Murder by Medic (review)
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
We are at our most vulnerable when we are ill, placing absolute trust in medical professionals to diagnose, treat, and fix our ailments. We rely on doctors and nurses because they are trained to save lives; however, a dark subversion of this trust occurs when those same skills are used to kill. This is the haunting premise of Murder by Medic, a non-fiction true crime series that investigates the chilling reality of medics who abandon their Hippocratic Oath to commit the ultimate crime. By dissecting the lives and motives of those who were supposed to be healers, the series offers a disturbing look at what happens when evil enters the hearts of those we trust most.
Production and Release Details
Produced by FirstLook TV in the United Kingdom, Murder by Medic made its debut on August 19, 2024. The series is distributed by Sphere Abacus (also known as Abacus Media Rights) and originally aired on A+E Networks, specifically the Crime + Investigation channel.
The show is designed as a substantial documentary project, consisting of 50 one-hour episodes. Its production timeline spans from 2024 into 2025, indicating a continuous release of content that explores a vast catalog of medical criminal history. Viewers in the UK can find the program on Sky channels 139 or 142 (Sky Glass/Stream), as well as on dedicated true crime streaming services.
The Plot and Synopsis: When Healers Turn Killers
The core narrative of Murder by Medic centers on the stories of 50 different medics—ranging from doctors and nurses to psychologists, dentists, and paramedics—who used their medical know-how to murder patients or family members. Each episode serves as a deep dive into a specific case, piecing together hard evidence, the means used to kill, and the underlying motives.
The series goes beyond simple storytelling by employing a multi-faceted approach to its investigations. It utilizes:
• Poignant interviews with the loved ones of victims.
• Key video and audio evidence related to the crimes.
• Insights from investigators and legal teams who worked the cases.
• Expert analysis from a distinguished panel of criminologists and medical professionals.
The "plot" of each episode focuses on the "how" and "why." How did these individuals use their specialized training to hide their crimes? Why did they choose to take lives instead of saving them? By examining the psyche of the killers, the show attempts to uncover the drivers behind these rogue physicians.
Featured Cases and Experts
While the series covers dozens of cases, the sources highlight specific examples that showcase the diversity of the crimes:
• Malcolm Webster: A murderous psychopath and "homicidal husband" who orchestrated three murder plots, including the death of his first wife, which was initially dismissed as a tragic accident. His primary motive was a desperate need for money.
• Paul Novak: A highly regarded paramedic and 9/11 volunteer who was seen as a hero in his community. Despite his reputation, he was a cold-blooded killer who manipulated his peers to help him murder his ex-wife.
The "stars" of the show are not actors but the real-world experts who guide the audience through the psychological and medical complexities of the cases. The main cast includes:
• Joni E. Johnston: A psychologist and investigator who provides insight into the criminal mind.
• Bryanna Fox: A renowned criminologist.
• Donna Youngs: An expert contributor to the series.
• Dr. Sarah Jarvis and Rod Demery: Other recurring experts who provide medical and investigative context.
Distribution and Critical Response
Murder by Medic is distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus, making the content accessible through various programme portals for broadcasters.
In terms of critical response, the series currently holds an IMDb rating of 6.8/10. While specific accolades or awards are not yet documented in the provided sources, the show’s high volume of episodes and its placement on a major network like A+E suggest a strong commitment to the true crime genre. The audience's interest is further reflected in the "More like this" section on IMDb, which connects the series to other high-profile true crime content like 24 Hours in Police Custody and Killers: Caught on Camera.
Adaptations and Related Content
While Murder by Medic is a standalone non-fiction series, it exists within a larger ecosystem of true crime programming provided by A+E Networks and Crime + Investigation. Related shows that appeal to the same demographic include:
• Homicide Squad: New Orleans: A series following detectives tackling gruesome urban crimes.
• Murder on Trial: A drama-filled look at the pursuit of justice in the courtroom.
• Killer Grannies: A series focusing on unexpected elderly perpetrators.
There are currently no mentioned scripted adaptations or direct spin-offs of Murder by Medic, but its comprehensive 50-episode run provides a definitive archive of medical-based crimes.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Release Information: The series premiered on August 19, 2024, and is produced in the UK for A+E Networks' Crime + Investigation.
🗝️ Scope: It features 50 one-hour episodes, each dissecting the story of a medic who committed murder.
🗝️ Format: The show blends true crime documentary techniques, including interviews with victims' families and expert commentary from psychologists like Joni E. Johnston.
🗝️ Focus: The series explores the psychological motivations of rogue medics, such as Malcolm Webster and Paul Novak, who betrayed their professional oaths.
🗝️ Reception: It currently maintains a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and is distributed globally by Sphere Abacus.
🌐 External sources
Keywords: Murder by Medic
Murder by Medic
