It appears that the lie detector has been a successful ratings gimmick for Dr. Phil McGraw:


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http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6394517.html Breaking News Syndicated Ratings: Dr. Phil Edges Closer to Oprah By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/22/2006 2:20:00 PM Dr. Phil edged closer to talk leader Oprah in the syndicated ratings for the week ending Nov. 12, the first full week of the November sweeps, with his highest ratings since May 2005. That was part of a generally buoyant week for talkers and most magazine shows. Phil was up 11% from the prior week to a 5.9 and was the only talker up over the same week last year, with a 7% bump. He was helped by a 6.6, just making it into his top-five all time ratings performances, for a Nov. 6 episode in which it took a lie detector to settle a family dispute. Oprah still led the way at a 7.2, but that was down 6%. ...