The 27 Best ER Episodes to Stream If You’ve Never Watched

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The list was initially shared in 2018, when ER debuted on streaming platforms. If watching The Pitt, a new medical procedural by ER veterans Noah Wyle, R. Scott Gemmill, and John Wells (not exactly an ER spinoff), piques your curiosity about the iconic long-running series, here’s where to begin. You can stream all 15 seasons of ER on Hulu and Max.

Is that the noise you’re hearing? The far-off sound of cheers and exclamations, a symphony of jubilant voices celebrating? Could it possibly be? Indeed! It appears that every single hour of ER – approximately 250 hours in total – is now available for streaming on Hulu and Max.

For beginners, note that “ER” isn’t just a short-lived TV series. It’s the pioneer of medical dramas, airing from 1994 to 2009 on NBC, spanning an impressive 15 seasons. The following list showcases some must-watch episodes, but if you prefer to start at the beginning, season one is your best bet. If you continue after that, the most convenient breakpoint is at the end of season three, where some major characters begin to depart. If you’re still engaged after that, the series remains excellent up until season five, and there are even standout episodes beyond that point, though they become more scattered. If you persist until season seven, consider yourself hooked and ready for a long commitment. However, be aware that the quality dips significantly after season nine.

The Beginning

For an engaging viewing experience, I’d recommend starting with the extended premiere episode of Season 1, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the series. Even if you’re already familiar with ER, rewatching the first episode is still worthwhile due to the unique elements that distinguish it from modern medical dramas. The intricate set design and dynamic cinematography are particularly noteworthy, creating a bustling, chaotic atmosphere that sets ER apart.

As a dedicated cinephile, I found myself deeply engrossed in “Going Home,” the third episode of Season 1, where we witness the poignant return of Nurse Carol Hathaway after her drug overdose. This event sets the stage for the series, and this episode delves into the aftermath of her return to work. The tone of her re-entry and the way her colleagues respond to her is a brilliant reflection of how ER portrays its characters and their interactions. These relationships feel authentic, lived-in, and thoughtful, striking a perfect balance between realism and emotional depth.

Another fascinating aspect of this episode is its significance to the series’ most iconic couple, the captivating journey of Carol and Doug. Moreover, it’s intriguing to note that George Clooney’s real-life aunt, the remarkable Rosemary, graced our screens as a guest star in this episode – and she even sang!

I particularly enjoy shows that effectively incorporate weather elements, and this fondness was first sparked by my admiration for the classic series ER, which masterfully employs such tropes. “Blizzard” (Season 1, Episode 10) is a prime example of ER‘s skillful handling of weather-related crises, serving as a precursor to similar large-scale emergencies depicted in shows like Grey’s Anatomy. “Blizzard” stands out as quintessentially ER, characterized by its deft shifts in tone, the subtle character development woven into every scene, and its emphasis on finding significance in small-scale acts of heroism.

Love’s Labor Lost” (Season 1, Episode 19)

This episode is often praised as one of the best in TV history, but “Love’s Labor Lost” might not be the ideal choice if you’re seeking a relaxing viewing experience. If you or someone close to you is pregnant or has recently given birth, it may be wise to skip this episode altogether. Despite ER typically being a show with quick pacing, this particular installment moves at a slightly slower tempo compared to the usual. However, the drama unfolds in a way that’s relentlessly predictable, gradually intensifying until it leaves you utterly drained. Notably, Bradley Whitford delivers an outstanding performance, portraying his character with growing anxiety throughout.

In case you missed it, Quentin Tarantino directed an episode from the first season of ER. Even if you were engrossed in the series without noticing, you might have sensed the unique pacing of this particular episode. The most telling signs? A stylish scene where Carol and Susan stroll down a corridor while wearing sunglasses, and there’s also a shot of their bare feet.

The Golden Years

In this episode (Season 2, Episode 7 of “ER”), George Clooney’s acting talent truly shone, propelling him to stardom. It’s a typical scenario for this series, where medical professionals find themselves in emergency situations outside the hospital. This time, Doug Ross is attempting to save a young boy who has become trapped in a flood-filled storm drain. Pay attention to a specific scene, as a rain-soaked Clooney is illuminated by an emergency rescue light while holding the child. It’s almost as if he’s gazing at his promising future in filmmaking.

In later seasons, the interpersonal drama in “ER” intensified, and characters sadly met their end more frequently. However, early episodes like “The Healers” remain impactful due to the rarity of such plot devices at that time and the show’s careful exploration of how emergency workers cope with loss.

In the 22nd episode of ER (Season 2), Dr. John Carter serves as your compass character; he’s introduced from the very start, even on his first day. This particular episode marks a significant turning point for both Carter and the show itself – it sets the stage for an increase in surgical narratives as Carter decides on his area of expertise.

Titled “Fear of Flying,” this episode delves into another instance of crisis management in the field. However, it stands out among others for its portrayal of Susan Lewis, a character who often finds herself in the challenging role of embodying work-life balance on a series that heavily emphasizes work. Despite her departure from County General Hospital occurring later, this episode marks the beginning of her journey towards leaving, as we witness the roots of her decision unfold.

Night Shift” (Season 3, Episode 11) delicately unfolds various character arcs from the earlier seasons, focusing on the strained relationships between employees and their superiors. The story effectively illustrates this theme in diverse ways, such as Carter’s love interest with a superior and Greene’s increasing disregard for regulations. Additionally, it offers a glimpse of a young Kirsten Dunst in one of her recurring roles as a homeless girl who forms a bond with Doug Ross.

Hey there! Movie buff here. I’m diving into the captivating world of “ER” once again. This time, it’s Season 3, Episode 19, and let me tell you, this one’s a gem!

While the episode focuses on a smaller storyline, it packs quite a punch – typical of ER’s knack for delivering funny yet poignant side plots. The main thread revolves around Carol Hathaway grappling with a big decision: should she venture out of nursing and aim for medical school?

ER does an exceptional job exploring the complexities of the nurse-doctor dynamic, a topic seldom tackled in medical dramas as intricately as it is here. And Hathaway’s career journey provides a wonderfully messy narrative to convey this tale.

In “Exodus” (Season 4, Episode 15), it’s a joy to witness a character like Carter grow and take on a leadership role. Although the plot may seem overly dramatic with a chemical spill leading to a contaminated hospital, the episode effectively builds upon these heightened circumstances.

The Tempest, Episodes 14 & 15 (Season 5)”

This crucial two-episode arc significantly impacts the characters Carol and Dr. Doug Ross, particularly concerning Dr. Ross’s ultimate storyline. It also merges several beloved aspects of “ER”, including inclement weather and a physician confronting real consequences for disobeying an unpopular policy.

The Middling Middle

In a Valentine’s Day party, events take an unexpected and intense turn, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with one of the most gripping cliffhangers in TV history. This moment would definitely be among my favorites. It’s hard to describe just how anxious we were waiting for the next episode when they initially aired around 20 years ago. Even today, watching these episodes back-to-back during a streaming marathon can still give you quite the shock of anticipation.

In the seventh season of “ER,” the focus on personal lives over professional duties intensified significantly. This shift allowed for more engaging guest appearances like Sally Field’s portrayal as Abby Lockhart’s mother. However, this episode also marked a pivotal moment in the life of one of our long-standing characters, as she began to question her sexual orientation. Additionally, a severe storm adds dramatic tension to the narrative.

In the fifth season since Susan Lewis exits the series at Union Station, another train arrives, and she steps back onto the show. This moment is intended to be emotional, but “ER” skillfully uses its rich history to delve into how much has evolved during her absence and how these characters have fared over eight years of fictional existence.

In ‘Secrets and Lies’ (Episode 16 from Season 8), the plot setup seems somewhat dated – a bag full of sex toys belonging to a dominatrix lands several employees in a sexual-harassment seminar, which is mostly played for comedic effect. However, the bottle episode that follows, where the main characters are all gathered in an empty classroom, is truly exceptional. Additionally, a casual conversation among them about their favorite TV shows, particularly towards the show’s later seasons, is one of my personal favorites.

In simpler terms, “The Letter” / “On the Beach” (Season 8, Episodes 20 and 21) were sometimes criticized for being overly drawn-out, as they mark the conclusion of a long illness for one of ER’s cherished characters. However, I can empathize with that criticism because when I first watched these episodes years ago, I found myself tearing up like a child. I still did so during my recent viewing. While some may label them as sentimental or overly emotional, they undoubtedly hit the mark in my opinion.

In recent seasons, “ER” has attempted to broaden its focus beyond the hospital, which often didn’t work well for the show. (After all, it’s a hospital drama, “ER”!) Some staff members embark on aid work in Africa, and the series struggles to effectively portray these tales, their connection to the main storyline, or how to create a believable dynamic that doesn’t seem like “American doctors saving third-world victims.” If you’re interested in understanding this phase of the show, “Kisangani” is the episode to watch.

Don’t miss out on Season 10, Episode 8 for an extraordinary reason – a primary character experiences a dramatic event where his arm is severed, courtesy of a helicopter.

The Later Years

In “Ruby Redux” (11th Season, Episode 19), it’s disappointing when a series starts to lose steam, but longevity and extensive storylines can also provide unique chances for narrative exploration that are challenging to achieve in shorter-length shows. This episode brings back a patient from a case that Carter initially botched way back at the show’s beginning. It’s a delight for viewers who have followed since the start, as “ER” effectively employs this past event as a benchmark for Carter’s character development, even without prior knowledge of the incident.

Season 12’s final episode encapsulates the essence of ER during its latter seasons: A seemingly ordinary day takes a dramatic turn when armed intruders infiltrate the hospital. Amidst the chaos, there’s a proposal, someone is let go, and it all feels like one catastrophe after another. However, despite the turmoil, the characters of Abby (played by Maura Tierney) and Neela (portrayed by Parminder Nagra) shine particularly brightly.

War’s Return” (Season 14, Episode 1)

This later part of the series doesn’t quite match up to its initial greatness, yet it’s important to mention a notable addition – the character of the chief of emergency medicine is portrayed by the talented Stanley Tucci. This episode marks his debut in the show.

In conclusion, even if you’ve missed many episodes throughout the series, it’s still worthwhile to watch the emotional farewell spectacle in the finale. Essentially, characters who didn’t meet an untimely end return for a heartfelt gathering. Granted, it’s not as touching as a real reunion, but ER skillfully portrays its own unique take on such a gathering, and it proves to be quite fulfilling.

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2025-01-09 22:55