Is it possible to identify living individuals simply through clues on and inside their bodies? For forensic detectives and scientists, it’s the ultimate test of their skills. Each week on The Great American Manhunt, the new eight part one-hour series premiering Thursday nights at 9:00 pm (ET/PT) on the National Geographic Channel, those skills are challenged as never before. In each episode, a charismatic team of experts employs the very latest techniques and technology in forensic science – as well as a bit of intuition and some old fashioned clue busting abilities – to unravel the complex mystery put before them.
A portion of one of the new episodes was shot at Wilderness at the Smokies resort, where I had the pleasure of working with both the talented production crew and the brilliant forensic scientists who the show is based on. We shot for an entire day at the resort, but I won’t give too much away here. Just watch for it!
Rick Laney and the National Geographic crew
The Great American Manhunt throws down the gauntlet to forensic anthropologist Dr. Natalie Shirley, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Dan Shapiro and veteran police officer Bill Erfurth. Together, they are tasked with identifying a mystery target with an exceptional life and accomplishments. With no access to national databases, the team is limited to using every forensic test available to interrogate the anatomy, the minds and the clothes to positively ID their target and work out their exceptional achievement. The mystery targets come in all shapes and sizes but they all have something in common – an occupation or event that has left a unique imprint on their body.
Rick Laney working with National Geographic crew
“This series is like a real-life CSI episode, with a great twist,” said Kathleen Cromley, the executive producer for National Geographic Channel. “In this instance, all of the clues lead to a living, breathing person – and the journey along the way is great fun.”
David McNab, Creative Director, Wide-Eyed Entertainment said: “We have been blown away by the brilliance of our sleuths in piecing together the clues and hunting the targets down. The team tests everything from blood to psychology – from MRI scans to the pollen on the target’s clothes. The science is jaw dropping and the investigation takes the team on a thrilling chase across the country.”
Watch the trailer for “The Great American Manhunt” on National Geographic Channel below, and check local listings for times the show will air in your town.