January 31, 2008 Doctors: 'Eli Stone' perpetuates autism myth Play video

(NECN) - A new television series on ABC is stirring up some controversy. It's called "Eli Stone" and some critics say the series premier should be cancelled because it sends a dangerous message to families with children.

The nation's largest pediatricians' group says the show perpetuates the myth that vaccines can cause autism.

"Eli Stone" features British actor Jonny Lee Miller as a prophet-like lawyer who in the opening episode argues in court that a flu vaccine made a child autistic. When it is revealed in court that an executive at the fictional vaccine maker didn't allow his own child to get the shot, jurors side with the family, giving them a huge award.

The show's co-creators say they're not anti-vaccine and would be upset if parents chose not to immunize their children after seeing the show.

NECN reporter Brad Puffer has the details.