S5 E1 • Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood was Hollywood’s hottest actress for her generation. She married screen legend Robert Wagner not once but twice. They were the Hollywood dream couple and enjoyed a spectacular lifestyle. But on November 29th, 1981, during what was supposed to be a relaxed weekend sailing trip, 43 year old Natalie was found dead. The cause of death was officially certified as ‘accidental drowning’ but why Natalie Wood left the yacht and drowned has never been answered: was it accident, suicide or something more sinister? Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries.

Première diffusion : 30 janvier 2016

S5 E2 • Phil Hartman

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.

Première diffusion : 6 février 2016

S5 E3 • Jim Morrison

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.

Première diffusion : 13 février 2016

S5 E4 • Donda West

The mother of megastar Kanye West, Donda West went from modest beginnings, to raise her son to be one of the biggest rappers in the world, and as his manager, became a regular attendee at the brightest parties in showbiz. In doing so she broke every stereotype about single black women raising black sons. But, on November 10, 2007, Donda West, just 58, died 24 hours after cosmetic surgery. Kanye West blamed the fatal attraction of stardom, saying, “I feel sometimes like if me and my mom never moved to Hollywood that she’d still be here.” Using information revealed in Donda’s autopsy report and in interviews with those who cared for before she died, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates her tragic and untimely death.

Première diffusion : 20 février 2016

S5 E5 • Rodney King

In March 1991, Rodney King was savagely beaten by four white police officers. The incident was caught on camera, and broadcast around the world. The four police officers were then found ‘Not Guilty’, triggering the infamous LA riots. It was King who famously called for peace, asking, “Can we all just get along?” But on Sunday June 17th 2012, King, age 47, was found by his fiancé, face down in his backyard swimming pool. Using information revealed in Rodney King’s autopsy report Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final hours and his mysterious death.

Première diffusion : 27 février 2016

S5 E6 • John Belushi

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.

Première diffusion : 5 mars 2016

S5 E7 • Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was one of the highest paid musicians in the world. At the age of 27 he had made 3 multi-million albums and had set the gold standard in rock music electric guitar. But he died in London on the September 18, 1970. The coroner concluded that he died after breathing in his own vomit. But, stating insufficient evidence of the circumstances surrounding his death, he returned an open verdict. Nearly half a century later, his death is still shrouded in mystery. Numerous conflicting accounts of his final hours have obscured the truth and fueled conspiracy theories about drugs overdose, suicide and murder. Now Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter re-examines Hendrix’s death to cut through claim and counter claims and, using the medical evidence, determines precisely how he died.

Première diffusion : 12 mars 2016

S5 E8 • Maurice Gibb

Maurice Gibb was one third of global mega band, The Bee Gees. In a career spanning four decades, they sold over 220 million records. They were best known for their disco classics, high pitched singing voices, and boufant hairstyles. Whilst his brothers sang lead vocals, Maurice was the hidden talent that held the band together, considered by insiders to be the musical director. But on Wednesday January 8th, 2003, Maurice Gibb collapsed in agony at his Miami home. He died 4 days later, aged just 53. According to witnesses Maurice Gibb’s death came out of nowhere. So why Maurice went from healthy to collapse to death in 4 days is a mystery. Now forensic examiner Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the forensic evidence.

Première diffusion : 19 mars 2016

S5 E9 • Notorious B.I.G.

The Notorious B.I.G., rapped about girls, guns and money. His rhyming skills and flow propelled him to worldwide fame. A larger than life figure from Brooklyn, New York, his raw talent lifted him from the streets. But in the early hours of March 9th 1997 The Notorious BIG was gunned down in a drive by shooting in downtown Los Angeles. For decades, police have hunted for his killer, but still no-one has been brought to trial. Using information revealed in his autopsy report and police files, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates a motive for BIG’s murder and the identity of his killer.

Première diffusion : 26 mars 2016

S5 E10 • Don Cornelius

Don Cornelius was the legendary creator of the hit music and dance show, Soul Train. The “Godfather of Cool,” he took black music mainstream, provided the first national exposure on American TV for black musicians and dancers and redefined music, dance and fashion for generations. But on February 1st 2012 Don Cornelius was found shot dead at his home in Los Angeles. The LA County Coroner called it a suicide. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of an icon who inspired generations.

Première diffusion : 2 avril 2016

S5 E11 • Liberace

Liberace was one of the most charismatic performers of his generation. His meteoric rise to fame in the 1950s made him the highest paid entertainer in the world. His dazzling stage shows and outlandish costumes earned him a vast international following. But on February 4th, 1987, Liberace was pronounced dead at his home in Palm Springs, California. However, the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the world’s most popular entertainers are shrouded in mystery. Liberace’s doctor had signed a death certificate, giving the cause of death as cardiac arrest. But the coroner wasn’t satisfied. He suspected foul play, and two days later, ordered the body to be taken from the mortuary and subject to autopsy, while millions of fans around the world were still in mourning. So what exactly killed Liberace? Dr Jason Payne James examines the case.

Première diffusion : 9 avril 2016

S5 E12 • Bobbi Kristina Brown

Dr Jason Payne-James re-examines the medical facts surrounding the death of the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown.

Première diffusion : 19 juillet 2016

S5 E13 • Chris Farley

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.

Première diffusion : 19 novembre 2016

S5 E14 • Corey Haim

Corey Haim was the poster boy of 1980’s Hollywood, starring in “The Lost Boys”, “Lucas”, and “License to Drive.” Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Corey’s autopsy report to dispel the rumors, and reveal the real cause of the actor’s tragic and untimely death at the age of 38.

Première diffusion : 26 novembre 2016

S5 E15 • Cory Monteith

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.

Première diffusion : 3 décembre 2016

S5 E16 • Casey Kasem

Radio legend Casey Kasem passed age 82 in June 2014. He had severe dementia. But when his daughters visited him a Santa Monica convalescent hospital five weeks before his death his medical records show there was nothing to suggest his imminent demise. That night his wife removed him from the facility against medical advice. World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr.Michael Hunter investigates the tragic events leading up to his death to determine precisely how and why he died.

Première diffusion : 10 décembre 2016