A new reality series from TNT and Lionsgate will crowdsource the diagnosis and treatment of real medical cases on live television.
The Turner network has ordered 10 episodes of “M.D. Live,” a two-hour weekly series will see patients battling various ailments consulting a recurring panel of doctors, who will discuss potential diagnoses before asking the live audience for additional feedback, solutions and support.
As it deals with life-threatening illnesses and unusual maladies, the show will enlist a “top bio-ethicist to ensure the medical team is able to provide the best patient-forward support,” according to the network.
“We want this show to inspire action and give hope to real people struggling with medical problems to get answers, proper treatment, and ultimately, improve their quality of life,” said Michael Bloom, senior vice president of unscripted and live programming for TNT. “Our professional team of studio and field crews will lead our charge crowdsourcing hope to help our patients solve the medical mysteries we present in this series.”
“‘M.D. Live’ will tap into the cultural zeitgeist of crowdsourced care to create a relevant, current and provocative series,” said Jennifer O’Connell, Lionsgate EVP and head of worldwide alternative programming. “The interactive elements allowing viewers to engage with some of the world’s top medical professionals take this show beyond observation to inspire action.”
The series hails from B17 Entertainment and Motiv8 Media in association with Lionsgate Television. Brien Meagher, Rhett Bachner, Kara Kurcz and Brian Lee are executive producers.