THE BBC has confirmed what’s in store for an award-winning medical documentary that has kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hit series Surgeons: At The Edge of Life gives fans unprecedented access to surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff and patients on the frontline of medical science.
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Following its recent successful run on BBC Two and iPlayer, the docu-series from Dragonfly Film and TV (part of Banijay UK) has been commissioned for seasons seven and eight.
Since the programme started back in 2018, it has become a hit with BBC viewers, offering an insight into some of the country’s top surgeons performing high-stakes surgery.
Surgeons: At The Edge of Life has been filmed in many different hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, and University Hospital Southampton, to name a few.
The upcoming season will be filmed in Edinburgh and The Lothians at some of the region’s leading centres of medical excellence – NHS Lothian’s The Royal Infirmary, Western General and St. Johns.
The series will once again offer a unique understanding of the innovative and experimental surgeries being performed in order to save people’s lives.
Sreya Biswas, Head of BBC Commissioning, Natural History, said: “Surgeons: At the Edge of Life is a key brand for BBC Specialist Factual and has continued to grow audiences across BBC Two and iPlayer, showcasing boundary pushing surgery, and the incredible medical teams who make it possible.
“Deep diving into the most complex surgical procedures is what makes the brand so special. It is very exciting to be co-commissioning with BBC Scotland and to be based in Edinburgh for the coming series.”
David Harron, BBC Scotland, added: “BBC Scotland is delighted to be bringing Surgeons: At the Edge of Life to Scotland.
“It is a compelling series, and these next two series will bring audiences unique insight into the work of some of Scotland’s top medical teams, shining a light on the dedication and skills employed in theatres every day.”
Recently, all six episodes of season six of Surgeons: At The Edge of Life landed on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The series did exceptionally well, with episode one raking in 2.5m in 28 days, which aligns the show with the previous series and well above the average for Factual on BBC Two.
As the series rolled out, fans of the medical documentary took to social media and praised the programme and the surgeons.
One user penned: “So pleased to see Surgeons At The Edge of Life back for another series, at @UHSFT.
“It never ceases to amaze me what can be achieved by the innovations in science and the skills of the surgeons who perform the procedures. #TeamNHS.”
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Another typed: “Surgeons: At the edge of life. BBC2. Amazing television.”
A third chimed: “Highly recommend the BBC Series – Surgeons: At the Edge of Life. This is a rare, excellent representation of radiology and the vital role it plays within healthcare.”
Someone else commented: “Just watched Surgeons: At the Edge of Life on BBC2, and, as always in complete awe of what these dedicated professionals from the UK and overseas can do to save lives.”
Ahead of the renewal announcement, Richard Bond, Managing Director of Dragonfly, commented: “After successfully transferring production of Ambulance to Dragonfly North in Manchester.
“I’m thrilled that the BBC have supported us in moving Surgeons to Scotland with this bumper two-series order, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves under the stewardship of our new and fantastically talented local production team.”
The BBC are yet to announce the production and release dates for the new seasons.
Surgeons: At the Edge of Life is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
