Doogie Howser, M.D. is a beloved medical drama that captivated audiences with its unique blend of youthful charm and professional intrigue. If you’re a fan of this classic series, you might be on the lookout for similar shows that combine medical drama with compelling characters and intriguing storylines. Here are 12 TV shows that you might enjoy just as much.
1. Scrubs
Scrubs is a medical comedy-drama that follows the lives of several employees working at Sacred Heart, a teaching hospital. Starring Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison, the show offers a humorous yet heartfelt look at the challenges and triumphs of the medical field.
2. Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy is a long-running medical drama that delves into the personal and professional lives of surgical interns and their mentors. Featuring Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, and Patrick Dempsey, the series is known for its emotional depth and complex character dynamics.
3. The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor centers around Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, played by Freddie Highmore. The show explores his exceptional medical skills and the challenges he faces in both his professional and personal life.
4. House
House is a medical drama that follows Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant but misanthropic diagnostician. Portrayed by Hugh Laurie, the character leads a team of doctors in solving complex medical cases, often employing unconventional methods.
5. ER
ER is a groundbreaking medical drama that offers a realistic portrayal of the emergency room at County General Hospital. With an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Noah Wyle, the show is known for its intense and fast-paced storytelling.
6. Chicago Med
Chicago Med is part of the Chicago franchise and focuses on the doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Starring Nick Gehlfuss, Yaya DaCosta, and Torrey DeVitto, the series provides a detailed look at the high-stakes world of emergency medicine.
7. Private Practice
Private Practice is a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy that follows Dr. Addison Montgomery, played by Kate Walsh, as she joins a private practice in Los Angeles. The show explores both medical and personal challenges faced by the team of doctors at the practice.
8. New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam is a medical drama that centers around Dr. Max Goodwin, the new medical director at one of America’s oldest public hospitals. Ryan Eggold stars as Dr. Goodwin, who is determined to reform the hospital’s neglected facilities and provide exceptional care.
9. The Resident
The Resident focuses on the lives and duties of medical staff at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital. Featuring Matt Czuchry, Emily VanCamp, and Manish Dayal, the series highlights the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
10. Nurse Jackie
Nurse Jackie is a dark comedy-drama that follows Jackie Peyton, a nurse with a complex personal life and a penchant for bending the rules. Edie Falco stars as Jackie, whose struggles with addiction and work-life balance provide a gripping narrative.
11. Saving Hope
Saving Hope is a medical drama that blends elements of the supernatural. It follows Dr. Alex Reid, played by Erica Durance, as she navigates her career while her fiancé, Dr. Charlie Harris, remains in a coma and experiences life as a spirit.
12. Royal Pains
Royal Pains is a medical comedy-drama that follows Dr. Hank Lawson, played by Mark Feuerstein, who becomes a concierge doctor in the Hamptons. The show combines medical cases with the luxurious lifestyles of the rich and famous, offering a unique twist on the genre.
