Watch Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story

Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story is a limited series on Peacock that tells the horrifying true story of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon in Texas who was known as "Dr. Death." The series is based on the podcast of the same name by Laura Beil, which covered Duntsch's crimes and the many ways that the medical system failed his patients.

The show follows a variety of perspectives, including the patients who suffered at the hands of Dr. Duntsch, the medical professionals who tried to stop him, and the journalists who uncovered the story. The three central figures of the story are Randall Kirby, Martin Lazar, and Michelle Shughart, all of whom were affected by Duntsch's malpractice in different ways.

Randall Kirby is a former patient of Dr. Duntsch. He is a former football player who suffered from chronic back pain, and he turned to Duntsch for surgery that he hoped would alleviate his symptoms. Instead, Duntsch left him with permanent nerve damage and other serious injuries. Kirby is now an advocate for patient safety and has been involved in efforts to increase transparency and accountability in the medical industry.

Martin Lazar is a vascular surgeon who worked with Duntsch early in his career. Lazar became concerned about Duntsch's work and alerted hospital administrators, but he was repeatedly ignored. Eventually, Lazar went to the media to try to expose Duntsch's malpractice. This led to a lengthy investigation and a trial that ultimately resulted in Duntsch being sentenced to life in prison for multiple counts of aggravated assault.

Michelle Shughart is a lawyer who represented several of Duntsch's patients in lawsuits against him and the hospitals where he operated. She is also the daughter of Kellie Martin, a patient of Duntsch's who died as a result of his negligence. Shughart's story is intertwined with that of her mother, and she is driven by a desire to seek justice for all of Dr. Duntsch's victims.

Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story is a gripping and disturbing exploration of how one man was able to cause so much harm, and how the medical and legal systems failed to stop him until it was too late. The series does not shy away from the graphic details of Duntsch's surgeries or the devastating impact that his actions had on his patients and their families. However, it also highlights the resilience and bravery of those who stood up to him and worked to bring him to justice.

The performances in the series are excellent, particularly from the three central actors. Randall Kirby brings a powerful sense of anger and frustration to his portrayal of a man whose life was irreparably damaged by Duntsch's greed and incompetence. Martin Lazar is nuanced and empathetic as a physician who struggled to do the right thing in the face of institutional apathy and negligence. Michelle Shughart brings a fierce determination and passion to her role, representing not just her own mother but all of the people whose lives were changed forever by Duntsch's crimes.

Overall, Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or the failings of the medical system. It is a stark reminder of the importance of advocating for patient safety and the need for greater accountability in healthcare. The series is a chilling but essential look at one of the most shocking cases of medical malpractice in recent history.

Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between July 29, 2021 and on Peacock