The Oprah Winfrey Network will assemble a veritable dream team of self-help gurus this January with a series of specials featuring Dr. Mehmet Oze, Suze Orman, and Dr. Phil McGraw, EW has learned exclusively.
The high-powered trio — each of whom have their own shows either in syndication or cable — will tape four, two-hour specials in front of studio audiences in Los Angeles and New York. The specials will air on four consecutive Sundays in January to coincide with OWN’s much-anticipated launch on January 1.
“We are going to do what each of us does, which is answer questions,” Dr. Oz told EW. “There are some things I am good at, and a lot of things I am bad at. I think Phil and Suze have similar portfolios. When we combine ourselves together, I will tell you what to do, Phil will tell you how to do it, and Suze will tell you how to pay for it.”
The specials were the brainchild of Lisa Erspamer, OWN’s chief creative officer, and Orman, who hosts shows on CNBC and QVC. “It’s the dream scenario,” said Erspamer. “They’ve never done anything like this together, so God only knows what will happen. They’re like rock stars. We feel like it’s a great way to kick off the new year and the new network.”
The trio will take audience questions during the specials. “They don’t always agree,” says Erspamer of the trio. “Each has their own area of expertise. They are all opinionated, lively, and strong.”
