Which New Medical Show Is Right for You?

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The Pitt isn’t just another medical show; instead, we’re witnessing an explosion of such programs. Although these emergencies and doctors might be fictional, they sure are captivating! What makes them even more appealing is that the emotions portrayed are both intense yet personal. However, with so many new medical series popping up, it can be challenging to decide where to begin. To help you out, we’ve matched you with a doctor who best fits your preferences.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Typically, they’re in a constant rush, shouting urgently for “30ccs of epi NOW.” Their work environment is often filled with medical emergencies, and routine procedures might involve performing life-saving interventions such as opening a person’s chest cavity. They have intricate social interactions that are frequently discussed amidst heavy use of technical medical terms.

… Then watch The Pitt (Max)

This year’s top medical drama and a modern revival of ’90s TV procedurals on streaming platforms, “The Pitt” presents a 15-hour shift in a Pittsburgh emergency department much like the format of “24.” Steering clear of overly dramatic Shondaland-style storytelling, it delivers a densely plotted and emotionally engaging narrative. Nurses are even creating TikTok videos praising its realistic portrayal, attributing this to both the fast pace and meticulous attention to detail. While Noah Wyle’s character Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch is not identical to his role as Dr. John Carter from “ER,” he’s definitely not playing a completely different character either.

Reason this physician needs to heal himself: Untreated COVID-era PTSD.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Residing in a dreamlike universe created by Ryan Murphy, filled with captivating medical professionals dressed in brilliantly white attire, often found engaging in trios. The medical crises encountered here vary from the awkward to the seemingly impossible, with occasional hints of genuine peril – only to be swiftly dismissed as nothing to worry about.

… Then watch Doctor Odyssey (ABC)

In a plush ocean liner, Doctor Joshua Jackson is concerned about maintaining the health of passengers, yet also yearns for moments to loosen up, perhaps dance on a sun-kissed tropical shore with his shirt unbuttoned. Unique journeys such as Halloween Celebration, Gay Vacation, and Cosmetic Surgery Expedition offer an assortment of peculiar ailments and exotic props that might lead to mischief during the cruise’s steamy encounters. Jackson takes on a protective role, with guest stars like Kate Berlant, Margaret Cho, and John Stamos joining in; Captain Don Johnson of the Odyssey ship is also present, primarily standing by, flashing his twinkling eyes as everyone revels in the festivities.

Reason this physician needs to heal himself: Untreated COVID-era PTSD.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Primarily emotional rather than violent, they are brimming with feelings. Each episode sees a fresh case being resolved, while the central plot revolves around the lead doctor figuring out how to rebuild her life following a personally traumatic medical incident.

… Then watch Doc (Fox)

Molly Parker portrays Dr. Amy Larsen, the head of internal medicine at a bustling city hospital who, following a car accident, finds herself devoid of memories from the past eight years. Interestingly, it’s revealed that eight years ago, she was a kind and compassionate individual. However, tragedy struck when her son passed away, causing her to transform into a cynical, ambitious, and emotionally scarred woman who distanced herself from loved ones rather than confront her grief. The upside: She’s blissfully unaware of this transformation! The downside: Her personal life is in disarray, and while she’s proficient in medicine, it’s a bit awkward because it seems she might not be fit to perform intricate medical procedures. Fortunately, her genuine care for patients helps her navigate through the challenges ahead.

This doctor requires self-healing due to the ongoing effects of partial retrograde amnesia, caused by a severe head injury that led to a fragment of skull becoming embedded within her brain permanently.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Investigators. They primarily work within office spaces, dissecting clues, tracing paper trails, and ideally, engaging more in the examination of evidence and hypothesis development as opposed to patient interaction. Essentially, they live up to the image portrayed in traditional Sherlock Holmes narratives, with a preference for intellectual rigor over social engagements. To add a touch of intrigue, they should be visually appealing individuals.

… Then watch Watson (CBS)

In the world of cinema, I find myself immersed in the captivating tale where Morris Chestnut dons the hat of Dr. John Watson. After an unexpected loss of my friend, Sherlock Holmes (Matt Berry), it becomes apparent that the sinister Moriarty (Randall Park) is still wreaking havoc. However, tracking down Moriarty isn’t the only task at hand. To combat this evil, I have enlisted a squad of brilliant young physicians with peculiar genius to aid me in solving uncommon medical enigmas. Intriguingly, it turns out that a significant number of these cases are resolved once we uncover the shocking truth about our patients’ parents.

This doctor requires self-healing due to a traumatic brain injury sustained during an effort to save Sherlock Holmes, who fell from Reichenbach Falls.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Investigators, modeled more on real-life neuroscientists than fictional characters, are tasked with unraveling enigmatic mental conundrums instead of typical crimes. They work exclusively within the realm of the mind, which is known for its elusive nature, making it the most intriguing part of the human body. While there isn’t much blood involved, they spend a significant amount of time scrutinizing charts or brain scans, often punctuated by contemplative murmurs.

… Then watch Brilliant Minds (NBC)

This year, several nearly rehashed adaptations of the TV series “House” are being broadcast; this particular version features Zachary Quinto portraying a fictionalized Oliver Sacks. In the opening sequence, he abducts a grandfather from a memory-care facility to ensure his attendance at his granddaughter’s wedding – an unusual act, to be sure, but even more so when you consider that the grandfather is played by André De Shields and Quinto can whisk him away on the back of a motorcycle! He’s not your average physician. He’s a stylish doctor.

Reason this physician needs to heal himself: Face blindness, familial trauma.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Similar to those on “The Pitt,” but in German – let’s call it “KRANK.” Instead of welcoming the newcomer with “Welcome to the Pit,” a more fitting greeting would be, “Wilkommen bei KRANK.” The new lead doctor, being utterly overwhelmed, might find herself needing to step outside and release an emotional outburst (which she eventually manages to compose herself from).

… Then watch Berlin ER (Apple TV+)

The show doesn’t share “The Pitt’s” one-shift setup, yet it addresses similar concerns. This production follows a gritty medical format where chaos and potential disaster are constant, with doctors living on the edge of a breakdown. The new ER chief, Dr. Parker (Haley Louise Jones), seems lost in this environment, while her seasoned colleague, Dr. Weber (Slavko Popadić), shows no inclination to aid her. The series occasionally employs a dark humor, such as when the overworked EMTs are tasked with stopping excessive bleeding from a man who was stabbed in the rear, but its predominant tone is “This place will test your humanity to its limits, and only the resilient can endure.

In my perspective, Dr. Weber appears to require some self-care: The festivities at the nightclub were a bit excessive last evening, leaving him in a state unfit for the delicate hip surgery he had planned for midday today.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

Laughing can be the best coping mechanism when dealing with a body that deteriorates over time, coupled with healthcare provided by impersonal, profit-driven corporations that seem to exploit the vulnerable and ill.

… Then watch St. Denis Medical (NBC)

A television sitcom revolving around a community hospital located in Oregon. It features familiar character archetypes seen in dramas: Allison Tolman portrays the overworked head nurse, Mekki Leeper embodies the novice nurse who’s green as grass, David Alan Grier plays the seasoned physician with a wealth of experience under his belt, and Wendi McLendon-Covey brings to life the budget-conscious hospital administrator. The unique twist is that this narrative unfolds within a humorous office setting, offering a glimpse into the mundane aspects of routine medical care while also highlighting some of the larger annoyances caused by understaffing.

The reasons why these physicians must take care of their own health are due to the breakdown of the U.S. healthcare system.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

In this reimagined scenario, the protagonist resides within a Korean drama filled with large-scale action scenes, some actual and others fantastical, where characters engage in activities such as battling criminal groups. Instead of calling his quirky accomplice “Anus,” perhaps he could affectionately address him as “Nimbo” or “Zany.

… Then watch The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix)

Originally deployed combat medic, Dr. Ju Ji-hoon (Baek Kang-hyuk), has come back to South Korea from treating battlefield wounds in various war zones, carrying backpacks loaded with life-saving antibiotics on motorbikes. His new mission? Revamping the underfunded and poorly managed trauma department at Hankuk National University Hospital in Seoul. As for those other physicians there? They’re labeled as timid, pompous, and out of touch with the real world – Dr. Baek alone understands what it takes to bring about change.

Reason this physician needs to heal himself: His only flaw is that sometimes he’s too good.

If your ideal TV doctors are …

A key focus for them is resting, interacting, and competing among themselves, as well as taking time in brightly-lit corridors to recall their distressing experiences. Their medical uniforms should be custom-fit. They may exhibit peculiar and inconvenient quirks, such as an unfounded fear of women who are pregnant. A significant portion of their conversations should involve reiterations of information that has already been presented.

… Then watch Pulse (Netflix)

In this apparent imitation of “Grey’s Anatomy” (although not quite as enjoyable), the character Danielle “Danny” Simms, portrayed by Willa Fitzgerald, grapples with bothersome recollections of inappropriate behavior from her superior at work. As a hurricane approaches their Miami hospital, Danny must navigate these memories while also dealing with the impending storm. Fortunately, her sister Harper (Jessy Yates), who is also on staff, is there to help. However, it’s interesting to note that Harper has her own share of traumatic experiences. TV veterans like Justina Machado and Néstor Carbonell put forth commendable performances, but viewers may want to be cautious about becoming too emotionally attached. The show “Pulse” maintains a grip on the tension by frequently cutting to flashbacks whenever emotions escalate to a critical point.

Reason these physicians need to heal themselves: Disruptive horniness, terminal obnoxiousness.

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2025-04-03 14:55