rant · moment 2 of 18
The Golden Age of TV and the Show 'Bull'
from #284 - Prozac Play-Doh | The Tim Dillon Show · #284
2 min
Tim riffs on an article about record numbers of scripted TV shows, then zeroes in on the CBS show Bull, mocking its Dr. Phil origin story and absurd premise.
- Tim identifies the Golden Age of TV as a disaster for podcasters, citing 599 scripted shows on air—more than any point in U.S. history.
- Scripted series volume hit an all-time high in 2021, with FX's annual estimate jumping 13% after a dip in 2020, yet no one knows how to actually watch any of these shows.
- Tim asks about Bull, a drama starring a charming, cocky trial consultant and his team of psychology experts who help clients win cases.
- Bull is inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, who serves as executive producer—making the show essentially Dr. Phil's origin story.
- The show ran 113 episodes before cancellation, and Tim thanks the listener for spending time on the podcast instead of watching it.
Dr. Phil McGrawBull