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Body of Proof
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| Body of Proof | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Created by | Christopher Murphey |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | Daniel Licht |
| Composer | Trevor Morris (season 3) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 42 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Running time | 42 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | American Broadcasting Company |
| Release | March 29, 2011 – May 28, 2013 |
Body of Proof is an American medical/crime comedy-drama television series that ran on American Broadcasting Company from March 29, 2011, to May 28, 2013, and starred Dana Delany as medical examiner Dr. Megan Hunt. The series was created by Christopher Murphey and produced by ABC Studios.[1] On May 10, 2013, ABC canceled the series after three seasons.[2]
Overview and production
[edit]The series stars Dana Delany as Dr. Megan Hunt, a medical examiner, and it focuses on Hunt's efforts to balance the demands of her professional life, dealing with solving cases and analyzing bodies, with her personal life, trying to reconnect with her estranged daughter.[3] Hunt was a top-flight neurosurgeon, until she had a life-changing automobile accident and then accidentally killed a patient on the operating table. This resulted in her resignation, and retirement from the profession altogether.
Though set in Philadelphia, the first season of Body of Proof was filmed in Providence, Rhode Island[4] and some other locations including Warwick and Woonsocket, Rhode Island. The medical examiner's office is actually the GTECH HQ / Providence Warwick Visitors Bureau and surrounding buildings superimposed on the real Philadelphia skyline. The series was originally titled Body of Evidence, but was later renamed Body of Proof.
The second season of the show was announced to be filmed in Los Angeles to take advantage of a $7 million tax credit.[5] Body of Proof is the third ABC television series starring Dana Delany in a main character role, the first being the role of Colleen McMurphy in China Beach and the second being Katherine Mayfair in Desperate Housewives.
While filming, real-life technical advisers made sure that the procedures were correct.[6] Jeri Ryan said, "We've got technical advisers that will be with us on set, so we can keep all of the science realistic".[6]
Cast and characters
[edit]Main cast
[edit]
- Dana Delany as Megan Hunt
- Jeri Ryan as Kate Murphy
- Geoffrey Arend as Ethan Gross
- Windell Middlebrooks as Curtis Brumfield
- John Carroll Lynch as Bud Morris (seasons 1–2)[7]
- Sonja Sohn as Samantha Baker (seasons 1–2)[8]
- Nicholas Bishop as Peter Dunlop (seasons 1–2)[9]
- Mary Mouser as Lacey Fleming (seasons 2–3; 1, recurring)
- Mark Valley as Tommy Sullivan (season 3)[10][11]
- Elyes Gabel as Adam Lucas (season 3)[11][12]
Recurring cast
[edit]- Jeffrey Nordling as Todd Fleming
- Joanna Cassidy as Joan Hunt
- Cliff Curtis as Derek Ames
- Nathalie Kelley as Dani Alvarez[13]
- Jamie Bamber as Aiden Welles[14]
- Luke Perry as CDC Officer/Health Commissioner Charlie Stafford
- Annie Wersching as Yvonne Kurtz[15]
- Richard Burgi as District Attorney Dan Russell[16]
- Lorraine Toussaint as Police Chief Angela Martin[17]
- Marisa Ramirez as Officer Riley Dunn
- Micah Berkley as Officer James Wood[15]
Episodes
[edit]Release
[edit]Broadcast
[edit]The show was set to premiere on Friday nights on ABC on October 22, 2010.[23] Following the quick cancellations of Thursday-night drama My Generation and Wednesday-night drama The Whole Truth, though, the network held back the series.[24] The series premiered Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at 10:00 pm Eastern/9:00 pm Central, replacing Detroit 1-8-7.[25] The last of its nine first season episodes aired May 17, 2011, four days after ABC renewed the series for a second season.[26] The show's second season ran from September 20, 2011, to April 20, 2012, and had a total of 20 episodes, four of which were held over from the first season.[1] On May 11, 2012, ABC officially renewed Body of Proof for a third season of 13 episodes.[27][28] Season 3 premiered on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at 10:00 pm Eastern/9:00 pm Central, and ended on May 28, 2013.[29]
On May 10, 2013, in spite of improved ratings, Body of Proof was cancelled by ABC after three seasons.[2] Immediately after the cancellation news, reports arose that the series might be picked up by a cable television network, with TNT, USA Network, and WGN America all showing interest.[30][31][32] On May 23, 2013, a representative for ABC Studios confirmed that Body of Proof would not move to a new network.[33]
On October 23, 2013, the show was reported as possibly being revived for a fourth season by ABC due to much of the broadcaster's new slate underperforming.[34] On November 11, 2013, Dana Delany confirmed that Body of Proof would not return for another season.[35]
International broadcasts
[edit]In the United Kingdom, the series premiered on July 19, 2011, on Alibi, channel head Steve Hornsey said of picking up the series, "As TV's ultimate compendium of crime drama, Alibi aims to select the very best series in the genre from around the globe. Body of Proof is exactly that. A stand-out show that promises to be a huge hit in the US, Body of Proof means more premium and exclusive content for the channel – and more thrilling and engaging viewing for our audience."[36] In Ireland, the show premiered March 10, 2012, on RTÉ1.[37]
Home media
[edit]
| Season | Episodes | Title | DVD release dates | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region 1 | Disc # | Region 2 | Region 4 | Disc # | ||||||
| Eps. | Date | Eps. | Date | |||||||
| 1 | 9 | The Complete First Season | September 20, 2011[38] | 2 | 13 | November 5, 2012[39] | 13 | August 15, 2012[40] | 3 | |
| 2 | 20 | The Complete Second Season | September 18, 2012[41] | 4 | 16 | March 4, 2013[42] | 16 | December 5, 2012[43] | 4 | |
| 3 | 13[44] | The Complete Third Season | June 18, 2013[45] | 3 | 13 | November 11, 2013[46] | TBA | TBA | ||
- The Region 2 + 4 DVDs of season 1 contain the episodes in production order, rather than the order they were aired in. This has resulted in them including 4 episodes which were filmed in season 1 but aired as part of season 2.
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]The show was met with mixed reviews: Metacritic summarizes the opinions of 21 critics in giving the show's first season a score of 56 out of 100.[47] Entertainment Weekly included the show in the 10 TV events to look forward to in 2011.[48]
Critic David Hinckley from the New York Daily News gave the show a positive review, noting it "would be interesting enough if it were just Quincy with better legs. Add the other elements and you have something worth checking out at 10 o'clock".[49] Other reviews were more negative, commenting on the clichéd plot and character development. Las Vegas Weekly critic Josh Bell commented that "The problem is that Megan's personal issues are as clichéd and clumsily presented as her boilerplate murder cases, and the show makes strained connections between the two that don’t really hold together."[50] The Detroit News called it "saggy, predictable and preachy, the series debut was delayed for months and still doesn't have what it takes to impress viewers. What a poor replacement for Detroit 1-8-7."[51] The Los Angeles Times said "Murphey and the writers will have to do a lot of heavy lifting for Body of Proof to transcend its immediate predictability. There's only so much Delany can do with a cardboard show. God may be in the details, but the walls still have to hold."[52]
Ratings
[edit]The series premiere (Tuesday, March 29, 2011) drew 14 million viewers.[53] It finished in the top 10 in Nielsen ratings for the week, and was the second-most watched premiere of the 2010–11 season, following the CBS series Hawaii Five-0.[54] ABC ran the second episode on Sunday April 3, 2011; it dropped to 8.5 million viewers. The third episode aired two days later and drew 11 million viewers; the show again won its time slot.[55] The first season averaged 13.68 million viewers making it the second most-watched scripted drama on ABC.[56]
| Season | Timeslot (EST) | Number of Episodes | Premiere | Finale | TV Season | Overall rank | 18–49 rank | Overall viewership | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Viewers (millions) |
Date | Viewers (millions) | |||||||
| 1 | Tuesday 10:00 pm | 9 | March 29, 2011
|
13.94[57] | May 17, 2011
|
10.33[58] | 2010–11 | #13[59] | TBA | 13.35[59] |
| 2 | 20 | September 20, 2011
|
9.65[60] | April 10, 2012
|
10.05[61] | 2011–12 | #44[62] | TBA | 9.89[62] | |
| 3 | 13 | February 19, 2013
|
6.75[63] | May 28, 2013
|
7.45[64] | 2012–13 | #34 | TBA | 10.39 | |
Awards and nominations
[edit]
| Organization | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Media Awards | Television Episodic Drama | Broken Home[65] | Nominated |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Seidman, Robert (May 17, 2011). "ABC 2011–12 Primetime Schedule Announced". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
- ^ a b Kondolojy, Amanda (May 10, 2013). "'Body of Proof' & 'Red Widow' Cancelled by ABC". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
- ^ Abrams, Natalie (May 11, 2010). "14 Promising Pilots: What New Fall Shows Look the Best?". TV Guide. Archived from the original on May 16, 2010. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ^ "Evidence is in on Body of Proof". Providence Journal. March 31, 2011. Archived from the original on August 26, 2011. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
- ^ Verrier, Richard (May 23, 2011). "On Location: ABC's 'Body of Proof' TV drama moving to L.A. from Rhode Island". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 27, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
- ^ a b Jeffrey, Morgan (August 20, 2010). "Ryan: 'Star Trek helped with new role'". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
- ^ Roots, Kimberly (June 6, 2012). "Exclusive: John Carroll Lynch Exits Body of Proof, Joins NBC's Do No Harm as a Regular". TV Line. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (June 7, 2012). "Body of Proof Mass Exodus Continues: Sonja Sohn and Nicholas Bishop Out". TV Line. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (June 7, 2012). "Two Stars Departing ABC's 'Body of Proof'". Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 28, 2012). "Mark Valley To Join 'Body Of Proof' As New Regular". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
- ^ a b MacKenzie, Carina (June 9, 2012). "'Body of Proof' Season 3: New characters join the detective team". Zap2It. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
- ^ Richenthal, Matt (August 2, 2012). "Elyes Gabel Joins Shaken Up Body of Proof Cast". TV Fanatic. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (August 12, 2011). "Exclusive: Body of Proof Makes Fast and Furious Season 2 Hire". TV Line. Archived from the original on December 27, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (October 17, 2011). "Body of Proof Exclusive: Battlestar Galactica's Jamie Bamber to Romance Dana Delany". TV Line. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
- ^ a b Ross, Robyn (August 29, 2012). "24 Alum Heading to Body of Proof". TV Guide. Archived from the original on September 1, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Roots, Kimberly (October 6, 2012). "Exclusive: Body of Proof Recruits Desperate Housewives' Richard Burgi". TV Line. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (November 12, 2012). "'Body of Proof' Puts Lorraine Toussaint on the Case (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
- ^ Body of Proof (TV Series) - Pilot (2011) - Release Info
- ^ Body of Proof (TV Series) - Broken Home (2011) - Release Info
- ^ Gorman, Bill (June 1, 2011). "2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on June 25, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (May 24, 2012). "Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (May 29, 2013). "Complete List Of 2012-13 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'NCIS,' 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'NCIS: Los Angeles'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013.
- ^ ABC Drama Filmed in R.I. Set to Premiere Archived September 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, Brown Daily Herald, September 16, 2010
- ^ Is Dana Delany ABC's Best Hope This Fall?, Deadline Hollywood, October 8, 2010
- ^ ABC's "Body of Proof" Gets Tuesday 10pm Timeslot, Premieres March 29, TV By the Numbers, November 30, 2010
- ^ Body of Proof Renewed by ABC, TV By the Numbers, May 13, 2011
- ^ Daniels, Colin (May 12, 2012). "'Private Practice', 'Scandal' renewed by ABC". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on May 13, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (May 11, 2012). "Updated: Private Practice, 'Body of Proof' Renewed; 'Last Man Standing,' 'Scandal' & 'Apt 23' Renewed Too; 'GCB' Canceled". TV By the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 14, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
- ^ O'Connell, Michael (January 17, 2013). "ABC Shuffles 'Body of Proof' Season 3 Premiere for State of the Union". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
- ^ Jeffery, Morgan (May 14, 2013). "'Body of Proof': Axed series to be revived on cable?". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
- ^ Gennis, Sadie (May 14, 2013). "Will Body of Proof Move to Cable?". TV Guide. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 14, 2013). "Will ABC's 'Body Of Proof' Find Cable Home?". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (May 23, 2013). "'Body Of Proof' Over: ABC Series Not Moving To New Home". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- ^ Munn, Patrick (October 23, 2013). "ABC's 'Body Of Proof' To Return For Fourth Season?". TV Wise. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ Dana Delany [@DanaDelany] (November 12, 2013). "Sorry to disappoint some, but #bodyofproof will not be resurrected. May she rest in peace. Time for new adventures!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Wightman, Catriona (October 15, 2010). "Alibi picks up 'Body Of Proof' in the UK". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
- ^ "Chance to win Body of Proof goodies". RTÉ News. March 5, 2012. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- ^ "Body of Proof – The Complete 1st Season". TvshowsonDVD. Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
- ^ "Body of Proof-Season 1". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
- ^ "Body of Proof – The Complete 1st Season". Ezy DVD. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
- ^ Lambert, David (May 4, 2012). "Body of Proof – 'The Complete 2nd Season' DVDs Get a Date, Extras, Finalized Packaging". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on May 18, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
- ^ "Body of Proof Season 2 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
- ^ "Body Of Proof: The Complete 2nd Season". Ezy DVD. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (May 11, 2012). "Updated: Private Practice, 'Body of Proof' Renewed; 'Last Man Standing,' 'Scandal' & 'Apt 23' Renewed Too; 'GCB' Canceled". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 14, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
- ^ Lambert, David (March 29, 2013). "Body of Proof - Release Date is Revealed for Dana Delany's 'Complete 3rd Season'". TVShowsOnDVD. Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved March 29, 2013.
- ^ "Body of Proof - Season 3 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
- ^ "Body of Proof – Season 1". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 1, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ Tucker, Ken (January 1, 2011). "10 TV events to look forward to in 2011". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ Hinckley, David (March 29, 2011). "ABC's 'Body of Proof' is network's strongest new show with Dana Delany at helm as Dr. Megan Hunt". Daily News. Archived from the original on April 1, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ Bell, Josh (March 23, 2011). "TV review: 'Body of Proof'". Las Vegas Weekly. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ Toby, Mekeisha Madden (March 29, 2011). "Dana Delany, 'Body of Proof' prove a poor pairing". The Detroit News. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ McNamara, Mary (March 29, 2011). "'Body of Proof': television review". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 29, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ "ABC Wins Tuesday as "Body of Proof" Opens Big". The Futon Critic. March 30, 2011. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
- ^ "ABC's 'Body of Proof' Makes Strong First Showing". ABCNews.com. April 5, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
- ^ "TV ratings: CBS tops Tuesday, 'Body of Proof' down but still leads hour". Zap2It. April 6, 2011. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (June 13, 2011). "'Modern Family' Tops DVR Ratings Gain for the 2010–11 Season; 'Fringe' Has Biggest % Increase By DVR". TV By the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (March 30, 2011). "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'Body Of Proof,' 2x 'Dancing With The Stars,' 'NCIS,' 'Biggest Loser' Adjusted Up". TV By the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 2, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (May 18, 2011). "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'Breaking In,' 'The Good Wife,' 'Body of Proof' Adjusted Down; 'NCIS,' 'NCIS: LA,' 'Glee,' 'The Biggest Loser' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
- ^ a b Gorman, Bill (June 1, 2011). "2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (September 21, 2011). "Tuesday Finals: 'New Girl,' 'Glee,' 'NCIS,' DWTS Results Adjusted Up; 'Body of Proof' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (April 11, 2012). "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'New Girl', 'NCIS: Los Angeles', 'Last Man Standing' Up; 'Raising Hope', 'Ringer', 'Biggest Loser' Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 12, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ a b Gorman, Bill (May 24, 2012). "Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (February 20, 2013). "TV Ratings Tuesday: 'NCIS' Down But Wins Night, 'New Girl', 'Smash' & 'Go On' Fall, 'Cult' & 'Body of Proof' Debut Low". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 23, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
- ^ "Tuesday TV Show Ratings: Body of Proof, The Voice, Brooklyn DA, Extreme Weight Loss". TV Series Finale. May 29, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
- ^ "21st Annual Environmental Media Awards". Environmental Media Association. Archived from the original on April 7, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
External links
[edit]Body of Proof
View on GrokipediaOverview and production
Premise
Body of Proof is an American medical drama series that follows Dr. Megan Hunt, a brilliant yet abrasive former neurosurgeon whose career is derailed by a devastating car accident, leading her to become a medical examiner in Philadelphia.[6] Armed with her extensive medical knowledge, Hunt applies forensic pathology to investigate suspicious deaths, using autopsies and scientific evidence to determine causes of death and aid in solving related crimes.[8] The series is primarily set in the bustling Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, where Hunt's team dissects bodies to reveal hidden stories of violence, negligence, or mystery.[6] Adopting a procedural format, each episode typically revolves around a new case of unnatural death, blending meticulous forensic analysis with police investigations to identify perpetrators and deliver justice.[9] Hunt collaborates closely with key figures such as Detective Bud Morris from the Philadelphia Police Department and her colleague Dr. Kate Murphy, the chief medical examiner.[6] This structure highlights the intersection of medicine and law enforcement, emphasizing how pathological insights can crack otherwise impenetrable cases.[8] Interwoven with the professional narrative are Hunt's personal struggles, particularly her strained relationships with her teenage daughter, Lacey, and ex-husband, Todd, which stem from her previous workaholic lifestyle that prioritized her surgical career over family.[6] The show delves into themes of redemption, as Hunt works to rebuild these bonds while excelling in her new role; the challenges of achieving work-life balance in a high-stakes profession; and the profound ethical ties between medical expertise and the pursuit of justice.[9]Production
Body of Proof was created by Christopher Murphey, who served as an executive producer alongside Matthew Gross and Sunil Nayar.[6][10] The series was developed as a medical procedural drama, with ABC ordering it in 2010 for a midseason premiere the following year, capitalizing on lead actress Dana Delany's prominence after her role in Desperate Housewives.[11][12] Production was handled by ABC Studios, with filming occurring primarily in Rhode Island from 2010 to 2013.[10] The first season was limited to nine episodes due to its midseason launch in March 2011, allowing for a shorter production run to test audience reception. Following solid initial performance, ABC renewed the series for a second season in May 2011, expanding it to 20 episodes to fill the fall schedule. A third season of 13 episodes was greenlit in May 2012, reflecting a decision to maintain a reduced order amid network scheduling adjustments. However, the show faced cancellation in May 2013 after three seasons, with the season three finale crafted to provide narrative closure.[13] Creative leadership saw transitions in later seasons, with showrunner responsibilities shifting beyond Murphey to emphasize more dynamic, action-driven storytelling in an effort to revitalize the series.[14][15] This included a significant retooling for season three, where producers under Gross's guidance introduced structural changes to heighten procedural elements and appeal to broader demographics.[16]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Body of Proof featured a core ensemble of medical professionals and investigators who drove the series' forensic and personal narratives across its three seasons and 42 episodes.[1] Dana Delany starred as Dr. Megan Hunt, the protagonist and lead medical examiner whose expertise in pathology forms the backbone of each investigation; she appeared in all 42 episodes.[1] Jeri Ryan portrayed Dr. Kate Murphy, the no-nonsense chief medical examiner and Hunt's superior, providing oversight and occasional conflict within the team throughout the full run of 42 episodes.[1] Geoffrey Arend played Dr. Ethan Gross, the youthful toxicologist who serves as comic relief amid the show's tense cases, also appearing in all 42 episodes.[1] Windell Middlebrooks depicted Dr. Curtis Brumfield, a dedicated fellow medical examiner who assists in autopsies and brings warmth to the morgue team, with a presence in all 42 episodes across the series.[1] John Carroll Lynch portrayed Detective Bud Morris, a homicide detective and key collaborator with the medical examiner's office, appearing in 29 episodes as a main cast member in seasons 1 and 2.[1] Mark Valley joined as Detective Tommy Sullivan, Hunt's former flame and investigative partner from the Philadelphia PD, as a series regular in season 3 for its 13 episodes.[1] Mary Mouser portrayed Lacey Fleming, Dr. Hunt's teenage daughter, whose evolving relationship with her mother anchors the show's personal storylines; Mouser was recurring in season 1 (5 episodes) and a main cast member in seasons 2 and 3 (31 episodes total, for 36 episodes overall).[1]Recurring cast
Nic Bishop played Peter Dunlop, a medical investigator and Megan's colleague who assisted in autopsies and investigations, appearing in 29 episodes across seasons 1 and 2.[17] Joanna Cassidy appeared as Joan Hunt, the mother of protagonist Megan Hunt, in 14 episodes spanning all three seasons, often providing emotional support and insight into Megan's personal life.[17] Richard Burgi recurred as District Attorney Dan Russell in season 3, appearing in 6 episodes as a politically ambitious figure who interacts with the medical examiner's office on high-profile cases. Sonja Sohn portrayed Detective Samantha Baker, a member of the Philadelphia Police Department who collaborated on investigations, appearing in 29 episodes across seasons 1 and 2.Episodes
Season 1
The first season of Body of Proof consists of nine episodes and aired on ABC from March 29, 2011, to May 17, 2011.[18] The series premiered as a midseason replacement in the Tuesday 10:00 p.m. ET slot previously occupied by the canceled Detroit 1-8-7.[19] The season establishes the core premise by introducing Dr. Megan Hunt's transition from a top neurosurgeon to medical examiner following a car accident four years prior that left her hands unreliable for surgery.[20] In the premiere episode, "Pilot," aired March 29, 2011, Megan investigates the apparent drowning of a female jogger, Angela Swanson, found in the Schuylkill River; the case uncovers evidence of poisoning and a blow to the head, while revealing Megan's brusque personality and strained professional relationships.[21] This episode sets the stage for the season's exploration of Megan's post-accident world, including her determination to apply surgical precision to forensic pathology despite resistance from colleagues.[22] Throughout the season, narrative arcs center on building team dynamics within the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, where Megan clashes and eventually collaborates with chief medical examiner Kate Murphy, detective partner Peter Dunlop, morgue assistant Curtis Brumfield, and young resident Ethan Gross.[23] Personal storylines emphasize Megan's ongoing reconciliation with her teenage daughter, Lacey, amid the divorce from her ex-husband and the emotional toll of her career shift; for instance, in "Helping Hand" (aired April 5, 2011), Lacey shadows Megan for a school project during a dismemberment investigation, highlighting their tentative bonding. The tone blends detailed medical examinations—such as autopsies revealing subtle causes of death—with interpersonal drama, including workplace tensions and family estrangement, without major crossovers to other series.[10] Representative episode cases underscore the procedural focus, including poisonings like the rat poison administered over days to a homicide detective in "Buried Secrets" (aired May 10, 2011), which draws on Megan's medical expertise to trace the toxin's effects.[24] Other investigations involve hotel room murders with personal connections to Megan, apparent murder-suicides debunked through ballistics, and fragmented remains requiring reassembly, all while advancing the team's cohesion and Megan's personal growth. The season concludes with "Broken Home" on May 17, 2011, examining a family stabbing that ties into themes of domestic discord.Season 2
The second season of Body of Proof premiered on September 20, 2011, and concluded on April 10, 2012, consisting of 20 episodes aired on Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST on ABC.[18] Following the renewal announced by ABC on May 14, 2011, due to the success of the first season, the season expanded the series' scope with heightened interpersonal drama and procedural investigations.[25] This addition brought new team dynamics and conflicts, as the season delved deeper into Megan's lingering effects from the car accident that ended her neurosurgery career, including physical and emotional repercussions explored through personal reconnections.[26] The season emphasized procedural elements with increased action sequences, such as chases, alongside multi-episode arcs like the serial killer storyline in the finale "Mind Games," where Megan confronted a murderer she had previously helped convict, leading to intense team confrontations and personal risks.[27][28] Personal milestones for Megan's daughter Lacey included health scares at school, such as an episode where she fell ill and could not reach her mother, highlighting ongoing family tensions and custody dynamics.[29] Cast adjustments enhanced relational depth without major departures.[30]Season 3
The third season of Body of Proof aired from February 19, 2013, to May 28, 2013, comprising 13 episodes broadcast on ABC.[31] This season introduced notable cast changes, with Mark Valley portraying Detective Tommy Sullivan, a former New York police officer and Megan Hunt's ex-lover who relocates to Philadelphia in an attempt to rekindle their relationship, and Elyes Gabel as Detective Adam Lucas, Tommy's rookie partner. Returning main cast members included Dana Delany as Dr. Megan Hunt, Jeri Ryan as Dr. Kate Murphy, Geoffrey Arend as Dr. Ethan Gross, and Windell D. Middlebrooks as Dr. Curtis Brumfield.[32][33] The narrative adopted a more serialized structure compared to prior seasons, featuring overarching threats like serial killers targeting veterans and bombs linked to personal vendettas, alongside a tonal shift toward heightened action, danger, and romantic tension. Central arcs centered on the evolving romance between Megan and Tommy, which progressed from rekindled sparks amid professional collaboration to a committed partnership by season's end. The storyline also culminated in a full reconciliation between Megan and her daughter Lacey, strained by years of emotional distance but fortified through the crisis of Lacey's kidnapping by a bomber in the two-part episode "Abducted," where Megan's forensic expertise directly saved her life.[34][32] Episodes highlighted cases intertwined with Megan's personal history, such as murders echoing her neurosurgical past and a vendetta against medical examiners, building to the series finale "Daddy Issues," in which Megan exhumed and autopsied her father's body to uncover long-buried family secrets surrounding his apparent suicide. Budget constraints and persistent low ratings contributed to the season's 13-episode order, shorter than a full network run, prompting producers to proactively resolve key threads like the central romance and family dynamics despite the abrupt end; ABC announced the cancellation on May 10, 2013, just before the finale aired.[35][36][31]Release
Broadcast
Body of Proof premiered on ABC as a midseason replacement on March 29, 2011, airing Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET in the timeslot previously occupied by other medical dramas, serving as a companion program to ABC's lineup of shows like Private Practice.[37] The pilot episode drew 13.9 million total viewers, marking a strong debut for the network's new medical procedural.[38] The first season consisted of nine episodes that aired weekly on Tuesdays without significant interruptions beyond standard network breaks, concluding on May 17, 2011.[39] Season 2 returned to the same Tuesday slot on September 20, 2011, for 20 episodes, airing through April 10, 2012, with typical holiday pauses but no extended hiatuses.[39] The series maintained its Tuesday 10:00 p.m. position for Season 3, premiering on February 19, 2013, immediately following Grey's Anatomy, and ran 13 episodes weekly until the series finale on May 28, 2013.[39] The overall run spanned from March 2011 to May 2013, with the finale attracting 7.45 million viewers.[40] ABC's strategy positioned Body of Proof within its established medical drama ecosystem, leveraging the genre's popularity to build audience flow from lead-in programs like Dancing with the Stars in its debut season. International broadcasters adapted the schedule to local primetime slots, often maintaining the procedural format's weekly airing pattern.[41]International broadcasts
In Canada, Body of Proof premiered on Citytv on March 29, 2011, simulcast with its U.S. debut on ABC.[42] The series aired in the United Kingdom starting on July 19, 2011, on Alibi.[43] Australia saw the show debut on Channel 7 in May 2011, where it was broadcast during prime time slots.[44] Other markets included France on TF1, Germany on Sat.1, Italy on Rai 2, and Brazil on Sony Entertainment Television, with premieres spanning 2011 to 2014 depending on the region and season availability.[45][46] The show achieved wide international syndication, airing in numerous countries worldwide, often with local dubs or subtitles to accommodate diverse audiences. Due to the U.S. cancellation after three seasons in 2013, some international markets experienced delays, with Season 3 not premiering until 2013 or later in select regions.Home media and distribution
DVD releases
The DVD releases for Body of Proof were produced by ABC Studios Home Entertainment exclusively in Region 1 NTSC format, with no Blu-ray editions ever issued. The complete first season was released on September 20, 2011, as a two-disc set containing all nine episodes, along with bonus features including a blooper reel, a featurette on the show's costume design, and behind-the-scenes content.[4][47] Season two followed on September 18, 2012, in a four-disc set featuring the full 20 episodes, supplemented by extras such as bloopers and deleted scenes.[48][49] The third and final season arrived on June 18, 2013, as a three-disc set with all 13 episodes, including featurettes focused on forensic techniques, a gag reel, and production insights.[50][51][52] A complete series box set, encompassing all 42 episodes across nine discs, was released on November 19, 2013.[53][54] These sets were initially distributed through major retailers including Amazon and Walmart, but by 2020, official production had ceased, leaving them available primarily as used copies on secondary markets.[54][55]Streaming availability
As of November 2025, Body of Proof is primarily available for streaming on Hulu, where all three seasons (42 episodes total) have been offered since 2018 in both ad-supported and no-ads premium tiers.[3] The series is also accessible via Disney+ in the United States as part of the bundled Hulu + Disney+ subscription plan, which launched in late 2019 and fully integrated by 2020; internationally, it streams on Disney+ in select markets such as the United Kingdom and Denmark.[56] Prior to its current placements, Body of Proof was available for rental and purchase on iTunes (now Apple TV) and Amazon Prime Video, alongside digital purchase options on Vudu (Fandango at Home). The series is also available for purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu).[56][57] The show's licensing history saw it stream exclusively on Netflix from 2014 to 2017 before rights expired, leading to its relocation to Hulu and other platforms.[2] In 2025, no 4K remastered versions or upgrades have been released for digital streaming; ad-free viewing remains limited to premium bundle subscriptions like Hulu No Ads or the Disney Bundle.[58] For collectors seeking alternatives to streaming, physical media options provide a permanent alternative, though digital access continues to evolve with licensing renewals.[56]Reception
Critical response
Body of Proof received mixed reviews from critics over its three-season run, with praise centered on Dana Delany's intense and charismatic performance as medical examiner Megan Hunt, while the series was frequently faulted for its predictable, formulaic case-of-the-week structure and underdeveloped supporting characters.[10][23] Variety described the premiere as an "engaging procedural" that effectively showcases Delany's on-the-job savvy and humor, positioning it as a solid entry in the crime drama genre akin to CBS staples but with a medical focus.[10] The New York Times noted that, while well-made and enjoyable, the show adheres too closely to procedural conventions, rendering Hunt's brilliant but unlikable persona somewhat conventional.[5] Critics often compared Body of Proof to CSI, highlighting its forensic emphasis as a distinguishing medical twist on standard investigations, though some found the cases trite and the scientific elements more procedural than innovative.[59] Reviewers appreciated the show's relative forensic accuracy for a television drama, avoiding excessive sensationalism. However, common criticisms included the vanilla nature of the ensemble cast beyond Delany and the predictability of plot resolutions.[10] In Seasons 2 and 3, reception noted improvements in pacing and narrative momentum, but ongoing issues with clichéd romantic subplots and a shift toward soapy elements drew ire, with some outlets averaging around 3 out of 5 stars for the later installments.[60][61] Aggregate scores reflected this ambivalence: Rotten Tomatoes tallied a 50% approval rating for Season 1 based on 18 reviews, with the consensus calling it a "run-of-the-mill procedural that underuses star Dana Delany," while Metacritic assigned a 57/100 for the first season from 22 critics, indicating mixed or average quality.[23][62]Ratings
Body of Proof achieved solid viewership during its first season, averaging 13.36 million viewers per episode and peaking at 13.94 million for the pilot episode.[63] The series ranked #13 in total viewers in the Nielsen ratings for the 2010-2011 television season, benefiting from its lead-in programming such as Dancing with the Stars, and demonstrated strong demographic appeal, particularly among women aged 18–49 with a 1.9 rating.[63] In season 2, average viewership declined to 8.60 million, with numbers dropping further to 5.5 million mid-season amid increased competition in the timeslot.[64] The show finished #88 in the Nielsen rankings for the 2011-2012 season, still supported by its Dancing with the Stars lead-in but facing challenges from shifting audience preferences. Season 3 saw an average of 8.03 million viewers, though the series finale drew 7.45 million; the overall decline contributed to the show's cancellation by ABC.[65] Key factors included the 18–49 demographic performance falling below ABC's renewal threshold of around 1.5–2.0 ratings.[36]Awards and nominations
Body of Proof garnered limited formal accolades during its run, primarily in technical and production categories, with no major awards for the series or its lead performers such as Dana Delany. The show earned one win and several nominations from industry organizations focused on music, location work, environmental themes, and camera operations.| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Environmental Media Awards | Television Episodic Drama | "Broken Home" (Season 1, Episode 9) | Nominated | Yahoo News |
| 2012 | BMI Film & TV Awards | BMI TV Music Award | Daniel Licht (composer) | Won | BMI |
| 2013 | California on Location Awards | Location Professional Award (Television) | Stephen Andrzejewski (location manager) and Disney-ABC Television Group | Nominated | California on Location Awards |
| 2014 | Society of Camera Operators Awards | Camera Operator of the Year (Television) | Kenji Luster | Nominated | Deadline |