From the creative powerhouse of Ryan Murphy, known for hits like Glee, American Horror Story, and 9-1-1, comes a fresh and intriguing medical procedural, Doctor Odyssey. Set to premiere on Thursday, September 26th, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, and available for streaming the next day on Hulu, this series is already generating significant buzz. So, What Is Doctor Odyssey About that has everyone talking?
Setting Sail with a Medical Mystery: The Premise of Doctor Odyssey
Doctor Odyssey charts a new course for the medical drama genre by placing its central figure, Dr. Max Bankman (played by Joshua Jackson), in a rather unconventional setting: a luxury cruise ship. Imagine the vast ocean as your hospital grounds, and the ever-changing ports of call as your backdrop. This is the unique world of Doctor Odyssey.
As the on-board doctor for this opulent vessel, Max Bankman isn’t just dealing with seasickness and sunburn. He’s navigating a floating city where the stakes are high, and the dramas are as deep as the ocean itself. The cruise ship, helmed by Captain Massey (Don Johnson), is staffed by a vibrant crew, including nurses Avery Morgan (Phillipa Soo) and Tristan Silva (Sean Teale). They work hard, and as hinted, they play even harder, suggesting a dynamic workplace environment ripe with both professional and personal entanglements.
Jon Robin Baitz, the writer and executive producer alongside Murphy and Joe Baken, offers a glimpse into the show’s core appeal. He describes Doctor Odyssey as a blend of classic and contemporary television. It embraces the “gloss and a great deal of style” reminiscent of traditional network shows, while boldly addressing modern themes. Think about the emotional currents of today’s world, the complexities of relationships between men and women, the ever-present shadow of pandemics, and even the pursuit of pleasure – these are all elements woven into the fabric of Doctor Odyssey. Yet, despite its depth, Baitz emphasizes the show’s enjoyable nature: it’s “smart, fun, and a pleasure to sink into.”
Don Johnson as Captain Massey in Doctor Odyssey on ABC
Meet the Stars of Doctor Odyssey: A Stellar Cast
The series boasts a compelling lead in Joshua Jackson, who takes on the role of Dr. Max Bankman. Jackson is a familiar face to television audiences, having previously starred in beloved series such as Dawson’s Creek, Fringe, and The Affair. His experience in navigating complex characters and engaging storylines makes him a perfect fit for the central role in Doctor Odyssey.
Joining Jackson is the iconic Don Johnson as Captain Massey. Johnson himself is a television legend, best known for his roles in Miami Vice and Nash Bridges. His presence adds a layer of gravitas and seasoned charisma to the show. Together, Jackson and Johnson not only star but also serve as executive producers, alongside a team including director Paris Barclay, further cementing their investment and belief in the project.
Baitz praises Jackson and Johnson as “smart, charming, wise, and easy-going,” highlighting their extensive TV experience and leadership qualities. Their understanding of what makes a television show succeed, combined with their dedication to their characters and the collaborative process, promises a high-quality viewing experience.
Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman in ABC's Doctor Odyssey
More Than Just Medicine: Drama, Humor, and Modern Themes
Doctor Odyssey isn’t just another medical procedural; it aims to offer a richer, more layered narrative. Baitz hints at the show’s ability to balance serious themes with moments of levity. He mentions the series being “really funny,” alongside its exploration of “emotional states” and “tensions.” This suggests a show that isn’t afraid to tackle real-world issues with a touch of wit and engaging character dynamics.
The luxury cruise ship setting itself adds another dimension to the drama. Confined spaces, a diverse group of passengers and crew, and the inherent drama of life at sea all contribute to a unique and compelling backdrop for medical storylines and personal conflicts to unfold.
Riding the Wave of Excitement: Why Doctor Odyssey is Generating Buzz
Procedural dramas are a staple of television, consistently drawing in large audiences. Doctor Odyssey arrives at a time when this genre is particularly strong, and ABC itself has seen significant success in the procedural space. The anticipation for Doctor Odyssey is palpable. Even before its premiere, the trailer for the show achieved a record-breaking 77.8 million views within just 48 hours, making it the most-watched trailer ever for a new network television series. This impressive feat speaks volumes about the pre-premiere excitement surrounding Doctor Odyssey.
This buzz underscores the audience’s appetite for well-crafted procedurals with compelling characters and engaging stories. The showrunners emphasize their commitment to delivering exactly that. Baitz stresses the importance of “inventive, smart, entertaining scripts” that respect the audience’s intelligence while fulfilling the core mission to entertain. He credits Ryan Murphy’s “brilliant showmanship” and Joe Baken’s “oddball takes” as key ingredients in creating a show that is both captivating and emotionally resonant.
A Cruise Full of Guest Stars: Expect Familiar Faces
Adding to the allure of Doctor Odyssey is the promise of a revolving door of guest stars. Given its cruise ship setting, the show naturally lends itself to featuring a wide array of characters passing through. The guest cast list is already impressive, including names like Kelsea Ballerini, Rachel Dratch, Gina Gershon, Laura Harrier, Cheyenne Jackson, Chord Overstreet, John Stamos, and Shania Twain.
Baitz expresses his joy in casting and bringing together a mix of “known and unknown” talent. He highlights the excitement of seeing familiar faces return to the screen and discovering new talent. This blend of established stars and fresh faces promises to keep each episode feeling dynamic and surprising. The guest stars aren’t just cameos; they are integral to the episodic nature of a cruise ship drama, bringing new stories and challenges with each port of call.
Set Sail for Drama and Intrigue: What to Expect This Season
As Doctor Odyssey embarks on its maiden voyage, viewers can anticipate a season filled with “deepening relationships,” “complicated turns in their emotional lives,” and a blend of “fun and tragedy.” Baitz teases “heroic medical thinking,” “fast action,” “heartbreak,” “feuds,” “love,” “marvelous costumes,” and “life choices questioned.” This is a show that promises to deliver on multiple fronts – medical mysteries, interpersonal drama, and a touch of glamour, all set against the backdrop of a luxurious cruise.
If you’re looking for a new medical drama with a unique twist, a stellar cast, and a promise of engaging storylines, Doctor Odyssey is definitely one to watch. Tune in to ABC on Thursday, September 26th, or stream it on Hulu the next day to discover what Doctor Odyssey is about for yourself.
