ABC to Bring Medical Care Into the Reality Show Realm -NYT

[Rose Siding]

ABC Television, which has captured big audiences in recent years with reality programs chronicling alterations to people's physical appearance and to their homes, will apply that formula this year to people's health.

The network agreed late last week to place an initial order of six episodes for a program with the working title "Miracle Workers," according to two people who were briefed on the deal but who said being identified by name might scuttle the project. In the program, a team of physicians will scour the country seeking people who urgently need medical care but do not have the wherewithal to obtain it.

"Miracle Workers," which could make its debut as soon as this summer, is being produced jointly by DreamWorks Television and Renegade 83 Entertainment, the creator of "Blind Date," a syndicated program that follows couples from the moment they meet.
...
One person apprised of the deal said that "Miracle Worker" would involve no games or other competition, but would instead seek to improve the lot of at least one family each episode. For example, the program's "dream team" of physicians, who will serve as recurring characters, might arrange a heart procedure for one critically ill family member, while also securing psychological care for the person's spouse and children.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/07/business/media/07dreamworks.html?oref=login

[murielm99]

1. That sounds nice and everything, but

WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO MAKE MEDICAL CARE A MIRACLE GIVE-AWAY IF EVERYONE WAS PROVIDED WITH IT AS IS THEIR RIGHT AS A HUMAN BEING.

[Pithlet]

2. Of all the reality shows that are or have ever been

This one is the saddest commentary on life in America. That we even have anyone desperate enough for health care to agree to make their lives a spectacle for others is disgusting. We shouldn't even be ABLE to have this show. We are rapidly falling behind other civilized parts of the world in our common decency and compassion for others.

[jrthin]

5. I so agree with you.

My reaction on hearing this news was sadness. Is this America or some third world country. My god, in Cuba, a poor country, the people get better medical care than we do here.

[SoCalDem]

3. Would YOU like to BE.......

"Queen for a Day"??

or "Groveling for Health care"???

or "Dueling for Doctors"??

or "Pimpin' for the Pills"??

:puke:

medical issues used to be private..and now in order to get care for those "nagging chest pains" you have to go on TV and expose yourself.. I suppose the interactive TV owners can have little handheld gizmos to "vote" thumbs up or down...:puke:

[Pithlet]

4. Beggin' for food

The next reality series. Watch as starving people vie for food prizes so their family can eat!

I do like some of the reality tv out there, but this trend is disturbing.

[reprobate]

6. The Romans called it "Bread and Circuses"

Provide the people with subsistance food and entertainment to keep their minds off their true situation. Otherwise they'll see what's going on behind the curtain. Once that happens they'll turn on you every time.