Body of Proof

2011 American medical drama television series

Not to be confused with Body of Evidence.

Body of Proof

Genre|

* Medical drama
* Crime drama

Created by| Christopher Murphey
Starring|

* Dana Delany
* Jeri Ryan
* John Carroll Lynch
* Nicholas Bishop
* Sonja Sohn
* Geoffrey Arend
* Windell Middlebrooks
* Mary Mouser
* Mark Valley
* Elyes Gabel

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|

* Matthew Gross
* Christopher Murphey
* Sunil Nayar
* Evan Katz

Producers|

* Matthew V. Lewis
* James Kleverweis

Running time| 42 minutes
Production companies|

* Matthew Gross Entertainment
* Arcturus Productions
(2011–2013)
(seasons 2–3)
* ABC Studios

Original release
Network| ABC
Release| March 29, 2011 (2011-03-29) –
May 28, 2013 (2013-05-28)

Body of Proof is an American medical/crime comedy-drama television series that ran on ABC 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 article: List of Body of Proof characters

### Main cast

[edit]

The show focuses on Megan Hunt, played by Dana Delany (pictured).

* 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]

Main article: List of Body of Proof episodes

Season| Episodes| Originally released| Rank| Average viewership
(in millions)

|
|
|
|

First released| Last released
1| 9| January 25, 2011 (2011-01-25) (Italy)[18]
March 29, 2011 (2011-03-29)| February 22, 2011 (2011-02-22) (Italy)[19]
May 17, 2011 (2011-05-17)| 13| 13.35[20]
2| 20| September 20, 2011 (2011-09-20)| April 10, 2012 (2012-04-10)| 44| 9.89[21]
3| 13| February 19, 2013 (2013-02-19)| May 28, 2013 (2013-05-28)| 34| 10.38[22]

## 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 (2011-09-20)[38] | 2  | 13  | November 5, 2012 (2012-11-05)[39] | 13  | August 15, 2012 (2012-08-15)[40] | 3
| 2 | 20  | The Complete Second Season | September 18, 2012 (2012-09-18)[41] | 4  | 16  | March 4, 2013 (2013-03-04)[42] | 16  | December 5, 2012 (2012-12-05)[43] | 4
| 3 | 13[44] | The Complete Third Season | June 18, 2013 (2013-06-18)[45] | 3  | 13  | November 11, 2013 (2013-11-11)[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]

* List of fictional medical examiners

## References

[edit]

1. ^ 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.
2. ^ 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.
3. ^ 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.
4. ^ "Evidence is in on Body of Proof". Providence Journal. March 31, 2011. Archived from the original on August 26, 2011. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
5. ^ 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.
6. ^ 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.
7. ^ 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.
8. ^ 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.
9. ^ 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.
10. ^ 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.
11. ^ 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.
12. ^ 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.
13. ^ 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.
14. ^ 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.
15. ^ 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.
16. ^ 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.
17. ^ 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.
18. ^ Body of Proof (TV Series) - Pilot (2011) - Release Info
19. ^ Body of Proof (TV Series) - Broken Home (2011) - Release Info
20. ^ 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.
21. ^ 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.
22. ^ 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.
23. ^ ABC Drama Filmed in R.I. Set to Premiere Archived September 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, Brown Daily Herald, September 16, 2010
24. ^ Is Dana Delany ABC's Best Hope This Fall?, Deadline Hollywood, October 8, 2010
25. ^ ABC's "Body of Proof" Gets Tuesday 10pm Timeslot, Premieres March 29, TV By the Numbers, November 30, 2010
26. ^ Body of Proof Renewed by ABC, TV By the Numbers, May 13, 2011
27. ^ 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.
28. ^ 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.
29. ^ 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.
30. ^ 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.
31. ^ 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.
32. ^ 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.
33. ^ 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.
34. ^ 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.
35. ^ 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.
36. ^ 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.
37. ^ "Chance to win Body of Proof goodies". RTÉ News. March 5, 2012. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
38. ^ "Body of Proof – The Complete 1st Season". TvshowsonDVD. Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
39. ^ "Body of Proof-Season 1". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
40. ^ "Body of Proof – The Complete 1st Season". Ezy DVD. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
41. ^ 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.
42. ^ "Body of Proof Season 2 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2013.
43. ^ "Body Of Proof: The Complete 2nd Season". Ezy DVD. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
44. ^ 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.
45. ^ 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.
46. ^ "Body of Proof - Season 3 [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved September 20, 2013.
47. ^ "Body of Proof – Season 1". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 1, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
48. ^ 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.
49. ^ 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.
50. ^ 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.
51. ^ Toby, Mekeisha Madden (March 29, 2011). "Dana Delany, 'Body of Proof' prove a poor pairing". The Detroit News. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
52. ^ 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.
53. ^ "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.
54. ^ "ABC's 'Body of Proof' Makes Strong First Showing". ABCNews.com. April 5, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
55. ^ "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.
56. ^ 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.
57. ^ 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.
58. ^ 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.
59. ^ 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.
60. ^ 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.
61. ^ 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.
62. ^ 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.
63. ^ 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.
64. ^ "Tuesday TV Show Ratings: Body of Proof, The Voice, Brooklyn DA, Extreme Weight Loss". TV Series Finale. May 29, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
65. ^ "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 at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Body of Proof

Episodes|

| Season 1|

* "Pilot"
* "Letting Go"
* "Helping Hand"
* "Talking Heads"
* "Dead Man Walking"
* "Society Hill"
* "All in the Family"
* "Buried Secrets"
* "Broken Home"

|

Season 2|

* "Hunting Party"
* "Missing"

Season 3|

Related articles|

* Characters

*[No.]: Number
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template