As the subsea industry ages, the number of premature subsea well shut downs are increasing due to insufficient well intervention programs. In the past, subsea well interventions have not been widely used because of a lack of economic feasibility; however, with appropriate project planning, the recent economic climate, and advances in well intervention technology, a greater overall project return can be realized by implementing a proactive well intervention program. While intervention on surface wells is a familiar topic, the benefits and negative consequences of more recent subsea intervention developments, such as riser-less light well intervention, riser-less mud return, and well flow back and testing, are evaluated. These different well intervention methods carry varying amounts of risk with them, with the potential to greatly enhance or diminish well performance and thus affect recoverable hydrocarbons. The risks involved with the different well intervention methods are evaluated and recommendations are made as to which methods are utilized depending on desired return rates and risk aversion levels. Recommendations are made for implementing a successful well intervention program, such as production monitoring, scenario planning, application of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, cross-organizational collaboration, and logistical improvements. With an effective well intervention program, reservoirs can be further exploited, potentially increasing project return and supplying hydrocarbons to a demanding global market.