Channel 4 commissions season two of Wonderhood Studios' "Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life"

Channel 4 has commissioned Wonderhood Studios to produce a second, expanded season of Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life, which follows patients and their surgeons as they prepare for and undergo pioneering and life-changing surgeries using cutting edge technologies. “'Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life' provides jaw-dropping insight into the incredible skill and commitment of surgeons performing cutting edge, life-saving surgery, while also revealing their human side and the emotional journey they go on alongside their patients," Eve Kay, Executive Producer for Wonderhood Studios said. 

"Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life" is executive produced by Wonderhood Studios Head of Factual Katharine Patrick, James W Newton and Eve Kay. The series is directed and produced by Sophie Stephenson-Wright and the production manager is Casey O’Connell. It was commissioned by Jonah Weston for Channel 4 and will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios. 

“We are pleased that the Super Surgeons series will return for a second season, showcasing the innovative work, often funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, carried out by The Royal Marsden's surgical team on a daily basis," Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said. "The series offers viewers a unique window into specialist cancer surgery by both our patients and our surgeons, who push the boundaries of surgical techniques to save lives.”

"Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life" is made in association with Macmillan, a charity at the frontline of cancer support in the UK. Through Macmillan’s involvement the series will show the bigger picture of how cancer can impact a person’s life in so many ways and shine a light on the vital role the charity plays in doing whatever it takes to support people living with and affected by cancer. The series is also once again being made with exclusive access to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, one of the world’s most renowned cancer hospitals, and in partnership with one of the UK’s largest charities, Macmillan Cancer Support. "We’re delighted to be reuniting with The Royal Marsden and Macmillan Cancer Support to bring viewers a second season of the series," Kay said.

The four-part series follows patients and their clinical teams along their cancer journeys. The series will show exclusive insights into the discussions and decisions involved in preparing for and performing ambitious, world-leading and life-changing surgeries – often in complex and extreme conditions – that aim to ensure the best quality of life possible.“Due to brilliant people like the surgeons at The Royal Marsden science is making great strides in the fight against cancer," Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 said. "I’m thrilled audiences will get another chance to see them and their incredible patients as they tackle more life-saving and ground-breaking procedures.”

The second series includes new robotic operations on a range of tumors, as well as a focus on younger patients diagnosed with complex cancers. Some patients are tasked with making impossible life-changing decisions; from considering critical surgery that risks irreversible damage to fertility, to debating the benefits of complex treatments with potentially debilitating health consequences after being diagnosed with cancer.

“We’re delighted to be working with the Royal Marsden and Wonderhood on a second series of Super Surgeons,'" Anthony Newman, Director of Brand and Marketing at Macmillan Cancer Support said. "The first series played a vital role in highlighting how a cancer diagnosis is not just about what happens during treatment, but the huge impact cancer can have on every aspect of a person’s life including their relationships, work life, finances and more. As part of the upcoming Super Surgeons series, we hope to make even more people aware of the vital support available from Macmillan and that we are here to do whatever it takes to ensure people can live well after a diagnosis.”