Channel 4 commissions “Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life”

Channel 4 has commissioned Wonderhood Studios to produce a new three-part series following some of the world’s leading surgical oncologists as they employ ground-breaking new technology to try to save or prolong the lives of their patients. “Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life” (3x60’), has exclusive access to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, one of the world’s leading cancer hospitals. Here, pioneering surgeons undertake high-stakes operations, working at the forefront of what is medically possible, and often on incredibly rare cancers. The series follows the stories of the patients who put their trust - and their lives - in the hands of the surgeons.

The series is also being made in association with Macmillan Cancer Support, who are on the front line of cancer support in the UK. Through their services, the series will be able to show the bigger picture of how cancer impacts different people day-to-day, and how Macmillan does whatever it takes to support them.

James W Newton and Katharine Patrick, Executive Producers for Wonderhood Studios, said: “‘Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life’ will give us profound insight into the lives of patients requiring life-saving surgery and a unique perspective on cancer from the consultants treating them. It will show the courageous decision-making by both patients and surgeons and reveal the courage and hope that carry patients through their treatment at such a difficult time in their lives.”

Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, added: “Everyone will be touched by cancer at some stage in their lives. But with the Marsden team constantly pioneering new treatments, this series is about the positive, as we watch surgeons save lives with ground-breaking procedures that, until recently, would have been impossible.”

Anthony Newman, Brand and Marketing Director at Macmillan, concluded: “Someone is diagnosed with cancer every 90 seconds, and every diagnosis comes with questions, worry and uncertainty. We are in collaboration with this ground-breaking series to help more people understand how cancer can disrupt your life, and to show the army of people, from super surgeons to the Macmillan team, who will do whatever it takes to help you through it. It is vital that people get a realistic look into the different ways cancer affects people, and the stories of people living with cancer will take centre stage in this important docuseries.”

“Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life” is executive produced by James W Newton and Katharine Patrick, who received a 2021 Grierson nomination for Channel 4 series “Baby Surgeons.” It is produced and directed by Joy Ash and the Series Director is Ben Rumney. It was commissioned by Jonah Weston for Channel 4. The series is being distributed internationally by BBC Studios.