Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw (R) and wife Robin present during the 36th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, August 30, 2009. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

Syndicated talk show Dr. Phil has been renewed through the 2013-2014 season in 70% of the country, including 20 of the top 25 markets.

The three-year renewal will take Dr. Phil, now in its eighth year, through its 12th season.

Since its debut in September 2002, the series has been ranked second among all daytime talk shows behind The Oprah Winfrey Show. Host Phil McGraw is the subject of two recent lawsuits filed by former participants on the show claiming inappropriate behavior on his part.

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