Introduction
If you’re a fan of medical dramas, hospital comedies, or any TV series set in the world of doctors and healthcare, you’ve come to the right place. This list ranks the top 15 doctor and hospital TV shows that have captivated audiences over the years, combining gripping medical cases, intense personal drama, and unforgettable characters. From the iconic diagnostic genius of House M.D. to the heartfelt storytelling of Call the Midwife, and the perfect blend of humor and life lessons in Scrubs, each series offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of working in medicine. Whether you enjoy fast-paced emergency room action, historical medical dramas, or character-driven hospital stories, this ranking will help you discover must-watch shows and revisit timeless classics. See how your favorite series fares in this ultimate guide to the best doctor and hospital TV shows.
15. The Knick
Premise and Setting: Set in the early 1900s, The Knick follows the surgeons, nurses, and staff at New York’s Knickerbocker Hospital, exploring the groundbreaking but often dangerous medical procedures of the time. The show focuses on Dr. John Thackery, a brilliant surgeon battling both addiction and the limitations of contemporary medicine.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like other medical dramas, The Knick blends intense hospital cases with the personal struggles of the staff. It shares the focus on character depth and high-stakes situations with shows like House M.D. and Grey’s Anatomy.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike modern hospital dramas, The Knick emphasizes historical accuracy, showcasing the primitive surgical techniques, societal prejudices, and medical ethics of the early 20th century. The cinematography, score by Cliff Martinez, and period detail make it feel more like a historical epic than a typical medical show.
Criticism and Trivia: While widely praised for its acting and production, some viewers found the graphic surgeries and darker tone challenging. Clive Owen’s performance as Dr. Thackery received critical acclaim, and the show has become a favorite among fans of period dramas, despite its relatively short two-season run.
14. Northern Exposure
Premise and Setting: This quirky medical dramedy follows Dr. Joel Fleischman, a young New York physician sent to the remote town of Cicely, Alaska, to fulfill a contract. The series blends medical cases with eccentric town life, exploring the interactions between the doctor and the colorful residents of the town.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like many hospital dramas, it focuses on the challenges of practicing medicine, patient care, and ethical dilemmas. Fans of Doc Martin or House M.D. will appreciate its combination of medical cases and character-driven storytelling.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike typical hospital-centered series, Northern Exposure places equal emphasis on town life, humor, and philosophical reflections. Its offbeat tone, surreal moments, and ensemble cast make it as much about community and culture as about medicine.
Criticism and Trivia: While beloved for its originality and quirky charm, some viewers found the medical aspects less central and occasionally inconsistent. The show won multiple Emmy Awards and remains a cult classic for its mix of humor, drama, and offbeat storytelling.
13. Lenox Hill
Premise and Setting: Lenox Hill is a documentary series that follows four doctors at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital, giving an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at their professional and personal lives. It captures the intensity of emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and obstetrics in one of the busiest hospitals in the U.S.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like The Knick or The Resident, it shows the high stakes of hospital work, ethical dilemmas, and life-or-death situations. Fans of medical dramas will appreciate the realism and authenticity, as it focuses on the actual experiences of doctors rather than scripted storylines.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike fictional series, Lenox Hill is a documentary, providing raw, unscripted insight into hospital life. Viewers witness real patients, real surgeries, and real emotional moments, offering a level of intimacy and authenticity rarely seen in scripted shows.
Criticism and Trivia: Some critics feel that the documentary format can be emotionally intense or even overwhelming at times, and the narrative pacing varies across episodes. Despite this, it has been praised for its heart, human stories, and the way it highlights the sacrifices and dedication of medical professionals.
12. New Amsterdam
Premise and Setting: New Amsterdam follows Dr. Max Goodwin, the newly appointed medical director of one of the oldest public hospitals in the United States, as he works tirelessly to reform the broken healthcare system. The show combines high-stakes medical cases with social commentary and emotional storylines.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like The Good Doctor or The Resident, it blends medical drama with character-driven narratives. Viewers who enjoy watching doctors solve complex cases while navigating hospital politics will find this series engaging.
Differences and Unique Aspects: New Amsterdam stands out for its focus on systemic issues in healthcare and Dr. Goodwin’s relentless optimism. It emphasizes reform, patient advocacy, and social impact, giving it a slightly more inspirational tone than other hospital dramas.
Criticism and Trivia: While the series has been praised for its heart and timely themes, some critics argue that it can be overly sentimental at times, and certain storylines stretch credibility. Nevertheless, the performances, particularly by Ryan Eggold, and the emotional depth of patient stories make it a compelling watch for medical drama fans.
11. 9-1-1
Premise and Setting: 9-1-1 follows the high-pressure lives of first responders in Los Angeles, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. Each episode features intense emergencies ranging from natural disasters to medical crises, blending action, suspense, and emotional drama.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of Chicago Med or New Amsterdam will recognize the medical tension and ethical dilemmas, as paramedics and doctors work together in life-or-death situations. Like those series, it emphasizes teamwork, crisis management, and personal struggles behind the uniforms.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike traditional hospital dramas, 9-1-1 expands beyond hospital walls, showcasing field rescues, disaster response, and high-octane action sequences. Its focus on multiple types of first responders creates a broader narrative scope and keeps the stakes constantly high.
Criticism and Trivia: The show is praised for thrilling scenarios and strong performances, particularly Angela Bassett and Peter Krause. However, some viewers note that certain emergencies are exaggerated or implausible for dramatic effect. Despite this, the series remains gripping and emotionally resonant, appealing to fans of intense medical and emergency dramas.
10. Private Practice
Premise and Setting: Private Practice is a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy that follows Dr. Addison Montgomery as she joins a private medical practice in Los Angeles. The show focuses on complex cases, interpersonal relationships, and the personal and professional challenges of working in a high-end medical environment.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of Grey’s Anatomy will find the familiar mix of medical drama, romantic entanglements, and ethical dilemmas. Like other hospital dramas, it balances high-stakes medical cases with the characters’ personal lives, giving a human touch to each story.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike typical hospital-based dramas, Private Practice centers on a smaller, boutique medical practice, allowing deeper exploration of character-driven storylines and intimate patient interactions. This gives the show a slightly slower pace and more focus on long-term character development.
Criticism and Trivia: While the series gained praise for performances by Kate Walsh and the ensemble cast, some fans felt it didn’t reach the emotional intensity of Grey’s Anatomy. Nevertheless, it carved out its own identity and remains beloved for its heartfelt storytelling and compelling medical cases.
9. The Good Doctor
Premise and Setting: The Good Doctor follows Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates the challenges of a prestigious hospital. The series combines medical drama with character-driven storytelling, highlighting both the triumphs and struggles of the healthcare profession.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like House M.D., the show focuses on brilliant medical minds solving complex cases. The hospital setting, ethical dilemmas, and high-stakes surgeries will feel familiar to fans of traditional medical dramas, while also exploring the personal growth and emotional journeys of the staff.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Shaun’s unique perspective as a doctor with autism provides a fresh lens on patient care and teamwork. The series emphasizes empathy, communication, and understanding neurodiversity, which sets it apart from more traditional procedural medical shows.
Criticism and Trivia: While praised for Freddie Highmore’s performance, some critics argue that the show occasionally leans too heavily on melodrama or overly sentimental moments. Nevertheless, The Good Doctor has resonated with viewers for its inspiring representation of a differently-abled protagonist excelling in medicine.
8. Chicago Med
Premise and Setting: Chicago Med is part of NBC’s “Chicago” franchise, focusing on the fast-paced life of doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The series blends intense medical cases with personal stories, ethical dilemmas, and hospital politics.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of shows like Grey’s Anatomy or The Resident will feel at home with its combination of high-stakes surgery, emergency care, and interwoven personal drama. The ensemble cast ensures that multiple storylines unfold simultaneously, keeping viewers engaged.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike some medical dramas that focus on a single protagonist, Chicago Med emphasizes teamwork and the dynamic interactions between doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff. Its connection to the larger “Chicago” franchise also allows crossover events with Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., adding extra layers of storytelling.
Criticism and Trivia: Critics sometimes note that certain episodes prioritize melodrama over medical realism, but fans appreciate the character-driven plots and the hospital’s realistic depiction of emergency care. The show has consistently maintained strong ratings, making it a staple of modern medical dramas.
7. ER
Premise and Setting: ER is a groundbreaking medical drama that follows the staff of the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago. From its first episode, it set a new standard for fast-paced storytelling in emergency medicine, combining life-or-death cases with personal struggles of doctors, nurses, and interns.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of House M.D., Grey’s Anatomy, or Chicago Med will appreciate ER’s realistic medical scenarios, high-intensity emergency room scenes, and compelling character arcs. It laid the foundation for modern hospital dramas with its intense pacing and intertwining storylines.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike newer shows, ER emphasized a more grounded, realistic depiction of medicine without relying heavily on melodrama or supernatural elements. Its ensemble cast rotates through multiple storylines simultaneously, giving depth to secondary characters that many later shows would emulate.
Criticism and Trivia: While widely praised, some critics felt the show’s sheer number of episodes could lead to filler content in later seasons. Nevertheless, it launched the careers of several major actors, including George Clooney, and won numerous Emmy Awards. ER’s influence on the medical drama genre is unmatched, often cited as a model for authenticity and character-driven storytelling.
6. Doc Martin
Premise and Setting: Doc Martin follows Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon who develops a fear of blood and becomes the general practitioner in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn. The show expertly blends medical storylines with quirky village life and unique local characters.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of character-driven medical dramas like House M.D. or The Good Doctor will appreciate the complex, often cantankerous personality of Doc Martin, as well as the moral dilemmas he faces while treating patients. The show also mixes humor and drama in a way similar to Scrubs, though in a more understated, dry British style.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike high-paced ER or large-hospital dramas, Doc Martin thrives on slower pacing, focusing heavily on personal relationships, village dynamics, and the clash between the doctor’s blunt demeanor and the villagers’ eccentricities. Its medical cases are realistic but often secondary to character interactions.
Criticism and Trivia: Some viewers find the protagonist’s social awkwardness off-putting at times, though fans argue it adds to the charm. Martin Clunes’ performance is widely praised, and the picturesque Cornish setting provides a visually stunning backdrop. The series has been running since 2004, demonstrating enduring popularity and consistently strong storytelling.
5. The Resident
Premise and Setting: The Resident focuses on the lives of staff members at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, blending medical drama with corporate hospital politics. The series follows Dr. Conrad Hawkins, a talented and morally-driven resident, as he navigates patient care, ethical dilemmas, and the bureaucracy of modern medicine.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of Grey’s Anatomy or House M.D. will find familiar elements: intense surgeries, complex cases, and high-stakes medical emergencies. Like The Good Doctor, it balances medical procedure with the personal lives and emotional growth of its doctors.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike some medical dramas that focus mainly on patient care or romantic subplots, The Resident emphasizes systemic issues in healthcare—hospital administration, insurance challenges, and ethical conflicts—which adds a layer of realism and urgency. The show’s tone is slightly darker, with more focus on corruption, malpractice, and the moral compromises that staff face.
Criticism and Trivia: While the series is praised for tackling real-world healthcare issues, some critics point out that its storylines can become formulaic and overly melodramatic. Matt Czuchry’s portrayal of Dr. Conrad Hawkins has been widely acclaimed, and the ensemble cast provides strong performances across diverse roles. The mix of medical tension, personal drama, and systemic critique makes The Resident a compelling choice for fans of modern hospital dramas.
4. Call the Midwife
Premise and Setting: Set in London’s East End during the 1950s and 1960s, Call the Midwife follows a group of midwives and nuns from Nonnatus House as they provide healthcare to one of the city’s poorest communities. The series focuses on childbirth, women’s health, and the challenges of working in an underfunded medical system.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like Grey’s Anatomy and ER, the show combines medical emergencies with personal drama, but it distinguishes itself by centering on midwifery and maternal care. Fans of Doc Martin may also appreciate its strong sense of place and the way the community plays a central role in the storytelling.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike fast-paced hospital dramas, Call the Midwife blends historical storytelling with social commentary, tackling issues such as poverty, domestic abuse, racism, and the introduction of the National Health Service. Its historical lens makes it unique among medical shows, offering a slower pace but deeper cultural impact.
Criticism and Trivia: While praised for its authenticity and emotional storytelling, some critics note that the show occasionally leans heavily on sentimentality. However, its commitment to real historical accuracy—based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth—sets it apart. It has also been lauded for tackling taboo topics for its time period, such as birth defects, illegal abortions, and LGBTQ+ issues. Its longevity and continued popularity prove its cultural resonance beyond typical medical dramas.
3. Grey’s Anatomy
Premise and Setting: Grey’s Anatomy is a long-running medical drama centered on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents, and attending doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. The series combines high-stakes medical cases with complex character relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, and ambition.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of House M.D. and ER will recognize the intense medical cases and ethical dilemmas. Like The Resident, it blends personal drama with professional challenges, showcasing how hospital staff balance life and work.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike procedurals such as The Good Doctor, Grey’s Anatomy heavily emphasizes character development and long-term story arcs. Romantic entanglements, friendships, and betrayals are central, often overshadowing the medical cases themselves. Iconic storylines, such as the love triangle between Meredith, Derek, and Addison, have shaped TV romance tropes.
Criticism and Trivia: The series has faced criticism for occasionally unrealistic medical procedures and over-dramatization. However, its influence on pop culture is undeniable, launching spin-offs like Private Practice and maintaining a loyal fanbase over 20+ seasons. Notably, the show has tackled socially relevant issues, from racial inequality to LGBTQ+ representation, making it more than just a hospital drama.
2. Scrubs
Premise and Setting: Scrubs is a medical comedy-drama that follows John “J.D.” Dorian and his friends as they navigate life, love, and medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital. The show combines slapstick humor, surreal fantasy sequences, and heartfelt moments to create a unique blend of comedy and drama.
Similarities to Other Shows: Fans of Grey’s Anatomy or House M.D. will appreciate the medical setting and occasional serious cases. Like The Good Doctor, it highlights the personal growth of young doctors while they learn to handle responsibility and pressure.
Differences and Unique Aspects: Unlike typical medical dramas, Scrubs is largely comedic, featuring exaggerated daydreams, fast-paced dialogue, and quirky side characters like the Janitor. The tone is lighthearted but still manages to deliver emotionally resonant stories about life, death, and friendship.
Criticism and Trivia: Some viewers note that the later seasons lost the charm of the original cast dynamics, particularly after the introduction of new interns. However, the first seven seasons are widely celebrated for their clever writing, memorable catchphrases, and iconic characters. Fun fact: Zach Braff, who played J.D., also directed several episodes and contributed to the show’s soundtrack choices, adding a personal touch that fans love.
1. House M.D.
Premise and Setting: House M.D. centers on the brilliant but misanthropic Dr. Gregory House, a diagnostician at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. Each episode presents a medical mystery, with House and his team working to uncover rare and complex conditions. The show’s hallmark is its “medical Sherlock Holmes” approach, combining deductive reasoning with ethical dilemmas.
Similarities to Other Shows: Like The Knick or The Resident, it explores the inner workings of hospitals and medical ethics. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy will also recognize intense personal dynamics among the staff, while those who enjoyed Scrubs or Doc Martin can appreciate House’s dark humor.
Differences and Unique Aspects: House is unlike any traditional TV doctor—his abrasive personality, addiction issues, and unconventional methods set him apart. The cases are often extremely rare or puzzling, making the show part medical procedural, part detective story. Its tone is darker and more cynical than most hospital dramas, yet the writing keeps viewers deeply engaged.
Criticism and Trivia: While the show is critically acclaimed and Hugh Laurie’s performance is legendary, some fans found later seasons less compelling as character arcs became repetitive. Despite this, House remains a cornerstone of medical TV, influencing many later series with its mix of mystery, drama, and complex character development. Fun fact: Many of the medical cases were inspired by real-life conditions, adding authenticity and educational value to the drama.
