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City sues to block Adams-era NYPD reality show by Dr. Phil's son, citing safety risks
By
Charles Lane
Published Jan 21, 2026
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By
Charles Lane
Published Jan 21, 2026
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New York City filed a lawsuit Wednesday to block a Texas production company from releasing an NYPD reality show filmed during the former Mayor Eric Adams' administration, claiming the footage endangers undercover officers and reveals sensitive police operations.
The lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court accuses McGraw Media, Inc. and its president, Jordan McGraw, of refusing to remove content the city deemed too dangerous to air, including unblurred faces of undercover officers, a security code to a precinct back door and footage of individuals in police custody. It also cites footage of juveniles, crime victims and confidential NYPD tactics.
The 18-episode series, tentatively titled "Behind the Badge," was greenlighted in April 2025 under a contract signed by Adams' then-Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack, according to court documents. The deal granted the production company exclusive behind-the-scenes access to NYPD operations, in exchange for allowing the city to review rough cuts and veto material that could “compromise public safety or the public trust.”
McGraw is the son of Phil McGraw, the reality show personality known as Dr. Phil. McGraw Media’s address also shares an address with Dr. Phil’s media company, Merit Street Media. Dr. Phil Primetime produced several TV episodes featuring Adams, including one titled “Inside NYC’s Crime Crisis” that also featured former deputy mayor for public safety Kaz Daughtry.
The contract also allowed the city to block content that portrayed the NYPD in a negative light.
But the city claims McGraw Media failed to submit proper rough cuts for most episodes and did not honor the city's requests to remove problematic footage.
“The Producer has disavowed their obligations to allow the City its say in what material becomes part of the Project, risking immediate and irreparable harm to the City, its employees, and the public at large,” the complaint states.
According to the lawsuit, McGraw Media delivered rough cuts of only four episodes in December. The remaining 14 “episodes” were described by the city as an “unedited footage dump” that included raw, uncut interviews and segments without audio.
The city terminated the contract on Dec. 31, 2025, a day before current Mayor Zorhan Mamdani took office, citing an inability to continue fulfilling its obligations under the agreement. However, the lawsuit claims the production company has indicated it may try to sell the footage to a buyer this year or release it independently.
The city is seeking an injunction to block any dissemination of the footage, a declaration voiding any potential sale, and damages for breach of contract, as well as unauthorized use of NYPD trademarks and logos.
An attorney for McGraw Media could not immediately be identified. A spokesperson for Dr. Phil Primetime did not immediately respond to messages. City Hall and NYPD spokespeople did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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