Shiladitya Ray
‘Intervention’ is an American documentary television series that airs on the A&E network. Created by Sam Mettler, the show follows one or two participants in each episode who are either dependent on or addicted to substances or harmful behaviour and are documented in anticipation of intervention by family, friends, and/or therapists.
‘Intervention’ is more than a decade old, and the first season of the show premiered way back on March 6, 2005. Since then, the show had been going strong, and had seen 243 interventions resulting in 156 individuals getting better. However, on May 6, 2013, A&E announced that it was pulling the plug on the show. Yet, ‘Intervention’ was resurrected a year later when, on August 5, 2014, LMN network announced that it had picked up the show for a new season, to be aired in 2015. Subsequently, on January 13, 2015, A&E took a U-turn, and announced that it would also be airing the new seasons. Till date, the unique and groundbreaking show has seen a whopping 20 seasons air, and people who follow it are now looking forward to a new season. Here’s everything we know about it.
Intervention Cast: Who is in it?
Being a documentary show which documents the help given to addicts, the show does not have a specific list of cast members, and participants vary with each episode and each season.
That being said, the show has seen several “interventionists” take part over the years, and some of them have come back frequently to assist addicts. Originally, the show featured three specialists – former methamphetamine addict and Intervention-911 founder Ken Seeley, former alcoholic and pastor Jeff VanVonderen, and former alcoholic, adoptee, and mother Candy Finnigan.
Later, others joined in, including Southworth Associates, LLC founder John Southworth, veteran interventionist Rod Espudo, former addict and interventionist Donna Chavous, former heroin addict and interventionist Seth Jaffe, and former alcoholic and show participant Sylvia Parsons, who became a certified interventionist after achieving sobriety. Other therapists who have made guest appearances in the show include marriage and family therapist Tara Fields, Beverly Hills-based psychotherapist Jenn Berman, and Promises Treatment Centers staff member Lee FitzGerald.
As far as participants are concerned, they usually vary with episodes. However, over the years, several celebrities have also been participants in the show, and some of them are actress Vanessa Marquez, Days of the New lead singer Travis Meeks, former NBA forward Antwahn Nance, Three Dog Night vocalist Chuckie Negron, women’s shot put champion Tressa Thompson, former porn star and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Aaron Brink, a.k.a. Dick Delaware, and two-time Super Featherweight boxing champion Rocky Lockridge.
Intervention Plot: What is it about?
Each episode of ‘Intervention’ follows one or two participants who are either dependent on or addicted to substances and/or addictive and harmful behaviour. These participants are filmed over a period of time until an intervention, often with the help of a professional interventionist, takes place. These interventions mostly result in the participants getting caught using substances or indulging in harmful behaviour, following which they have to confront their loved ones. Although these final confrontations or interventions are often practiced by the loved ones of the participant ahead of time, they usually unfold in this manner: the participant(s) walks in and has to face his/her loved ones and talk about his/her issues. The participants’ loved ones then issue him/her an ultimatum wherein he/she has to undergo a full 90-day, all-expenses-paid treatment, or risk losing contact with loved ones and/or other privileges.
The addictions or harmful behaviours which the show has dealt with include alcoholism, eating disorders, compulsive buying disorder, compulsive exercise disorder, drug addiction (legal and illegal), food addiction, gambling addiction, sex addiction, rage addiction, plastic surgery addiction, video game addiction, and propensity for self-harm, among others.
Of course, as in real-life, not every participant cooperates, and some have walked out or refused treatment. That being said, most participants in the show have eventually accepted treatment, but again, as in real-life, not everyone has gone through the entire treatment and some have quit mid-way or have been removed from centers owing to rule violations.
To keep viewers up to date with the developments in the lives of the participants, each episode in the show ends with a black screen that provides information on the progress (or the lack of it) of participants. Sobriety dates for participants who have successfully grown beyond their addictions are also provided. Further, website links are also provided to viewers who seek to know more about the progress of the participants in the show.
As far as reception is concerned, ‘Intervention’ enjoys a good rating of 8/10 on IMDb.
Intervention Season 21 Release Date: When will it premiere?
‘Intervention’ Season 20 premiered on August 6, 2019 and came to end after 6 episodes on September 10, 2019. As far as the next season goes, A&E hasn’t made any announcement yet. But, it is almost certain that one of the longest running reality will be back next year. If renewed, ‘Intervention’ Season 21 will most likely release sometime in August, 2020.
Intervention Trailer:
While we wait for ‘Intervention’ Season 21, here’s a scene from Season 19.
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