Full Breakdown
New York City Settles Lawsuit Over Reality Show Featuring NYPD
3/28/2026, 12:58:33 PM
Legal Dispute and Settlement Overview
New York City has reached a settlement with Jordan McGraw, the son of television personality Dr. Phil McGraw, regarding his reality show titled “Behind the Badge,” which focuses on the New York Police Department (NYPD). The settlement, finalized on a recent Friday, allows for the show's release while ensuring the city retains editorial control. The agreement stipulates that McGraw Media, the production company, must provide rough cuts of episodes to the NYPD for review and incorporate any necessary edits before finalizing the episodes.
Background of the Lawsuit
The legal conflict began in January when the city sued McGraw Media, claiming that the production company had violated an agreement that permitted behind-the-scenes access to NYPD operations. The lawsuit highlighted concerns that certain footage could jeopardize public safety and the confidentiality of police operations. Specific issues included unblurred identities of undercover officers and sensitive operational details that could compromise safety.
Content Control and Editing Requirements
Under the terms of the settlement, McGraw Media is required to remove any content deemed inaccurate, confidential, or potentially harmful to public safety as identified by the NYPD. This includes footage that could portray the city or the police department negatively. The city had previously expressed concerns about the quality and content of the show, leading to a halt in production before Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office.
Key Figures and Influences
The agreement was reached after negotiations between the city and McGraw's legal team, led by attorney Chip Babcock. Notably, the access granted to McGraw was facilitated by former Mayor Eric Adams, despite objections from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The arrangement raised eyebrows, particularly given the unusual nature of the access and the timing of the contract, which was signed shortly after Adams faced federal corruption charges.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics have pointed out that the arrangement for McGraw to film NYPD operations without the explicit approval of the Police Commissioner is highly irregular. Former NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan noted that such a situation is "extremely unusual." Additionally, there are concerns regarding the potential influence of political connections, as McGraw's father, Dr. Phil, has publicly claimed to have facilitated connections between Mayor Adams and the Trump administration.
Official Statements and Responses
Following the settlement, Babcock indicated that the parties had agreed to collaborate on the project moving forward. He stated, “There will be no discussion of sensitive police operations that the city is concerned about.” Meanwhile, the city’s Law Department expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public safety and trust.
What's Next
The city expects to provide feedback on the first six episodes of the nine-episode series by mid-April, as the production team works to finalize the content in accordance with the settlement terms. The outcome of this agreement will determine how the NYPD is portrayed in the series and whether it can be aired without further legal complications.
