The award-winning documentary series 999 Critical Condition, described as a 'hardcore' must-watch for fans of 24 Hours in A&E, returns tonight with a new series offering rare access to a major hospital trauma unit.
Return of the Award-Winning Series
First airing in 2020, the Channel 5 fly-on-the-wall documentary follows patients and staff in high-stakes, life-saving situations. The sixth series, starting tonight (May 12), is filmed at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, delivering another intense instalment.
What to Expect in the New Series
Viewers will witness frontline action as medical teams handle life-threatening injuries. The first episode features a man who impaled himself after falling from scaffolding at a church. The official synopsis states: 'A man working at a church falls from scaffold, impaling himself on a flagpole.'
The series offers an unfiltered look at the realities faced by NHS staff, making it a compelling watch for medical documentary enthusiasts.
Critical Acclaim
The Guardian previously described the series as 'the most nerve-shreddingly hardcore hospital doc ever', with reviewer Jack Seale adding: 'Every one of the cases in Critical Condition will stick with you.'
Viewers have also praised the show on social media. One wrote: 'It's fascinating and also mad what these magicians can do with the body to help fix you. #999CriticalCondition.' Another said: '#999CriticalCondition about to start on C5, this is a brilliant TV show.'
Unprecedented Access
The first five series were filmed at Royal Stoke University Hospital, with the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust stating: 'Filmed at Royal Stoke University Hospital before COVID-19, 999: Critical Condition showcases the relentless fast pace of the department's daily workload in a way never seen before on television.'
The Trust added: 'Reflecting the emotionally draining fast-paced daily workload, the series puts viewers right at the heart of this life and death battle. It's a powerful, moving and ultimately awe-inspiring look at how our staff work to save the lives of their sickest and most injured patients.'
How to Watch
999: Critical Condition returns tonight at 9pm on Channel 5. Episodes will air weekly and be available on the streaming platform thereafter.
