14 DAY TRIAL // DJ AM, real name Adam Goldstein, was found dead last month in his New York City apartment from an overdose. Sober for many years in a row, he had relapsed back to drugs, which eventually led to his untimely death. Before that, though, he had shot a reality show for MTV, whose future had been insecure ever since toxicology reports came back, but The Hollywood Reporter is now saying the network will go ahead and air it.
“Gone Too Far,” the reality show AM shot before his relapse, was conceived as an intervention-type of show, where he acted like the older and more experienced counselor who used his own case to help others face their addictions. Because he died precisely of a drug overdose, the question of whether airing the show would not seem hypocritical and exploiting inevitably came up. From what THR says, it seems MTV has decided the answer to that is, no, it would not be so.
“The status of ‘Gone Too Far’ has been in question since DJ AM, whose real name is Adam Goldstein, was found dead last month in his New York apartment. Although a toxicology report has not been released, preliminary findings suggest he died from a drug overdose. MTV, which declined to comment, has not made a final decision on whether to air the series, but sources say the network expects to air the program and has been in talks with Goldstein’s family about the timing.” THR says, citing sources well familiar with the project.
Since VH1 also canceled two shows that had a connection with murder-suspect Ryan Jenkins, the initial reaction with MTV was to call off all plans of a premiere of “Gone Too Far.” Now, after much consideration, it seems network bosses have come to the conclusion they can use AM’s example to sound the alarm and, in doing so, let not his death go by without a purpose.
“If handled properly, some believe ‘Gone’ could successfully impart its anti-drug message, perhaps now even more so. Before he died, Goldstein reportedly told his sponsor he would return to rehab. Eight episodes of ‘Gone’ were shot; three days before his body was discovered Aug. 28, DJ AM tweeted that he wrapped filming. The show’s original premiere date was Oct. 5, though launching that soon seems unlikely at this point.” THR further explains.