25 Best TV Medical Dramas, Ranked

What is it that draws us to medical dramas? Is it the sense of urgency whenever we’re hooked to watching doctors frantically try and save someone’s life? Are the smokey romances that spark up between co-workers? The trend of medical dramas continues to be strong among viewers. These shows offer a captivating blend of drama, suspense, and human emotion, making them a perennial favorite.

Moreover, shows like Grey’s Anatomy, New Amsterdam, and Transplant not only provide an exciting look into the world of healthcare but also explore personal and societal issues, adding depth to the genre. Whatever the case is, medical dramas have been a reliable staple on television for decades, and if you need to have your fix on hospital drama, here are some of the best medical dramas that will surely keep you talking for days to come.

25

‘Diagnosis: Murder’ (1993–2001)

Created by Joyce Burditt

The 1990s crime hit series, Diagnosis: Murder, is a one-of-a-kind medical drama blended with a murder mystery that gives it an edge against other shows. Set in sunny southern California, Dick Van Dyke stars as Dr. Mark Sloan, who occasionally works as a consultant with the Los Angeles police department where his son, Steve (Barry Van Dyke), works as a homicide detective.

Diagnosis: Murder was initially a spin-off of the popular show, Jake and the Fatman, where Van Dyke initially appeared as Sloan and, after a few television movies, the show became a series regular for CBS’ lineup. The episodes are a thrilling cross between a medical and murder case scenario that, despite the unusual formula, manages to keep audiences on their toes and refrains from delivering a long line of cookie-cutter episodes.

24

‘Trapper John, M.D.’ (1979–1986)

Created by Richard Hooker

Trapper John, M.D. is a spin-off of the 1970 hit film, M*A*S*H, and follows former military surgeon, John Trapper (Pernell Roberts) who now works as the Chief of Surgery in San Francisco, California. The show picks up twenty-eight years after Trapper was discharged from the Army during the Korean War and is now head of surgery at the San Francisco Memorial Hospital.

The show ran for seven successful seasons and is noted for portraying Trapper as a matured man of medicine who, despite joining the system, still occasionally bends the rules and protocols for the sake of his patients. Trapper John, M.D. is often times overlooked since it aired at the same time as the other medical drama, M*A*S*H, but it is definitely one series that deserves more recognition than it usually receives.

Trapper John, M.D.

Release Date

September 23, 1979

Network

CBS

Directors

Earl Bellamy, Bernard McEveety, Leo Penn, Barry Crane, Seymour Robbie, Joseph Pevney, Charles Siebert, Gregory Harrison, Bob Sweeney, Robert Douglas, Vincent Sherman, Alex March, Jeff Bleckner, Michael O’Herlihy, Victor Lobl, Howard Morris, Jackie Cooper, Alf Kjellin, Michael Caffey, Michael Preece, Ralph Levy, Ivan Dixon, Susan Oliver, Walter Grauman

23

‘SkyMed’ (2022–)

Created by Julie Puckrin

The must-see Canadian series, SkyMed, is one of the latest medical dramas that takes to the skies with an air ambulance team that operates across Northern Canada. The show features high-stakes medical cases tailored with intriguing character journeys that add another layer of drama and suspense.

Compared to other medical dramas, SkyMed stands out from the bunch with its unique setting, which has rarely been seen in similar shows, giving television fans a refreshing, new take on the traditional medical drama. With two successful seasons under its belt, SkyMed is set to return with its third season and appears to be a promising medical drama that continues to gain traction with viewers.

22

‘Nip/Tuck’ (2003–2010)

Created by Ryan Murphy

Before dabbling in the realm of serial killers and high school glee clubs, Ryan Murphy delivered the campy medical drama, Nip/Tuck, which, at the time, was a groundbreaking series. The show follows longtime friends and plastic surgeons, Dr. Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) and Dr. Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) who, despite their partnership, both have differing views on practicing medicine and the lifestyles they lead.

The series is known for taking a raw, uncensored view into the world of plastic surgery, conveying the positives as well as the negatives that come with the procedures for both the surgeons and patients. It wouldn’t be a Murphy production without a backdrop of personal lives which are full of drama and scandal, often times putting both men in hot water. Nip/Tuck might not be up with the classic medical dramas, but it is an iconic series that explores the darker side of the medical field.

21

‘Chicago Med’ (2015–)

Created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead

Chicago Med is a current medical drama co-created by Dick Wolf and follows a team of highly skilled medical professionals at the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The series takes the traditional medical drama a step further with its array of eccentric characters and their own interpersonal struggles, as well as the cases featured that sometimes require out-of-the-box treatments.

Aside from the core group of doctors and nurses, Chicago Med is one of few medical dramas that features a psychiatrist. Dr. Daniel Charles, played by Oliver Platt, who typically brings another layer to a case regarding a patient or patient’s family member. This element gives Chicago Med an unpredictable edge and anticipation that almost always hooks viewers while also putting a spotlight on lesser known conditions that make the show one of the best medical dramas currently on air.

Chicago Med

Release Date

November 17, 2015

Network

NBC

Showrunner

Michael Brandt

20

‘Royal Pains’ (2009–2016)

Created by Andrew Lenchewski and John P. Rogers

Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein), a well-known and successful ER doctor, is suddenly fired from his job at a New York hospital when he is blamed for a benefactor’s death. However, while he is in the Hamptons, he is hired as a concierge doctor who cares for the rich and famous but also those who cannot afford medical care.

An absolutely underrated 2000s drama, Royal Pains is a binge-worthy series that viewers will be unable to stop themselves from watching. The cast of characters is lovable, and their chemistry with one another is entertaining and realistic, providing a laidback experience that viewers will enjoy watching. A charming show with an endearing lead, Royal Pains should be on every medical drama fan’s watchlist.

19

‘Call the Midwife’ (2012–2024)

Created by Jessica Raine

It’s the 1950s in the poor East End of London. Jenny Lee (Jessica Raine), a midwife, finds herself working at the Nonnatus House, where she works alongside other midwives and nuns who work in nursing. Call the Midwife features different stories of different characters at different periods of time, never remaining stagnant and always entertaining. Charming, beautifully-told, and vibrant all at once, Call the Midlife examines and follows the lives of various midwives, old and new, as they help out with certain medical cases.

A wonderfully-made and realistic medical drama, Call the Midwife explores various health factors back in the 1950s and onwards, with each season serving as a focus on a particular crisis, running from the Baby Boom of 1957 to polio to neonatal withdrawal and many other topics. For any viewer who is a fan of traditional medical care and a realistic depiction of early medicine, Call the Midwife is the best ongoing show for you.

18

‘Code Black’ (2015–2018)

Created by Michael Seitzman

Code Black is a medical drama based on an award-winning documentary of the same name. Though short, Code Black focuses more on medicine than on the drama (though drama still exists), and its cast of actors put on gritting realistic performances. A suspenseful emergency room drama, Code Black is the watch for those who don’t mind shedding a tear or two.

17

‘Critical’ (2015)

Created by Jed Mercurio

In the fictionalized City General Hospital, a group of medical professionals work to save the lives of critically ill patients. Where life-changing decisions could lead to life or death, these healthcare professionals must work together in order to save lives.

Another criminally underrated drama, Critical, is not for the weak-stomached. One of the more graphic medical shows to exist, Critical examines the choices made to save a victim’s life, all while providing extremely suspenseful and realistic scenarios where mistakes do happen and the risks that follow. An adrenaline boost of a show, Critical is a good, short watch that viewers can binge quite easily.

16

‘St. Elsewhere’ (1982–1988)

Created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey

There are many contenders for the title “Best Sitcom of the 80s,” and St. Elsewhere should be included in the chat. This medical drama, set in a rundown Boston hospital featuring a team of teaching doctors working miracles, was a tear-jerker every single week.

St. Elsewhere is one of the first shows to explore the personal and professional lives of healthcare workers in a realistic and nuanced way, especially since it usually incorporates surreal elements and dream sequences that take the narrative to the next level. The show is also unafraid to address controversial topics and explore issues of race, gender, and sexuality, making St. Elsewhere a groundbreaking medical series that paved the way for many of the medical dramas that followed.

15

‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ (1989–1993)

Created by Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley

Imagine walking into a hospital, and the doctor treating you also has to study for a math test at his high school the next morning. That was the universe in which Doogie Howser, M.D. operated, which made a star out of Neil Patrick Harris as a gifted 14-year-old who became the youngest licensed doctor in America.

As unrealistic as that is, folks didn’t tune into Doogie Howser, M.D. week after week to experience the relatable; they wanted to see a kid who was far away from legally buying beer, prescribing drugs to patients. Moreover, the show’s use of a teenage doctor added a fresh perspective to the medical drama genre, and its blend of humor and drama made it a fan favorite. The show undeniably remains a classic.

14

‘Chicago Hope’ (1994–2000)

Created by David E. Kelley and John Tinker

As one of the best and most rewatchable 90s dramas, Chicago Hope‘s popularity was propelled by its ensemble cast that includes esteemed actors like Adam Arkin, Mark Harmon, and Mandy Patinkin.

This medical drama focused on doctors in a private hospital, who worked daily miracles to save and protect the patients that were in their care. Overshadowed by the NBC juggernaut that was ER, Chicago Hope, nevertheless, carved out its audience, and its spot in medical drama lore.

13

‘Saving Hope’ (2012–2019)

Created by Erica Meredith and Lesley Grant

Set in Hope Zion Hospital, Saving Hope follows Dr. Alex Reid, Chief of Surgery (Erica Durance), and her colleagues as they navigate the challenging world of medicine. Unlike other typical medical dramas, Saving Hope is beloved because of its perfect blend of medicine and the supernatural. Dr. Reid’s fiancé, Dr. Charlie Harris (Michael Shanks), ends up in a coma and roams the hospital as a spirit, providing a unique and compelling twist.

What makes Saving Hope a Standout show is its fearlessness to explore life, death, and the afterlife. By featuring the supernatural relationship between Alex and Charlie, the show adds layers of depth and complexity to the medical drama genre. The show skillfully combines complex medical cases with touching human stories and a sprinkle of the supernatural, doing it in a way that doesn’t translate as gauche.

12

‘New Amsterdam’ (2018–2023)

Created by David Schulner

New Amsterdam follows the charismatic Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) as he takes over as medical director at New Amsterdam Hospital. The doctors and employees are unsure of his plans to eliminate the red tape in order to give top-notch care, despite his intransigence.

What makes New Amsterdam an exceptional medical show is its relentless commitment to addressing real-world healthcare issues. It tackles the bureaucratic red tape and challenges of providing quality healthcare head-on. Moreover, the characters are brilliantly portrayed, and the show’s upbeat spirit never wavers, even when tackling tough topics. Those who miss the show will be delighted to know that a New Amsterdam sequel is happening that’s set 30 years in the future and is centered on Max’s daughter, titled New Amsterdam: Tomorrow.

11

‘The Resident’ (2018–2023)

Created by Amy Holden Jones, Hayley Schlain, and Rossten Leigh Ceglia

The Resident follows the titular character, Conrad Hawkins (Matt Czuchry), and the lives of doctors and nurses at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, a fictional hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. The show explores the personal and professional lives of its characters, as they navigate the complex and often corrupt world of modern medicine.

The Resident has received accolades for its realistic portrayal of the healthcare sector and for not being afraid to address contentious subjects. It also received appreciation for its strong female leads and willingness to tackle racial and social justice concerns. Moreover, the combination of strong acting, melodramatic writing, and hospital horror in this show might appeal to that sizable audience. However, it was canceled after six seasons by Fox.

The Resident

Release Date

2018 – 2022

Network

FOX

Showrunner

Andrew Chapman

10

‘Transplant’ (2020–2024)

Created by Joseph Kay and Yusuf Mohamed

Transplant revolves around Dr. Bashir “Bash” Hamed (Hamza Haq), a talented Syrian doctor who flees his homeland and starts anew in Canada, working at the fictional York Memorial Hospital in Toronto. Transplant Season 4 consisted of 10 one-hour episodes and wrapped up its arc.

The show is well-received due to its unique perspective on the medical profession. Transplant also showcases the resilience of immigrants, bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences into the hospital setting. Additionally, the show combines pulse-pounding medical emergencies with heartwarming human connections, all wrapped up in a thrilling narrative. it’s a medical miracle that’ll have viewers on the edge of their seats, and that’s why it’s a must-watch for any medical drama enthusiast!

9

‘Good Sam’ (2022)

Created by Katie Wech

Good Sam follows the life of the titular character, Dr. Sam Griffith (Sophia Bush), who, after her renowned boss enters a coma, succeeds in her new leadership position as chief of surgery. However, Sam is tasked with managing the pompous physician who never recognized her exceptional talent when her former boss demands to resume his job months later.

The show directly tackles a wide range of medical issues, from rare diseases to ethical dilemmas, and highlights the importance of empathy and human connection in healthcare. In addition to delving into the inner lives of its protagonists, Good Sam offers viewers a look into the difficulties experienced by medical workers both within and outside of hospitals. This is why it’s disappointing that Good Sam was canceled after just one season.

8

‘The Good Doctor’ (2017–2024)

Created by David Shore and Daniel Dae Kim

The Good Doctor follows Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates his personal and professional life at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. It also examines the difficulties Dr. Murphy encounters as he tries to navigate the challenging path of a surgeon alongside his coworkers and patients, while also coping with his own issues.

The show beautifully combines compelling storytelling with accurate medical information and a diverse cast of characters. Additionally, The Good Doctor depicts nuanced takes on difficult medical problems and moral conundrums while also delving into the private lives and relationships of its protagonists. After seven years, The Good Doctor came to an end — and although they only did 10 episodes, they did it on their own terms.

The Good Doctor

Release Date

2017 – 2023

Network

ABC

Showrunner

David Shore, Liz Friedman

7

‘Private Practice’ (2007–2013)

Created by Shonda Rhimes

What happens when you leave a popular hospital in Seattle to set up your medical practice in Los Angeles? You get Private Practice, which continued showrunner Shonda Rhimes’ winning streak of producing compelling medical dramas. The spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, this series follows Dr. Addison Montgomery’s (Kate Walsh) journey to Hollywood, where a whole different set of challenges await her. And just like the more popular medical show in Rhimes’ universe, Private Practice is full of twists and turns, such as Addison’s almost wedding and Cooper’s (Paul Adelstein) relapse.

Moreover, Private Practice is known for its compelling storytelling and emotional depth. The show’s plotlines are often filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the lives of its characters. The relationships between the characters are also a highlight of the show, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

6

‘Scrubs’ (2001–2010)

Created by Bill Lawrence

Before it jumped the shark toward the end of its run, Scrubs was NBC’s preeminent medical dramedy in the early 2000s. Starring Zach Braff and Donald Faison, who now have a Scrubs podcast, the series follows a group of medical interns at Sacred Heart Hospital, and in its early days, threaded the needle perfectly between comedy and drama.

The formula grew stale by the end of its run, but watching Scrubs is the perfect time capsule to what medical dramas were like at the turn of the century. The accurate medical show is unique and innovative and also blends comedy and drama to create a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. Its use of humor also adds a fresh perspective to the medical genre and serious life-and-death issues.

Scrubs

Release Date

2001 – 2009

Network

ABC, NBC