The six-season series has enthralled viewers and gained a rating of 7 on IMDB. After the sixth season ended, viewers and Bull's fans debated whether the show was indeed based on Dr Phil McGraw. Let's dive into it to know more.
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Is the hit TV show 'Bull' REALLY based on Dr Phil's life?
In fact, the show was influenced by Dr Phil's early career, when he established a trial consulting business to aid clients in choosing the best jurors for their cases. His team also advised attorneys on the best ways to persuade those specially selected jurors. Weatherly, who plays Bull, finally settled the debate regarding the similarities between Dr Bull and Dr Phil in an interview with Entertainment Tonight Canada.
Weatherly said, "One of the fundamental misconceptions of the show… was that it was some sort of biography, you know, there is no aspect of biography." Weatherly added, "What is very true and Phil McGraw helps with a lot is the trial science and the analysis of how to best move forward in a jury trial. So, how do you prep your witnesses, how do you select or deselect a jury, that process is fascinating."
Dr Phil's early life
Phil McGraw was born in the Oklahoma town of Vinita as the son of Jerry Stevens and Joe McGraw. He was raised by two older sisters, Deana and Donna, and one younger sister, Brenda, as reported by Famouspsychologist. They lived in the North Texas oil fields. His father was a supplier of equipment there. McGraw's family relocated during his childhood so that his father could pursue a career as a psychologist.
Dr Phil's rise to fame
He gradually made his name as the psychologist and host of his eponymous television show. His Oprah appearances made him a familiar figure across the country.
McGraw went to work for his father, Dr Joe McGraw, in Wichita Falls, Texas, where the elder McGraw had a private psychology practice. The duo joined Thelma Box, a successful Texas businesswoman, in 1983 to present "Pathways" seminars, which were described as "experience-based training that allows individuals to achieve and create their own results," as reported by Fascinate.
McGraw and lawyer Gary Dobbs co-founded Courtroom Sciences Inc (CSI) in 1990, a trial consulting firm through which McGraw later met Oprah Winfrey. CSI eventually became a successful business. It advises Fortune 500 companies and injured plaintiffs on settlements. McGraw is no longer an officer or director of the company. He retired from psychology after joining CSI, as per reports.