Dr. Death (2021)
A gripping true crime anthology series exposing the darkest corners of the medical world, one chilling scandal at a time.
Dr. Death - Series Information
- Original Title: Dr. Death
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Patrick Macmanus, Ashley Michel Hoban
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 15, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), July 15, 2021 (Canada - 18+), July 15, 2021 (Germany - 12), July 15, 2021 (France - 16), July 15, 2021 (Brazil - 16), July 15, 2021 (Spain - 18), July 15, 2021 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Peacock
- Production Companies: UCP, Escape Artists, Littleton Road Productions, Wondery, Mama Michel Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Dr. Death: Miracle Man (US), Доктор Смерть (RU), ד"ר מוות (IL), Dr. Morte (BR)
Dr. Death - Plot
An anthology series, with each season following a new medical true crime story.
Dr. Death - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the disturbing true story come to life:
New doctor. New story.
Where to Watch Dr. Death
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Dr. Death - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Patrick Macmanus
- Ashley Michel Hoban
Main Cast
- Joshua Jackson
- Edgar Ramírez
- Alec Baldwin
- Mandy Moore
- Christian Slater
- Ashley Madekwe
- Gustaf Hammarsten
- Luke Kirby
- Dominic Burgess
- Judy Reyes
Writers
- Maxwell Michael Towson
- Sara Pearson
- Ashley Michel Hoban
- Patrick Macmanus
- Ahmadu Garba
Executive Producers
- Ashley Michel Hoban
- Matt Del Piano
- Aaron Hart
- Jason Blumenthal
- Evan Wright
Dr. Death - FAQs
Is Dr. Death based on a true story?
Every season of Dr. Death draws from real medical scandals. Season 1 chronicles the horrifying malpractice of neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, who maimed and killed patients in Texas. Season 2 shifts to Sweden, exposing the fraudulent trachea transplants performed by surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, whose experiments left a trail of patient deaths.
What happened to Christopher Duntsch in real life?
Christopher Duntsch was convicted in 2017 under a rarely used Texas law that made it a felony for a medical professional to cause serious harm. He received a life sentence — the first time in Texas history a doctor was imprisoned under that statute. His case prompted national conversations about medical oversight and accountability.
Who are the main actors in Dr. Death?
Season 1 features Joshua Jackson as Dr. Christopher Duntsch, alongside Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater as the doctors who fought to stop him. Season 2 stars Edgar Ramírez as Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, with Mandy Moore playing journalist Benita Alexander, who became entangled in his web of deception.
Where can you stream Dr. Death?
Dr. Death streams on Peacock Premium Plus. If you prefer to own it, the series is available to purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
How many seasons and episodes does Dr. Death have?
Dr. Death ran for two seasons, each containing 8 episodes, for a total of 16 episodes. Season 1 premiered on July 15, 2021, and focused on Dr. Christopher Duntsch. Season 2 arrived in 2023 and told the story of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini's fraudulent surgical experiments.
Is Dr. Death worth watching?
If true crime and medical drama are your thing, Dr. Death delivers on both fronts. The series earned strong critical praise for its taut pacing and committed performances — Joshua Jackson in particular is riveting as the chilling Duntsch. Season 2 offers a compelling international twist with Edgar Ramírez bringing quiet menace to Macchiarini.
What is the content rating for Dr. Death?
Dr. Death is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic depictions of surgical procedures, disturbing medical malpractice, and intense dramatic content. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, particularly for those sensitive to medical or body-horror themes.
Was Dr. Death originally a podcast?
Season 1 is directly adapted from the Wondery podcast "Dr. Death," which became a massive hit after its 2018 release, drawing millions of listeners to the shocking story of Christopher Duntsch. The podcast's success paved the way for the Peacock television adaptation, with Wondery serving as a production partner on the series.
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