The start of 2025 sees an extraordinary run of observational documentaries in prime
time from Brinkworth Productions.
Surgeons: A Matter of Life and Death has started a successful run on Channel 5 on
Wednesday nights at 9pm. With remarkable access to the University Hospitals
Birmingham – one of Britain’s leading NHS trusts- the six part series features some of
the most ground-breaking surgical procedures being performed in the UK. Going behind
closed doors into its 73 theatres, each immersive episode follows surgeons and
patients minute by minute in theatre as they battle with the challenges of highly
complex cases. Each life saving or life changing operation involves split-second
decision-making against a constant risk to life. Tense, dramatic and emotional, the
series is performing well up against strong competition.
Next, Murder – Suspect No 1 has started its run on Monday nights at 9pm for Channel 5
with a series of 90 minute programmes. This series follows one of Britain’s best
detective teams as they track down those who committed murder. Immersive and
present tense, each episode follows, in real-time, one single murder investigation in
compelling detail. With extraordinary access to cases, the series catapults the viewer
into the heart of the murder investigations. Rich in visual assets – including emergency
calls, body worn footage, witness statements – Murder – Suspect No1 delvers
remarkable access into some of the UK’s most fascinating murder and attempted
murder cases.
The 18th of February sees the launch of a two part series for ITV – The Real
Unforgotten. The programmes began production in 2019 and have taken six years to get
to the screen. They follow a team of cold case detectives as they reopen a murder
investigation from over 40 years ago.
Back in 1981, Carol Morgan was murdered in the storeroom of her Bedfordshire corner
shop. A beloved local figure and mother of two young children, this murder has haunted
the community ever since.
Four decades later, investigators have an uphill battle. Witnesses are passing away, and
any evidence they have is dying with them. On top of this, some of the 1981 evidence
was destroyed. With no forensic evidence and no murder weapon, this is one of the
hardest cases the force has ever seen.
Just like the acclaimed drama series, The Unforgotten, this series follows detectives as
they peel back the evidence, layer by layer slowly uncovering the truth behind what
really happened to Carol Morgan.
Malcolm Brinkworth said: “The three observational documentary series, with more
projects to be announced, are the product of significant investment and building a
talented group of people who are passionate about making powerful, engaging
primetime television.”
“Making sensitive shows like Surgeons: A Matter of Life and Death, committing to follow
events over six years in The Real Unforgotten and gaining sensitive access for Murder –
Suspect No 1 is a testament to the long term commitments we make to producing the
best programmes we can.”