(Hollywood, CA – November 11, 2014) – Todd Herzog, who at age 22 became one of the youngest contestants to ever win the hit CBS reality competition series 'Survivor' and has appeared on the DR. PHIL show twice in the past year – first in an effort by his family to get him sober – and later to celebrate his sobriety, returns to the show after suffering a serious setback in his ongoing battle with alcoholism. Attempting to rescue him from the grips of addiction, Dr. Phil pays Todd a surprise visit at his home in Utah in an effort to save his life. The episode airs Thursday, November 13 at 4 p.m. on WUSA9.
Todd first appeared on DR. PHIL in November 2013 after his mother Shirley contacted the show fearing that Todd's alcoholism could be fatal. At the end of the episode, Todd accepted Dr.Phil's offer for help and left the stage to go directly into a 90-day rehab program. He later returned triumphant as part of the show's 2000th episode celebration in April 2014. At the time, he claimed to be 112 days sober and seemed to be beating his addiction.
Frightened that Todd's relapse was now life-threatening, in an act of desperation his mother contacted the show again, terrified he was only days from organ shutdown . . . and death. Knowing there was no time to waste, Dr. Phil flew to Todd's hometown to pay an inebriated Todd an unannounced visit to once again convince him to accept the help he so desperately needs. Part two airs Friday, November 14 at 4 p.m. on WUSA9.
Select quotes from the show:
'I know I need help, but I don't want to admit it. I came back for the 2000th episode and I was 112 days sober. On day 114, I relapsed.'
- Todd Herzog
'You don't know anybody in your life that's working harder to keep you alive than the guy you're looking at right now.'
- Dr. Phil to Todd Herzog
DR. PHIL was created by Harpo Productions, is produced by Peteski Productions in association with CBS Television Distribution and is distributed by CBS Television Distribution, a unit of CBS Corp. Carla Pennington and Dr. Phillip C. McGraw are the executive producers. Angie Kraus is co-executive producer.
