Warren Boyd: Extreme Interventionist: The Man Behind “The Cleaner”

NEW YORK, NY – August 3, 2009 – A former addict, Warren Boyd, now more than 18 years sober, dedicates his life to helping addicts into recovery utilizing very unconventional methods. His personal journey inspired the A&E drama series “The Cleaner,” starring Benjamin Bratt as an uncommon hero who takes a by any means necessary approach to save others from addiction. Now, for the first time ever, Boyd opens up and allows cameras to delve inside his very real, highly secretive world of extreme intervention and hands on treatment in “Extreme Interventionist: The Man Behind The Cleaner.” The one-hour documentary special, narrated by Meredith Vieira, premieres on Tuesday, August 11 at 11 PM ET/PT on A&E.

The one-hour documentary special looks at Boyd’s battle with addiction, his recovery and subsequent dedication as counselor and extreme interventionist to numerous clients ranging from high-profile names to perfect strangers. The special details how he manages a handful of sober living facilities, safe houses, and a team of highly skilled private investigators who also act as compassionate counselors helping addicts build a sense of purpose and engage in adrenaline inducing activities to replace the high of drugs. Viewers will also meet some of his former clients who are now in recovery including actor Ashley Hamilton whose struggle with a heroin addiction led him to more than 30 rehab programs until Boyd helped him get sober in 2004. And, we’ll see Boyd at work as co-executive producer on “The Cleaner,” where he directly inspires Benjamin Bratt’s character and day-to-day brings his experience to add credible, real world grittiness and authenticity to the series.

“Extreme Interventionist: The Man Behind The Cleaner” is produced by Peacock Productions for A&E. Knute Walker and Elizabeth Fischer are executive producers for Peacock Productions. Executive Producers for A&E are Robert Sharenow and Colleen Conway.