Netflix is a treasure trove for fans of medical dramas, offering a wide array of captivating series that delve into the intense, emotional, and often humorous world of hospitals and healthcare. Medical TV shows have consistently captivated audiences, and for good reason. The high-stakes environment, the intricate relationships between doctors and patients, and the blend of drama and sometimes surprising humor make for compelling viewing. Whether you’re a seasoned medical drama enthusiast or just looking for your next binge-worthy series, Netflix has something for everyone. From long-running hits to international gems, here are some of the best doctor shows Netflix has to offer.
New Amsterdam (2018-2023)
Dr. Max Goodwin’s Mission to Revitalize a Hospital
Dr. Max Goodwin, medical director of New Amsterdam hospital, in a promotional image for the show
New Amsterdam, inspired by the book Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital, stars Ryan Eggold as the charismatic Dr. Max Goodwin. As the new medical director of New Amsterdam Medical Center, Dr. Goodwin dedicates himself to reforming the under-resourced and bureaucratic hospital. Over five seasons, the series chronicles his relentless efforts to improve patient care and challenge the status quo.
Set in America’s oldest public hospital, New Amsterdam blends medical drama with elements of a start-up narrative. Dr. Goodwin not only strives to provide exceptional care but also to create a sustainable and thriving institution. Eggold’s portrayal of Dr. Goodwin is a key to the show’s success, balancing heroic medical interventions with relatable human moments and a touch of humor. The series explores the delicate balance between patient well-being and the administrative pressures of running a hospital.
The Resident (2018-2023)
Unveiling the Realities of the Healthcare Industry
Promotional poster for The Resident TV series featuring the main cast in a hospital setting
The Resident, a medical drama that aired for six seasons and is now available on Netflix, offers a critical look at the modern healthcare industry through the eyes of the staff at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Matt Czuchry leads the cast as senior resident Dr. Conrad Hawkins, whose background as a Marine informs his unconventional but effective medical approach.
The series delves into the ethical dilemmas and financial pressures faced by healthcare professionals, alongside the personal challenges they navigate. The Resident benefits from a strong ensemble cast, and while it can lean into melodrama, it effectively balances intense moments with humor. The show is notable for its willingness to tackle difficult subjects within the healthcare system, providing a behind-the-scenes perspective on the industry.
Baby Fever (2022-Present)
A Fertility Doctor’s Unconventional Journey to Motherhood
Baby Fever, a Danish series starring Josephine Park, offers a unique blend of medical drama and romantic comedy. Park plays Nana, a fertility doctor grappling with her own desire to have a child. In a moment of drunken impulsivity, she inseminates herself with her ex-boyfriend’s sperm, leading to a series of complex and comedic situations.
This dramedy shares a similar tone to shows like Insecure and Fleabag, focusing on a female lead navigating personal and professional challenges. Baby Fever explores themes of fertility, relationships, and self-discovery with charm and realism. The series, originally titled Skruk (Danish slang for “Screw Up”), follows Nana as she juggles her unexpected pregnancy, attempts to rekindle her romance, and continues to assist her patients, often facing similar issues in her own life.
Royal Pains (2009-2016)
Exploring the Exclusive World of Concierge Medicine
Royal Pains ventures into the niche world of concierge medicine, where doctors provide on-demand, personalized care to wealthy clients. Mark Feuerstein and Paulo Costanzo star as brothers Dr. Hank Lawson, a talented physician, and Evan Lawson, his business-minded brother. After a career setback, Hank becomes a concierge doctor in the Hamptons, catering to the medical needs of the elite.
The series offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Hamptons while exploring the unique challenges and ethical considerations of concierge medicine. Royal Pains balances light-hearted, fast-paced storylines with occasional examinations of the tiered healthcare system. The show’s appeal lies in its aspirational setting and the brother duo’s ability to solve medical mysteries while navigating the high-society world of their clients.
Diagnosis (2019)
A Docuseries Unraveling Real-Life Medical Mysteries with Dr. Lisa Sanders
Diagnosis is a compelling Netflix docuseries based on Dr. Lisa Sanders’ popular New York Times Magazine column of the same name. Dr. Sanders, also a medical consultant for the hit show House M.D., takes center stage as she investigates real, complex medical cases. Each episode follows patients with undiagnosed conditions who seek help from Dr. Sanders and the wisdom of crowdsourced diagnoses online.
This documentary series is captivating due to Dr. Sanders’ engaging and clear explanations of intricate medical details, presented like clues in a mystery. Diagnosis maintains a sensitive approach, focusing on less critical cases and ensuring patient privacy is respected. The series is fascinating even when a definitive diagnosis remains elusive, highlighting the complexities of the human body and medical science.
Virgin River (2019-Present)
Romance and Healing in a Picturesque Small Town
Promotional poster for Virgin River series featuring Melinda Monroe and Jack Sheridan in a romantic scene
Virgin River is a romantic medical drama series based on Robyn Carr’s novels. Alexandra Breckenridge stars as Melinda Monroe, a nurse practitioner and midwife who relocates from Los Angeles to the remote town of Virgin River in Northern California seeking a fresh start after personal tragedies.
While expecting a simpler life, Mel soon discovers that small-town living comes with its own set of complexities, including personal and professional challenges, and the possibility of new love. Virgin River blends heartwarming romance with medical storylines, set against the backdrop of a scenic rural community. The series has become a major hit for Netflix, praised for its comforting and engaging narrative, making it Netflix’s longest-running English-language drama.
The Mindy Project (2012-2017)
A Hilarious Look at Life as an OBGYN in NYC
Promotional poster for The Mindy Project TV series featuring Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina
The Mindy Project, created by and starring Mindy Kaling, is a sitcom that offers a comedic take on the life of Dr. Mindy Lahiri, an OBGYN working in New York City. The series follows Mindy’s often chaotic personal and professional life, filled with quirky colleagues and patients.
This romantic comedy highlights the lighter, more absurd aspects of the medical profession. Kaling shines as writer, producer, showrunner, and lead actress, bringing her signature wit and charm to the series. The Mindy Project is celebrated for its well-developed characters, humorous situations, and Kaling’s relatable and likable lead character, making it a delightful and funny watch.
Doctor Cha (2023)
Second Chances and Medical Reawakening in South Korea
Doctor Cha, a South Korean drama series starring Uhm Jung-hwa, tells the story of Dr. Cha Jeong-seok, a woman who returns to her medical career after 20 years as a homemaker. After a life-altering crisis, Dr. Cha decides to become a first-year resident at the same hospital where her husband is a chief surgeon, leading to personal and professional rediscovery.
This series blends elements of medical drama and comedy, highlighting Dr. Cha’s journey of self-reinvention and her ability to bring her life experience to her medical practice. Doctor Cha is a heartwarming and inspiring story about pursuing dreams at any age, showcasing the protagonist’s growth and resilience in a challenging new environment.
Call The Midwife (2012-Present)
Midwifery and Community in Mid-20th Century London
Promotional poster for Call the Midwife TV series featuring a group of midwives in period clothing
Call the Midwife is a long-running period drama set in East London from the late 1950s to the 1960s. The series follows a group of midwives working in the impoverished Poplar district, addressing both medical and social issues of the time. Created by Heidi Thomas, the show depicts the changing landscape of the 20th century through the lens of midwifery and community health.
The series is known for its strong ensemble cast and its poignant portrayal of post-war London. Call the Midwife explores themes of societal change, public health, and personal stories within a historical context. It’s a critically acclaimed series that offers a nostalgic yet gritty look at a significant period in history, examined through the dedicated work of midwives in a close-knit community.
Grey’s Anatomy
The Quintessential Medical Drama
Promotional image for Grey's Anatomy TV series featuring Meredith Grey and other doctors in hospital
Grey’s Anatomy, a television phenomenon created by Shonda Rhimes, has been a primetime staple since 2005 and is now available on Netflix. The series centers on the professional and personal lives of surgical interns, residents, and attending physicians at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. Initially led by Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), the show has followed her journey from intern to chief of general surgery and beyond.
Grey’s Anatomy has become a benchmark for modern medical dramas, influencing countless shows that followed. Known for its compelling characters, emotional storylines, and blend of medical cases and interpersonal relationships, Grey’s Anatomy continues to captivate audiences. Even after many seasons, it remains a top choice for viewers seeking engaging and dramatic medical television.
Netflix provides a rich selection of doctor shows, catering to diverse tastes within the medical drama genre. Whether you prefer intense hospital dramas, light-hearted comedies, or insightful documentaries, there’s a medical series waiting to be discovered on Netflix.
