BBC Studios Production wins first Netflix commission for science documentary series about pioneering surgeons

This 4 x 60 minute series, will be produced by BBC Studios Science Unit and will provide a fascinating insight into the passion, talent and courage it takes to become one of the world’s leading surgeons. Each episode of this original series will focus on the story of one ground-breaking surgeon from around the world. Viewers will see them in action at the operating table, talking through their specialist area and the creative process behind a medical operation, as well as find out the motivation behind their journey into medicine.

Through the individual stories of these experts, the series will explore how our understanding of the human body is constantly being reinvented by new discoveries and techniques. The specialist medical areas that will feature include cardiology, neuro-surgery and transplant surgery.

James van der Pool, Showrunner, BBC Studios Science Unit said: “This new series offers an intimate understanding into the minds of these trailblazing surgeons and the remarkable journeys that led to them becoming innovators within their fields. Their theatre may be an operating theatre, but is no less dramatic than its counterpart, as we see the ingenuity, skill and even risks, that make up a surgeon’s work. We’re thrilled to be able to give viewers such an insider’s view, as well as increase their knowledge of the human anatomy.”

Andrew Cohen, Head of BBC Studios Science Unit said: “We’re delighted to be producing this truly global series for Netflix, bringing together medical stories from around the world. While the surgeons featured are from every corner of the globe, they all share the same drive and altruism, making for fascinating and informative content.”

Since launching as a commercial subsidiary, BBC Studios Science Unit has won a number of third-party commissions, including The Edge of Sciencefor YouTube, Fatberg Autopsy: Secrets of the Sewers for Channel 4, The Science of Sleep: How To Sleep Better and Why Do I Put on Weight? for Channel 5, Under The Knife for UKTV’s W channel and Stargazing for ABC. Recent BBC credits include the highly acclaimed The Planets, presented by Professor Brian Cox, Climate Change: The Facts, presented by Sir David Attenborough and 8 Days: To the Moon and Back, a feature-length drama documentary using cutting-edge digital effects and original audio, to tell the real story of the mission.

The series will be available on Netflix from 2020.

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For more information, please contact: Sonia Cooper sonia.cooper@bbc.com