Jed Mercurio is a British author, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in television and literature. He gained prominence as the creator of the critically acclaimed BBC medical drama "Cardiac Arrest," written under the pseudonym John MacUre, which offered a gritty portrayal of hospital life. His novel "Bodies," adapted into a television series of the same name, earned him two BAFTA Television Award nominations and two RTS Award nominations. Mercurio has also authored other notable works, including "Ascent," "American Adulterer," and the children's book "The Penguin Expedition." His television projects span genres, from the sci-fi miniseries "Invasion: Earth" to the police corruption drama "Line of Duty," which achieved record ratings for BBC Two.
Before pursuing writing full-time, Mercurio trained as a doctor at the University of Birmingham and practiced medicine for three years. His medical background heavily influenced his early work, particularly "Cardiac Arrest" and "Bodies," which explored themes of institutional negligence and whistleblowing with unflinching realism. His novel "Ascent," a fictional account of a Soviet fighter pilot turned cosmonaut, was included in "The Guardian"'s list of "1000 Novels Everyone Must Read." Mercurio's versatility extends to directing, with credits including episodes of the comedy series "The Grimleys" and a modern adaptation of "Frankenstein." He continues to split his time between London and Los Angeles, balancing literary and television projects.