'Dr. Phil' beats daytime rivals in ratings by biggest November margin ever

November was kind to Dr. Phil McGraw.

The host of the syndicated talk show "Dr. Phil" won the November sweeps period with a 3.6 household rating, according to Nielsen. That was a 44 percent lead over his nearest competitors, "Live with Kelly" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

It was also "Dr. Phil's" 15th straight win in a major sweeps period and his largest margin of victory ever.

Also Read:Steve Harvey to End Current Talk Show, Launch New One

McGraw also made headlines — and generated plenty of criticism — with a program that interviewed 1970s film star Shelley Duvall, who now says she is mentally ill. Detractors found the interview exploitative.

See photos of Dr. Phil:

Among game shows, there was a big upset: "Family Feud" overtook the syndicated perennial "Wheel of Fortune," 6.7 to 6.2.

The top syndicated show was, as usual, "Judge Judy," which earned a 7.2 sweeps average and was the No. 1 program for the ninth time in the past 11 surveys.

Also Read:15 Funniest Steve Harvey 'Family Feud' Moments (Videos)

The No. 2 show was "ESPN NFL Regular Season" (7.1).

Among magazine shows, the No. 1 program for the 104th straight sweeps period was "Entertainment Tonight" (3.3), ahead of "Inside Edition" (2.9) and "TMZ" (1.6).

One rookie program of note is "Harry," the new talk show hosted by Harry Connick Jr. Connick's show scored a relatively low 1.2, but it still outperformed the top rookie show last season by 33 percent.

Read original story 'Dr. Phil' Beats Daytime Rivals in Ratings by Biggest November Margin Ever At TheWrap