Netflix’s Pulse Needs to Learn One Huge Lesson from The Pitt

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Opting for another medical drama amidst today’s economic climate might seem questionable, but Netflix has taken the plunge nonetheless. However, in comparison to Max’s blockbuster series The Pitt, Pulse appears to have fallen short of expectations.

To be honest, I’m still fondly reminiscing about the golden era of ER from the 90s. George Clooney was quite the charmer in his white coat back then, and the show set the standard for all subsequent hospital dramas. However, it’s been over two decades since ER went off the air, and boy, has there been an overwhelming flood of fictional surgeries on TV ever since!

Despite Grey’s Anatomy being the most prominent, one might assume there’s no room for a novice to make an impact. However, Max’s fresh TV series, The Pitt, has surprised us all, capturing the attention of streaming platforms and social media by presenting a unique twist on a familiar formula.

Instead of Netflix’s latest series, Pulse, joining the competition just two months after The Pitt premiered and carrying the heavy burden of the medical field on its back, I recently watched all ten episodes, and here’s the main factor that sets it apart: Pulse simply can’t compare to the same league.

The Pitt commits where Pulse doesn’t 

Let’s compare these two television series briefly, side by side. The Pitt, unlike other shows, delves deeply into a single shift, with each of its 15 Season 1 episodes depicting a different hour of the day. The setting for our Pittsburgh hospital seems realistic enough to walk into if you needed to get a broken arm looked at, and the acting performances from our cast are outstanding (possibly because ER veteran Noah Wyle is comfortable around hospital environments).

In addition, an unsettling event – a mass shooting at a nearby music festival – has been incorporated into the storyline. This plot thread, first introduced in Episode 12, is expected to continue until the end of Season 1. It translates the silent apprehension many of us experience daily into a chilling reality. The creators have left no stone unturned – it’s brutal, graphic, and startling.

Afterward, there’s Pulse. This suggests Netflix is becoming overly confident that daytime dramas guarantee success. While this strategy may hold for shows like Virgin River and Ransom Canyon, a hospital setting might be a stretch. Relying on the implausible isn’t likely to gain audience favor.

Beyond that, there are some superficial flaws (funnily enough, considering the abundance of plastic surgeons involved), this production appears to be a clear stage set. The characters lack charm and aren’t compelling enough for audience engagement, while the special effects resemble those from a low-budget Sharknado film.

As a gamer, I found myself diving into a game where they aimed to ramp up the terror factor. They chose to set it during a ruthless hurricane inside an ER. By episode 4, the storm had subsided, but what was left behind were cheesy romance subplots and relationships that seemed irrelevant to the players’ experience.

Why does Netflix seem to take a more cost-effective route when facing such a densely populated genre? Frankly, I’m at a loss for an answer. It’s true that the streaming platform has been experiencing a decline in subscribers and canceling existing shows at an alarming rate (despite still generating profits), but this doesn’t clarify why they would approach a potentially profitable venture with less enthusiasm.

If Pulse is granted a second season, I must admit I’d find that surprising. Fortunately, I’m not tasked with assessing the show since watching all 10 episodes feels like a forgettable weekend that blends together. It seems prudent to invest funds where they yield results… and in my opinion, that’s not happening here.

With all that it has going for it, The Pitt seems poised to claim the title of the top new medical drama of the 2020s. Although such a category may not exist at the upcoming Golden Globes, its promising future with Season 2 and a spinoff makes it difficult to deny it success. Netflix doesn’t always have to dominate every battle, and it’s good that it doesn’t.

As a dedicated viewer, I’m thrilled to share that “The Pitt” and “Pulse” are now accessible for streaming on Max and Netflix respectively! If you’re eager for more, don’t forget to explore the exciting new TV shows hitting the screens this month. Also, take a look at the standout TV series of the year so far – they’re truly worth your time. Lastly, mark your calendars for the highly anticipated releases slated for 2025; trust me, you won’t want to miss them!

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2025-04-03 12:18