New York City has concluded its legal battle with television producer Jordan McGraw, the son of renowned TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, reaching a formal settlement on Friday. This agreement paves the way for the release of a reality television series focusing on the New York Police Department, which had been embroiled in controversy.
Editorial Control and Content Restrictions
Under the terms of the settlement, the city will maintain editorial authority over the show, titled "Behind the Badge." This decision follows allegations that McGraw and his production company, McGraw Media, attempted to seize control of the content. McGraw Media is now required to submit "rough cuts" of each episode to the NYPD for review and must incorporate all requested edits into the final versions.
The series, hosted by Dr. Phil McGraw, a clinical psychologist turned television host, must adhere to stringent guidelines. McGraw Media has agreed to remove any content deemed inaccurate, confidential, or legally prohibited from release by the NYPD. Additionally, the production company will excise material that reveals investigatory techniques, compromises public safety or trust, or portrays the city or police department negatively.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The city initiated legal proceedings against Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media in January, accusing them of violating an agreement that granted special behind-the-scenes access to the nation's largest police force. The lawsuit claimed that their actions posed "immediate and irreparable harm" to New York City, leading to a court order that blocked the sale or distribution of any footage from "Behind the Badge."
According to the lawsuit, the rough cuts provided by McGraw Media consisted largely of unedited footage dumps. This material included discussions of sensitive operations and revealed the identities of undercover officers, crime victims, and witnesses, all of which breached the production agreement. Specific examples cited footage of an officer inputting a security code at a police station, discussions of encrypted police communications, and unblurred faces of individuals arrested but not yet tried or convicted.
Contractual Details and Production Timeline
New York City entered into a three-year contract with McGraw Media in April 2025 for "Behind the Badge," which stipulated the production of up to 17 episodes annually. However, the city retained the right to opt out of the agreement. Late last year, just hours before Mayor Zohran Mamdani assumed office, the city abandoned the project due to concerns over the show's quality and content.
The lawsuit further alleged that McGraw Media indicated it would not accept any of the city's edits and intended to distribute the flagged material while seeking a buyer to air the show. Episodes were originally slated to air on Phil McGraw's MeritTV cable and streaming channels, where he had previously featured segments on the police department.
Path to Resolution and Future Steps
In a letter to a judge on Thursday, a city lawyer revealed that both parties had "agreed to a framework" to resolve the matter through a collaborative review of rough cuts from nine episodes. The settlement agreement confirms that McGraw Media has already edited the first four episodes according to the city's specifications. The city is expected to provide feedback on the fifth and sixth episodes by next week, with the final three episodes due for review by April 16.
Chip Babcock, the lawyer representing Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media, previously expressed surprise at the city's lawsuit, noting that publication was not imminent and that the company had been cooperative in addressing requested edits. A message seeking further comment was left for Babcock, but no additional statements have been released at this time.
This settlement marks a significant step forward for the controversial reality series, ensuring that it will proceed under the watchful eye of New York City authorities, balancing entertainment with the imperative to protect public safety and institutional integrity.
