LONDON — If you’re looking for a TV doctor to diagnose your ailments, you’re spoilt for choice with a new wave of hospital dramas streaming now.
These shows feature a host of familiar faces, like Noah Wyle returning to the small screen years after his “ER” days, Morris Chestnut stepping up as head doctor, Molly Parker debuting in scrubs, and Joshua Jackson switching from gritty crime to life aboard a luxury cruise. There’s also an intriguing international flavor with “Berlin ER,” showcasing Haley Louise Jones as she battles to revitalize a struggling German hospital’s emergency room.
Diving deeper into “Berlin ER,” Dr. Suzanna “Zanna” Parker, portrayed by Jones, finds herself leading a chaotic emergency department, barely kept afloat by a rebellious staff and dubious supplies. Created by former real-life ER doctor Samuel Jefferson, this intense drama highlights the pressures of working in an underfunded hospital. Jones initially found the on-set blood and gore unsettling, but it soon became routine. “It’s gruesome in the beginning,” she explains. “And then at some point, it’s just the most normal thing in the world.” With the pulsating energy of Berlin as a backdrop, the show’s feverish pace keeps both the characters and audience on edge.
In “The Pitt,” Noah Wyle stars as Dr. Michael Robinavitch, navigating the high-stakes world of a Pittsburgh ER. Returning to medical drama for the first time since “ER,” Wyle takes on the role of a doctor during one of his most challenging shifts. Originally conceived as an “ER” reboot with producer John Wells, “The Pitt” evolved to reflect the challenges faced by medical professionals post-pandemic.
Wyle brings a fresh perspective to traditional hospital dramas, focusing on the real dimensions of the ER without relying on mood music or dim lighting. As he demonstrates his medical prowess on-screen, Wyle quips that his experience in TV medicine is nearing qualification for a real degree.
Meanwhile, “Watson” sees Morris Chestnut play Dr. John Watson, who runs The Holmes Clinic for Diagnostic Medicine in Pittsburgh. Chestnut steps into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes’s former associate, focusing on solving rare medical mysteries while dodging his arch-nemesis Moriarty. Chestnut has often portrayed medical professionals, but in “Watson,” his character’s compassionate nature sets him apart. The show, developed by “Elementary” writer Craig Sweeny, offers a unique twist on the medical drama by blending it with Sherlockian elements, providing a refreshing take on the genre.
In “Doc,” Molly Parker tackles her first medical role in a series inspired by real events. As Dr. Amy Larsen, she ascends to chief of internal medicine after an accident causes her to lose eight years of memory, turning her into both a doctor and a patient. This drama emphasizes emotional healing as Larsen copes with personal loss and rebuilding her life. Parker, alongside her co-stars, navigates a narrative centered more on emotional than physical ailments.
Parker shares insights into her experience, stating, “The focus here is this woman going through profound grief while managing the high stakes of hospital life.”
Rounding out the selection is “Doctor Odyssey,” featuring Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman. After portraying the infamous Dr. Duntsch in “Dr. Death,” Jackson is now aboard a luxury cruise liner, handling medical twists with flair. This entertaining series, crafted by Ryan Murphy, sets the stage for high drama intertwined with absurd medical cases. Jackson finds joy in this lighter approach, contrasting with his more sinister roles, while playfully criticizing his limited real-life medical skills.
Ultimately, viewers are promised an escape into a world of adventure and intrigue as these TV doctors navigate crises, relationships, and ethical dilemmas.
