Fox's 13-Part Medical Drama Is A Must-Binge On Netflix Ahead Of Its Season 2 Return Next Month

4 weeks ago 23

Published Aug 12, 2026, 8:15 PM EDT

Dani Kessel Odom (they/them) is an autistic lead writer and TV critic who covers sci-fi shows like Doctor Who and Pluribus, fantasy shows like The Magicians and Percy Jackson, and horror of all kinds. They also cover Marvel and DC TV shows and movies, with a robust knowledge of comic books. Their TV reviews can be found on Rotten Tomatoes.

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In university, they majored in English Writing with a minor in psychology. They have always had a passion for analyzing TV and movies, even taking filmography and scriptwriting classes in university. They also studied and participated in onstage and onscreen acting extensively from the ages of 7 to 18.

Aside from working at Screen Rant, Dani has worked as a freelance editor and writer over the past decade, often in a ghostwriting capacity.

Fox’s hit 13-episode medical dramedy will return for season 2 next month, and now is the perfect time to binge-watch it on Netflix. Medical series have had ups and downs in quality over the years, and it’s currently better than ever. Longstanding series lasting over a decade, like Chicago Med, have continued to reinvent themselves and revitalize the story. Despite Meredith Grey stepping into a smaller role, Grey's Anatomy found a new way to keep audiences invested. However, there are also plenty of newer series to enjoy.

ABC revived Scrubs for season 10 after fifteen years, and it actually was fantastic. The writers updated the story for modern audiences without losing any of the essence. Netflix’s Virgin River comes back with season 8 in 2027, blending together small-town medicine with extremely soapy plots. HBO Max also found its groove in the medical TV genre with The Pitt, garnering many 2025 and 2026 Emmy nominations. NBC's St. Denis Medical has a dedicated fanbase as well, and season 3 will drop later this year.

These TV shows typically fall into the categories of comedy or drama, but one of the most entertaining shows right now, Best Medicine, is a mix of the two. The Fox TV show debuted earlier this year with season 1, and it immediately won fans over. Now, the dramedy is trending on Netflix, and it's time to watch all thirteen episodes before it returns next month.

Best Medicine Is A Worthwhile Medical Drama-Comedy Based On A British Series

The medical genre can get extremely macabre and tough to watch, but Best Medicine is a breath of fresh air that stays fun and refreshing. Ahead of Best Medicine season 2 release, the show has boomed on social media. The series is currently ranked at number 4 on Netflix in the United States (via Flixpatrol). The popularity is absolutely warranted.

The story follows a Bostonite heart surgeon named Dr. Martin Best, who leaves the urban environment for a small town in Maine, harboring a secret phobia of blood. Dr. Best doesn’t fit in with Port Wenn, putting him at odds with townsfolk like the teacher named Louisa and the sheriff named Mark Mylow. However, he eventually finds his place among the locals.

Fox’s Best Medicine is a fun spin on the British TV series Doc Martin, which ran from 2004 to 2022, starring Martin Clunes as Dr. Martin Ellingham. The original version is dry-humored and a little pricklier but still warm. However, the tone of the remake is cozier and more whimsical. The character Martin Ellingham is bad-tempered and has zero bedside manner. He is the master of deadpan. In contrast, Martin Best is abrasive and blunt but with a much softer side than his British counterpart.

Martin Clunes joined the Best Medicine cast as Robert Best, Martin's father, which feels like a great nod to the original show's legacy.

Ultimately, the US version might feel different from the original, but it feels unique enough to be worthwhile. It’s one of the best American adaptations of a British show, alongside Shameless and Being Human. This is simply because it didn’t try to be identical to its predecessor.

Best Medicine Is Returning For Season 2 In September

Josh Charles as Dr Martin Best sitting in the street next to his dog in Best Medicine

With just 13 episodes, each lasting an average of 42 minutes, Best Medicine is quick and easy to binge. Elements of the show also support this form of watching. The format is predictable and low-stakes. The cozy small-town setting makes it feel relaxing, instead of stressful. The tone of each episode is relatively light, only occasionally having heavier moments. The quirky medical cases also add some humor to the show, making it more of a dramedy than a pure drama. Even with just one episode a day, viewers can finish season 1 before Best Medicine returns.

Mind you, once the show starts up again, folks will be stuck with the traditional weekly release model of network TV. Best Medicine returns for season 2 on September 22 on Fox, with weekly releases every Tuesday at 8 PM Eastern Time, which is the same time slot the show held previously. Episodes will arrive on Hulu the next day.

Best Medicine season 2 has fourteen episodes, lasting into December. The lead actors Josh Charles, Abigail Spencer, Josh Segarra, Annie Potts, and Cree are all expected to return. The recurring actors Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey have also been promoted to full-time cast, rounding out the ensemble for Best Medicine season 2.