UPCOMING EPISODES

Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night TV died in Los Angeles in January 2005. From 1962 and for nearly 30 years, he tucked millions of Americans into bed every night as the host of NBC’s “Tonight” show. His humour and laid-back demeanour attracted the cream of global talent night after night and his famed monologues helped Americans take in the day’s news with a wry smile. But away from the cameras, Johnny was a troubled man, haunted by an emotionally impoverished childhood leading to heavy drinking and womanising in his adult life. His distant relationship with his 3 sons culminated in tragedy when one of them, Rick, died in a car crash at the age of 39. Johnny paid a heavy price for the stresses in his personal and professional lives. A heavy smoker from childhood, he was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema nearly 20 years before his death. This made it increasingly hard for him to breath and took a heavy toll on his heart, culminating in a heart attack in 1999 and his death six years later from respiratory arrest. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, re-examines Johnny’s life story and medical history to find out exactly how his emotional and physical health combined to silence this giant of the small screen.

On January 29th, 1977, the world was stunned by the news that the breakout comedy star, Freddie Prinze, had taken his own life at the age of 22. He shot to fame as the star of the primetime sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’ after appearing on The Tonight Show at just 19-years-old. But Freddie struggled to balance his fast rise to fame and fortune with the demands of being a husband and young Father. His recreational drug habit spiraled into full-blown dependence and his behavior became increasingly impulsive and reckless. Too much. Too soon. A life of excess. Did it all become too much to handle for Freddie? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in Freddie’s records to piece together what exactly caused this bright, young comic with the world at his feet to take his own life.

Richard Pryor's shockingly honest, no holds barred performances revolutionised American comedy. And his no holds barred attitude continued off screen with his monstrous appetite for drink, drugs and sex. But during the last part of his life Pryor was struck down with a debilitating illness which left him paralysed and unable to speak. Then, on December 10th, 2005, Richard Pryor dies from a cardiac arrest. But what killed him? Was it his wild past catching up with him? His debilitating illness? Or something else all together? Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will be examining Richard's medical records to determine precisely was caused the death of this much loved comedian.

The night of November 25, 1998 Flip Wilson died at the tragically young age of 64. Flip will always be remembered as the gifted comedian who burned fiercely, lighting up our television screens in the 1970’s. In his time, he was a groundbreaking funny-man who was renowned for his generosity, and blazed a path that enabled other black performers to hit the big time. He was a unique comedian, a true original who overcame a childhood marred by terrible abuse and poverty to become a millionaire many times over. But Flip was tormented by the ghosts from his past, and wrestled with drink and drugs throughout his illustrious career. And despite a tenacity that took him from the starving streets of Jersey City, to the glamorous bright lights of California, Flip was brought down by an incurable cancer that took his life in a matter of months. Dr. Michael Hunter, world renowned medical examiner, will investigate and analyze all the available evidence; Flip’s medical history and first hand accounts from his life, to find out what caused the deadly cancer that took such an incredible comedy icon’s life.

Bernie Mac was one of the best-loved stand-up comedians of his generation. He worked his way out of poverty, spending 12 years performing in Chicago clubs before hitting the big time in the early 90’s as part of the Def Comedy Jam. After touring relentlessly, he eventually found mainstream success with a string of Hollywood movie roles and his own primetime TV show. But in July 2008 he was hospitalized with pneumonia. After 3 weeks in intensive care he died at the height of his career, aged 50. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of a unique performer who was loved by millions.

Cory Monteith was a global superstar. The clean cut all American quarterback on Glee idolized by millions of teens around the world. The TV phenomenon thrust him to instant stardom in 2009 and his public persona mirrored his on screen character. But on 13 July 2013 he was found dead on his hotel room floor, aged only 31. Forensic Pathologist, Michael Hunter, discovers that Cory was not what he appeared and beneath his clean cut exterior lay a dark and troubled past that would come back to haunt him.

River Phoenix was one of the most popular and exciting stars of the 1990s. Supposedly clean-living and anti-drugs, his films included the cult classics Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho, and at 18 he received an Oscar nomination for his role in Running on Empty. But on October 31st 1993 after an hour at friend Johnny Depp’s exclusive nightclub in Los Angeles, The Viper Room, River started convulsing. After 5 seizures over a period of just 30 minutes and repeated attempts at resuscitation by paramedics, River Phoenix was officially pronounced dead at 01:51am. Armed with the autopsy report, Dr Michael Hunter will take the viewer back over the last few weeks of River’s life and try to unravel what went on that fateful night. Returning from a six week film shoot in the mountains of Utah, the autopsy reveals that River’s return to Los Angeles was fraught with mystery illnesses, prescription pill and illegal drug-taking. However it’s the one hour he spends at the club that holds the key to understanding why Phoenix, a perfectly fit and healthy young man, lost his life so tragically. Alongside careful and detailed reconstructed drama scenes we talk to close friends, a psychologist and people who knew him, to painstakingly piece back together the last days of one of the most exciting actors of the 1990s

On March 4th, 2019, the much-loved actor Luke Perry died after suffering a massive, and totally unexpected, stroke. He was just 52 years old. Born in an Ohio backwater, Luke learned to appreciate the simple things in life, but his desire to escape small-town living took him to California. There, after years scraping a living, Luke hit the big time when he landed the role of bad-boy Dylan McKay in the hit teen TV series ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Idolised by millions around the world, Luke never succumbed to his celebrity status. A humble, generous & talented actor, who loved a quiet family life, Luke was far from a ‘live hard, die young’ cliché. Dr. Michael Hunter uses Luke’s Death certificate and first-hand accounts of Luke’s life to uncover the mystery behind what may have caused the catastrophic stroke that killed this healthy, active 52-year-old actor.

Desi Arnaz was famed for playing the much-loved character, Ricky Ricardo, in the 1950s TV series ‘I Love Lucy’. Almost 30 years later, in the early hours of December 2nd, 1986, Desi died. He was 69 years old. Born in Cuba, 16-year-old Desi & his family were exiled to Miami following the 1933 revolution. Starting from zero, Desi’s drive to succeed saw him rise to fame & garner attention as the bongo-playing leader of a Latin orchestra. With his Cuban charisma & boyish good looks he soon won the heart of up & coming film star, Lucille Ball. Together, they would change the face of TV with the series ‘I Love Lucy’. But Desi was so much more than just a TV star – forming their company, Desilu he became one of the most powerful men in TV. But his success would become his downfall. In this episode, world-renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, uses the Death certificate, first-hand reports, and archive to uncover the facts behind the sad demise of Desi Arnaz.

Two attractive young women attacked in their place of work, with one left dead and the other found bound and unconscious. Jayna Murray’s brutal murder, seemingly at the hands of blood thirsty masked intruders, sent the wealthy community of Bethesda, MD, into lockdown. This savage killing in a Lululemon sports clothes store would stun even the most case-hardened law enforcement professionals and forensic specialists. With its apparent sexual motive, and the sheer number of horrific injuries Jayna sustained as she tried to defend herself, this is a crime that stands out in its savagery. But as the details of this terrible murder are revealed, it will become clear that everything is not as it first seems, and forensic and crime scene evidence will turn this urgent investigation on its head. Utilizing the autopsy report, forensic evidence and first-hand accounts, Dr. Michael Hunter will uncover the facts behind this appalling murder, and by studying all the evidence of this mysterious case, he’ll shed light on the appalling truth of it, and explain how and why Jayna Murray died.

In the early hours of January 13th, 2018 beloved wife and mother Kathleen ‘Kat’ Dawn West was found dead across the street from her Calera, Alabama home. The crime scene was shocking. 42-year-old Kat was found partially nude with a blunt force trauma to her head lying next to her was a half full bottle of absinthe and her cell phone. Kat described herself as a full-time wife and Mommy who doted on her daughter Lola, aged 12 years old at the time. But what many people didn’t know is that Kat had a second online life quite at odds with her housewife persona. Kat was an avid social media user and in March 2016 she started using her online accounts to make money, initially posting links to items for sale but it was the sexy pictures of her modelling lingerie that helped her amass 52,000 Instagram followers under the provocative username ‘Kitty Kat West’. This led to Kat starting her own online business on the Onlyfans website and posting more explicit material. Kat’s double life was not a secret from her husband Jeff. Kat had been married to Jeff West for 14 years, on the surface they had a loving, open relationship but digging deeper there were issues in their marriage. Kat’s husband Jeff has been charged and convicted with her murder but the outcome remains controversial. Jeff has always claimed his wife died from a drunken accidental fall. Could Jeff have killed his wife? Did an online stalker murder Kat in cold blood? Was it a drunken accident? With the help of police investigation reports, first-hand accounts and the coroner's autopsy report Dr. Michael Hunter unravels the mysterious case to uncover how and why Kat West died.

Two attractive young women attacked in their place of work, with one left dead and the other found bound and unconscious. Jayna Murray’s brutal murder, seemingly at the hands of blood thirsty masked intruders, sent the wealthy community of Bethesda, MD, into lockdown. This savage killing in a Lululemon sports clothes store would stun even the most case-hardened law enforcement professionals and forensic specialists. With its apparent sexual motive, and the sheer number of horrific injuries Jayna sustained as she tried to defend herself, this is a crime that stands out in its savagery. But as the details of this terrible murder are revealed, it will become clear that everything is not as it first seems, and forensic and crime scene evidence will turn this urgent investigation on its head. Utilizing the autopsy report, forensic evidence and first-hand accounts, Dr. Michael Hunter will uncover the facts behind this appalling murder, and by studying all the evidence of this mysterious case, he’ll shed light on the appalling truth of it, and explain how and why Jayna Murray died.

In the early hours of January 13th, 2018 beloved wife and mother Kathleen ‘Kat’ Dawn West was found dead across the street from her Calera, Alabama home. The crime scene was shocking. 42-year-old Kat was found partially nude with a blunt force trauma to her head lying next to her was a half full bottle of absinthe and her cell phone. Kat described herself as a full-time wife and Mommy who doted on her daughter Lola, aged 12 years old at the time. But what many people didn’t know is that Kat had a second online life quite at odds with her housewife persona. Kat was an avid social media user and in March 2016 she started using her online accounts to make money, initially posting links to items for sale but it was the sexy pictures of her modelling lingerie that helped her amass 52,000 Instagram followers under the provocative username ‘Kitty Kat West’. This led to Kat starting her own online business on the Onlyfans website and posting more explicit material. Kat’s double life was not a secret from her husband Jeff. Kat had been married to Jeff West for 14 years, on the surface they had a loving, open relationship but digging deeper there were issues in their marriage. Kat’s husband Jeff has been charged and convicted with her murder but the outcome remains controversial. Jeff has always claimed his wife died from a drunken accidental fall. Could Jeff have killed his wife? Did an online stalker murder Kat in cold blood? Was it a drunken accident? With the help of police investigation reports, first-hand accounts and the coroner's autopsy report Dr. Michael Hunter unravels the mysterious case to uncover how and why Kat West died.

Rue McClanahan was beloved for playing the sassy Southern Belle, Blanche Devereaux, on the classic show “The Golden Girls.” But behind the smiles, Rue’s life was blighted by heartbreak, disease and near-death experiences. Her cause of death was reported as a stroke, which is most commonly caused by a blood clot to the brain. Mysteriously, however, Rue was taking the drug Warfarin, which is a powerful anticoagulant medication specifically designed to prevent blood clotting. So why did the actress die of a stroke at the age of 76? World renowned Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail of the limited information available to piece together the answer

The death of Florence Henderson in November 2016, best known as Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch, left her fans the world over mourning the loss of an iconic mother figure. She was 82 but looking characteristically vibrant on live TV just days beforehand, her death caught everyone by surprise. With a career spanning over 60 years, Florence was an incredibly multi-talented performer on stage and screen. The last of 10 children, she grew up in extreme poverty. But by the age of 19, thanks to her remarkable determination and work ethic, she became an overnight Broadway star and was rarely out of the spotlight for the rest of her life. Reports state that Florence died from complications with her heart leading to complete heart failure. Working and travelling flat out to the very end undoubtedly put her under great mental and physical strain. But her heart may also have been burdened by a period of heavy drinking and living, depression, a hysterectomy and osteoporosis drugs. By her mid 70s, Florence was suffering from an irregular heartbeat and coronary artery disease leading to major surgery, including a procedure just 24 hours before she died. With the help of Florence’s medical history and eyewitness accounts, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter, digs deep to discover exactly what caused the heart of America’s beloved Mom to fail so suddenly.

Robert skyrocketed to stardom as Mike Brady, America’s favorite father of ‘The Brady Bunch’. Boasting a career that spanned 3 and a half decades Robert starred in over 100 film and television shows. Brought up in Oklahoma, Robert gave the farming life a go before deciding his true passion was acting. After studying as a classical actor, he particularly loved Shakespeare, Robert caught his first big break on the legal drama series ‘The Defenders’. The series won 14 Emmys in its four years on the air and led to Reed signing a development deal with legendary studio ‘Paramount Pictures’. Robert was reluctant when they offered him the father role, in a new sitcom pilot called ‘The Brady Bunch’ but it was the part of Mike Brady that catapulted him to stardom. Robert Reed became a household name, often described as ‘The Dad of America’ and one of the best-known actors of his generation. Alongside the many Brady sitcom spin-offs Robert continued to take on more serious acting roles three of which gave him Emmy nominations. Following breakdowns in his own family relationships Robert took on The Brady family as though they were his own becoming very close to them all across the years. But behind Robert’s jovial on-screen image was an unhappy man who had battled with leading a double life for many years. Robert’s death at just 59 surprised those around him, it was attributed to Colon Cancer but shocking press revelations after he died told a different story. Robert’s public persona was a façade for a myriad of secrets. So why did one of America’s most treasured actors die so young? And how did he succumb to such a deadly disease that killed him so quickly? World renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter unravels Robert’s history, lifestyle and medical past in order to find the answers.

On May 8th 2020, the entertainment world was rocked by the news that legendary Las Vegas illusionist Roy Horn had become a victim to the coronavirus pandemic. As one half of Siegfried and Roy, he was the animal-tamer who helped re-invent the magic act as multi-million-dollar spectacle. It was during a traumatic childhood in post-war Germany that Roy developed a unique ability to communicate with animals. In partnership with budding magician Siegfried, he took his talent to the stage – and the pair developed a live act that starred cheetahs, lions and tigers. They went from touring the clubs of Europe - to scoring their own headline residency as the hottest act in Vegas. They performed over 30,000 shows, becoming one of the most successful live acts of all time – and the official ‘Magicians of the Century’. But in 2003 tragedy struck – when Roy was mauled onstage and almost killed by one of his tigers. He was left permanently paralysed – but his strength to survive and recover from the incident was heralded as close to miraculous. Then, at the age of 75, he died from complications due to coronavirus. It’s a highly contagious disease, but has a low mortality rate – and 94 per cent of those who die have at least one other pre-existing health condition. So what made Roy’s infection turn fatal? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail in the limited available information to piece together what else was going on in his body to find the answers.

On September 4th 2006 Australian zookeeper and wildlife expert Steve Irwin was tragically killed while filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. Steve had won global notoriety as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, handling deadly snakes, toxic reptiles, and apex predators on programmes watched by an estimated worldwide audience of 500 million. But the world was shocked to learn that, at the age of just 44, the seemingly invincible conservationist, had been killed by a creature not known for being aggressive or dangerous – a stingray. Now, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating what led one of the world’s most iconic wildlife experts to be killed by an otherwise docile animal?

In 2009 Americas most famous and Iconic TV Pitchman died at his Florida home. He died unexpectedly aged just 50 years old. Billy had made his fortune pitching innovative products on American TV and at his height, he was on TV more than any other celebrity. Together with his partner Anthony “Sully” Sullivan the two made over a billion dollars in sales over a ten year period. But despite the wholesome man in the street image, Billy’s death was to prove as controversial as it was unexpected. Billy’s life was a full on journey from his humble roots to his millionaire lifestyle, but there was more to Billy that the world saw through the prism of a TV screen. Now Dr Michael Hunter uncovers some surprising hidden and controversial truths about the life and death of TV Pitchman Billy Mays.

Steve Jobs was a visionary product designer who revolutionised the computer world with much loved products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad. His instinctive understanding of what the public wanted made his company, Apple, the highest valued corporation in the world. But on October 5th, 2011, Jobs died of a rare and easily treatable pancreatic cancer which has a high degree of survivability. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Steve’s medical records to discover why such a wealthy man with so many resources at his disposal, who was also passionate about his health and diet, died so unnecessarily?

The legendary Howard Hughes died at the age of 70 on April 5th 1976. He had unrivalled success as a pioneering business magnate, Hollywood movie producer and a record setting pilot and his visionary achievements changed the course of history. He founded the Hughes Aircraft Company and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and he bought RKO pictures and Trans World Airlines, or TWA as well as owning vast swathes of Las Vegas. He also gained a reputation for dating a string of Hollywood stars including Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner. But despite becoming one of the richest men in the world, for the last 20 years of his life Howard Hughes almost completely disappeared from public view and his body went into steady decline. Now world-renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is scrutinising Howard Hughes’ incredibly detailed autopsy to discover the real reason for his mysterious death.

On the morning of April 18, 2012, American icon Dick Clark died suddenly from a massive heart attack following a routine operation on his prostate. As host of legendary TV show 'American Bandstand' for almost 40 years, Dick was a familiar face in millions of American homes and helped to shape modern pop music for modern audiences. Known as 'America's oldest teenager' for his seemingly eternally youthful appearance and his ability to stay in touch with what was considered 'cool' even as he grew into his 60's, he was a uniquely successful producer and entrepreneur, amassing a $200 million dollar fortune at the time of his death. A long time diabetic, Dick suffered a debilitating stroke in 2004, but true to form, he was determined to stay on screen and continued to present his annual New Years Countdown from Times Square right up until his death 8 years later. So why did Dick die so suddenly? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter needs to analyse key moments from Dick’s life and his medical history, in order investigate and find the answers as to why Dick died shortly after what should have been a simple procedure.

Walt Disney was the father of movie-length animation and creator of some of the most loved and recognised characters in the world. But America’s favourite uncle was also an obsessive workaholic and consumed by crippling pain. On December 15th 1966 Walt Disney died in a Burbank hospital, he was 65 years old. Leading forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating Disney’s last days, weeks and months to find out what caused the death of this global icon.

On June 8th 2018, the world was stunned by the news that award-winning writer and TV presenter, Anthony Bourdain had taken his own life. He was the punk rock chef who found fame as the hip new face of food and travel television. After 25 years of toiling in the restaurant business, living pay check-to-pay check and battling drug addictions, Anthony’s sudden success came in his early 40s, when his memoir ‘Kitchen Confidential’ lifted the lid on the hidden world of New York restaurant kitchens. The book was a best-seller and Anthony’s mix of streetwise cool, no-nonsense smarts and restless creativity made him a perfect fit for television. A new life outside the kitchen beckoned, and Anthony spent the best part of 20 years filming his global travels, seeking out food, culture and conversation. His hit shows included No Reservations, The Layover and Parts Unknown – the winner of seven Emmy Awards – and his career was at on all-time high. But suddenly, at the age of 61, he hung himself in his hotel room, while filming in France. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail in the limited available information to piece together what exactly caused the well-loved TV host to take his own life.