Channel 4 has commissioned Wonderhood Studios to create an extended second season of “Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life.” The show chronicles patients and their surgical teams as they prepare for and undergo groundbreaking surgeries using state-of-the-art technologies.
Once again, the series is being produced with exclusive access to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a globally renowned cancer hospital. It is also a collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the UK’s largest charities.
“Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life” (4×60’) follows patients and their clinical teams on their journeys through cancer. The series provides exclusive insights into the deliberations and choices involved in preparing for and executing ambitious, world-leading, and life-altering surgeries—often in challenging and extreme circumstances—all with the aim of ensuring the highest possible quality of life.
The second series introduces new robotic procedures for a variety of tumours, with a special focus on younger patients grappling with complex cancers. Some patients face daunting decisions that could transform their lives, from considering critical surgery that carries risks to fertility, to weighing the benefits of intricate treatments with potentially disabling health implications following a cancer diagnosis.
“Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life” is produced in conjunction with Macmillan, a charity at the forefront of cancer support in the UK. Through Macmillan’s involvement, the series offers a broader perspective on how cancer can affect every aspect of a person’s life and highlights the crucial role the charity plays in supporting those living with and affected by cancer.
Eve Kay, Executive Producer for Wonderhood Studios said: “Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life provides jaw-dropping insight into the incredible skill and commitment of surgeons performing cutting edge, life-saving surgery, while also revealing their human side and the emotional journey they go on alongside their patients. We’re delighted to be reuniting with The Royal Marsden and Macmillan Cancer Support to bring viewers a second season of the series.”
Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 added: “Due to brilliant people like the surgeons at The Royal Marsden science is making great strides in the fight against cancer. I’m thrilled audiences will get another chance to see them and their incredible patients as they tackle more life-saving and ground-breaking procedures.
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are pleased that the Super Surgeons series will return for a second season, showcasing the innovative work, often funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, carried out by The Royal Marsden’s surgical team on a daily basis. The series offers viewers a unique window into specialist cancer surgery by both our patients and our surgeons, who push the boundaries of surgical techniques to save lives.”
Anthony Newman, Director of Brand and Marketing at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Royal Marsden and Wonderhood on a second series of Super Surgeons. The first series played a vital role in highlighting how a cancer diagnosis is not just about what happens during treatment, but the huge impact cancer can have on every aspect of a person’s life including their relationships, work life, finances and more. As part of the upcoming Super Surgeons series, we hope to make even more people aware of the vital support available from Macmillan and that we are here to do whatever it takes to ensure people can live well after a diagnosis.”
“Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life” is executive produced by Wonderhood Studios Head of Factual Katharine Patrick, James W Newton, and Eve Kay. The series is directed and produced by Sophie Stephenson-Wright, with Casey McConnell as the production manager. It was commissioned by Jonah Weston for Channel 4 and is being distributed internationally by BBC Studios.
