Reef Doctors (Channel 10 2013, Lisa McCune, Matt Day)

Family drama series Reef Doctors was set amongst the Great Barrier Reef and the remote Hope Island Clinic, where Sam Stewart is an accomplished doctor who, with her team, looks after the residents of all the neighbouring islands, as well as the holi- daymakers and thrill seekers who visit the area. Not only a GP, Sam is a single mother with a free spirit and an unusual hobby: venom.

Scheduled for broadcast and then held back more than once Reef Doctors finally emerged some 9 months after it’s planned airdate. No particular reason why, it entertained well enough and is similar in style and feel to many other Jonathan M. Shiff productions. Such is modern Australian television though – the series began in an early Sunday evening slot but didn’t fare well and quickly moved to a Fridays at 9.30pm slot before moved Channels altogether – having to finish it’s run on Eleven.

production details
Australia / Channel 10 – Jonathan M. Shiff Productions / 13×45 minute episodes / Broadcast Sunday 9 June – 7 September 2013

Creator: Jonathan M. Shiff / Co-Producer: Lisa McCune / Theme Music: Medicine Woman performed by Billie Jade Hastings / Executive Producers: Jonathan M. Shiff, Julia Adams, Rick Maier

cast
Lisa McCune as Dr Sam Stewart
Matt Day as Professor Andrew Walsh
Rohan Nichol as Toby McGrath
Richard Brancatisano as Dr. Rick D’Alessandro
Tasneem Roc as Olivia Shaw
Andrew Ryan as Gus Cochrane
Susan Hoecke as Freya Klein
Justin Holborow as Jack Stewart
Rod Mullinar as Sonny Farrell
Kristof Piechocki as Malcolm Reid
Alexandra Davies as Gillian
Chloe Bayliss as Nell Saunders