Gone Too Far (TV series)
| Gone Too Far | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality television |
| Starring | DJ AM |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Release | |
| Original network | MTV |
| Original release | 12 October 2009 |
Gone Too Far is a 2009 American reality television series, featuring Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, intervening to help people struggling with drug addiction. MTV debuted the show on October 12, less than two months after DJ AM—an ex-addict himself—died from a drug overdose. Eight episodes were made in its single season.
Goldstein approached MTV in mid 2008, pitching the idea of a reality show that focused on his life to Tony DiSanto. DiSanto said that such shows were decreasing in popularity, and instead suggested a drug intervention show, with Goldstein agreeing. While the show was still in pre-production in September 2008, Goldstein was injured in the 2008 South Carolina Learjet 60 crash. He subsequently started taking prescription medication for anxiety and pain, which a friend blamed as being the catalyst for his relapse into drug use. During the filming of one episode, Goldstein picked up a crack pipe. According to intervention expert BJ Hickman, who appeared in two episodes, Goldstein was clearly struggling with his addiction, stating "As soon as the cameras stopped, he put [the pipe] down. He had a moment holding that crack pipe, and he had to talk about it. He spoke to his sponsor. He made program calls." MTV hosted a video on their website showing Goldstein speaking about the experience, though they acknowledged removing the video after his death.
Goldstein had recently finished filming the series before his death on August 29, 2009, with eight episodes being shot. He tweeted about finishing filming the series three days before his death, which was suspected to be from a drug overdose. The circumstances of his death threw the status of the show into question, with concerns it may be viewed as hypocritical or exploitative, though others thought his death may give the series a stronger anti-drug message. DiSanto stated "It crosses all of our minds" whether placing Goldstein near other addicts helped contribute to his relapse. Dr Harris Stratyner said that "Doing this show could certainly have been a relapse trigger for Mr. Goldstein", saying that recovering addicts are encouraged to stay away from situations that may place them in temptation. The show's original premiere date was October 5, 2009, though on September 24 Reuters stated it would be unlikely to air by that date. MTV decided to debut it on October 12, less than two months since his death, which had been confirmed to be from drug overdose. Goldstein's family gave MTV approval to air the show, stating:
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