UPCOMING EPISODES

When legendary comedian Garry Shandling died at the age of just 66 in 2016, his fans and the show business community were mystified and shocked. Over 40 years on stage and screen, audiences loved his self-analytical and self-deprecating humour and thanks to hit sitcoms like the Larry Sanders show, he garnered over 60 awards or nominations, including Emmys. Outwardly, he appeared to be in good health – never drinking to excess or using illegal drugs but always pursuing a busy fitness regime, eating well and practicing meditation. Behind the scenes howecer, Garry was obsessively perfectionist and workaholic and suffered intense stress in his business and personal lives. He also battled with serious long-term health conditions resulting in major surgeries and the removal of internal organs. His medical history was complicated. World renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is re-opening Garry’s medical files to solve the mystery of what caused the fatal blood clot that would ultimately claim Garry’s 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.

On March 4th 1994, beloved comedy actor John Candy was found dead in Durango Mexico, where he had been working on what would become his final film, Wagons East. Candy rose through the ranks of the celebrated Second City theatre group, and went on to appear in over 40 films, winning acclaim for his performances in classic films such as Splash, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. His death certificate stated that he died of a heart attack – but what was the cause? John Candy was known for his larger than life persona, and he battled with his weight throughout his life. But it seems that events that unfolded in Mexico on the set of Wagons East could have also contributed to his shocking and untimely death at the age of just 43. World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will analyse every detail of Candy’s death certificate, along with the testimonies from those closest to John, in order to understand what ultimately caused the death of a Hollywood icon.

Chris Farley was the larger-than-life Hollywood star regarded as one of the funniest comedians of his generation. His outrageous blend of physical slapstick and vulnerable charm earned him the adoration of the American public. After shooting to fame in the early 90’s as one of Saturday Night Live’s brightest talents, he went on to star in a string of hit movies. But on December 18th 1997 Chris’ body was found on the floor of his Chicago apartment, after four days of partying. He died alone aged 33. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of an icon who was loved by millions.

John Belushi was a comedy genius. The gross-out characters he created in Animal House and Blues Brothers were iconic. After a meteoric rise to stardom, 33 year-old he was on the cusp of super stardom. But on March 5th, 1982 he was found dead died in Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont Hotel. Using information revealed in John Belushi’s autopsy report, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final days and hours to reveal the cause of his death.

Phil Hartman was a comedy legend. HIs satirical impressions on Saturday Night Live ruffled the feather of America’s most powerful. On The Simpsons, his voice gave life to 18 iconic characters. He was one of America’s favorite comic actors. But in May 1998 Phil Hartman’s family home was stormed by armed police who found him shot to death in his bedroom. The horror escalates when police confirm Phil’s wife Brynn is by his side – also shot dead. Using information revealed in Phil and Brynn’s autopsy reports Dr. Michael Hunter investigates their tragic and untimely deaths.

Gilda Radner was an icon of American comedy, whose unique characters on hit show Saturday Night Live catapulted her into the nation’s heart. But behind the laughter was a life blighted by illness and sorrow- from bulimia to multiple miscarriages. And at the age of just 42 she died of ovarian cancer in a Los Angeles hospital. So what caused her to catch the deadly disease at such a young age and why did doctors miss multiple opportunities to catch it? World renowned medical examiner and forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter leads the investigation to find the answers.

On May 16th 1984, unique comedy talent, Andy Kaufman, died from a rare form of lung cancer at just 35 years of age. Renowned for his eccentric stage routines and comedy sketches on the TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ he went on to gain international fame playing ‘Latka’ the goofy mechanic in the 70’s sitcom ‘Taxi’. A master of invention, he told friends he was going to fake his own death, leading some to believe he did not die. In this episode, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines Andy Kaufman’s medical history to try and discover what caused the death of this comic phenomenon at such a young age.

Janis Joplin was a true rock and roll icon and her explosive performances electrified audiences around the world. She fully embraced the rock and roll spirit of the age and had a music career that was going stratospheric. But on October 4th 1970, aged just 27 years old, Janis Joplin died alone in her Los Angeles hotel. Her body lay undiscovered for 18 hours. Forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter is using Janis Joplin’s autopsy report to build up a picture of her last days and hours to find out exactly how this young, talented musician suddenly died.

Jim Morrison lead singer of the 1960’s band The Doors was one of rock’s most influential but controversial cult icons. His mesmerizing lyrics and vocals earned him critical acclaim and drew the admiration of an army of fans as his outrageous drink and drug fueled behavior, on and off stage, established his reputation as a rebel and trouble-maker. A biographer described him as “an angel in grace and a dog in heat”. But on July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison was found dead in the bathtub of his Paris apartment. He was just 27. The official cause was given as heart failure but many have dismissed this finding as a “fairy tale “ and his death still inspires rumor and conspiracy theory. Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter re-opens the file.

In April 1994, the twenty seven year old musician and self styled prince of grunge, Kurt Cobain was found dead at his Seattle mansion with a gunshot wound to his head. A suicide note was found at the scene and the police quickly concluded that Kurt had taken his own life. But for more than twenty years controversy has raged over the cause of Kurt’s death with many claiming he had too much heroin in his system to have shot himself. Expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter has examined all the available medical evidence and with testimony from family and friends to finally reveal the real cause of Kurt Cobain’s death.

Known affectionately as “The Last Great Rockstar”, grunge icon Scott Weiland died on December 3rd, 2015. The singer and songwriter was just 48. his death came suddenly while on the road with his new band The Wildabouts. Scott sold over 20 million records as lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, and super-group Velvet Revolver, and he famously lived the rockstar lifestyle to the full. As sales skyrocketed he indulged in all the excesses that come with success in the music business, but all the time he was battling alcoholism and mental illness. At the height of his career he developed a devastating heroin addiction, and towards the end of his life his behaviour became increasingly unpredictable and erratic. The Examiner’s Report cites mixed drug toxicity as the cause of death - but there was no heroin found in Scott’s system, and renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter believes that Scott’s well documented drug use doesn’t present the full picture. He investigates Scott’s troubled past and discovers a catalogue of traumatic events and dangerous activities in Scott’s lifestory. Together they created the circumstances for him to die suddenly and without warning on a cold winter’s day alone on his tour bus.

Christopher John Cornell was an American musician, singer and songwriter. He was best known as the lead vocalist for the rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. Cornell was considered one of the chief architects of the 1990s grunge movement, and is well known for his extensive catalog as a songwriter, his nearly four-octave vocal range, and his powerful vocal belting technique. Cornell struggled with depression for much of his life. He was found dead in his Detroit hotel room early on the morning of May 18, 2017, after performing at a Soundgarden concert an hour earlier.