The programme combined the worlds of legal probate genealogy and family history for the first time[citation needed] attracting audiences of over 1.2 million.
BBC Daytime executive Richard Thomson commissioned the first series to run alongside ITV's Trisha which had moved to Channel 5.
The series runs as part of BBC One's weekday lineup in the early morning factual slot (9:15 am – 10:00 am), alongside shows including Animal 24:7 and Helicopter Heroes.
Heir Hunters are unregulated in the UK[2] although STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) have endorsed their use.
Despite being syndicated around the world the participants only received a nominal £1.00 in return for signing a standard Flame TV/reality television waiver.
The expanded episodes have an increased duration of 59 minutes and feature Lisa Faulkner on camera for the first time interviewing experts and Heir Hunters.