Netflix's 7-Part Medical Drama Is the Best Show To Watch If You Love 'The Pitt'

Medical dramas have been popular for as long as the medium has existed, but they only occasionally reach a threshold of realism, with shows like The Pitt reflecting that. While there are some shows that may nail the science behind specific cases or faithfully depict an element of the medical process, it is rare for a show about doctors or nurses to authentically explore the all-consuming nature of the profession. It’s not that hard to see why. Healthcare workers frequently deal with physical danger and mental health risks, and it is hard to relate to characters who are consistently put in situations in which they have authority over people’s lives. This Is Going To Hurt is by no means an easy series to watch, but it does depict its protagonists as three-dimensional characters, rather than just larger-than-life heroes that lack any flaws. Even if the show takes place 20 years in the past, it is at the forefront of discussions about the medical profession that are even more relevant today.

This Is Going To Hurt has an advantage over other medical dramas that attempt to be more grounded because it is based on the memoir of the same name by the former OBGYN doctor Adam Kay, who also served as the creator and writer of the series. Ben Whishaw stars as a lightly fictionalized version of Kay during his time at an NHS hospital in 2006, where the stressful working environment forced him to account for the well-being of both his patients and staff. This Is Going To Hurt is a very ambitious series that uses creative filmmaking techniques to examine Kay’s perspective, presenting him as an empathetic, yet flawed protagonist. While it serves as an eye-opening experience for a majority of the audience.

‘This Is Going To Hurt’ Is an Unflinching Look at Mental Health in Hospitals

This Is Going To Hurt examines how lonely the medical profession can be, and the series uses a radical means of breaking the fourth wall to show how Kay copes with the pressure of his position. While most instances of fourth-wall breaking are done for comedic means, Kay’s addresses to the audience are important in explaining the complex process he has for evaluating the severity of cases, choosing which patients to see first, and interpreting mixed messages from his peers and superiors. Whishaw has a sharp sense of humor that results in some instances of dark comedy, but the effect of having him speak directly to the audience is also quite sad. Kay is a character who can't be vulnerable, as any perceived weakness on his part could negatively affect the less-experienced workers who look up to him, or could result in concern from the patients. As a result, Kay can only speak inward as a means of communicating the internal feelings he is unable to put into words. It’s a very dark theme, but it also helps make Kay into a more compelling character, as his outward persona is more aggressive.

Although he’s an amazing actor in everything from Women Talking to the James Bond films, Whishaw gives his best and most singular performance ever in This Is Going To Hurt, as it is hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Kay is someone who has to manipulate his behavior based on which patients he is meeting and what their needs require of him. While he is willing to be soft and charming with older women who are confused by the advanced technology, he also has to assume a protective, parental role when working with children, especially those who come from unsafe homes. However, Kay also has strict moral lines that he will not cross, which puts his career in jeopardy. Kay’s refusal to admonish a racist patient may be an ethically sound decision, but it does create consequences in the workplace.

‘This Is Going To Hurt’ Is a Didactic, Creative Approach to a Medical Drama

This Is Going To Hurt is set in an era where the perils of healthcare weren’t as widely accepted, and the series sheds light on the impact that the intensive working environment has on junior staffers, many of whom suffer severe breakdowns. What’s fascinating about the show’s approach is that it features an impressive ensemble cast, but chooses to examine the supporting characters purely from Kay’s perspective. As a result, he experiences the same shock as the audience when unexpected circumstances emerge that call for his attention. As much as Kay wants to be there for every member of his staff, he simply cannot fulfill that many responsibilities at once.

This Is Going To Hurt is also framed in a unique light because the series premiered in the aftermath of COVID-19, which opened many people’s eyes to the selfless work ethic of those working in critical care facilities. Perhaps the most moving aspect of the show is that Kay is so adjusted to being ostracized and called out that any instances in which he is personally thanked are enough to rekindle his passion for his chosen craft. Multiple seasons set in the world of This Is Going To Hurt may have been too strenuous an emotional burden, but its seven episodes create a rich, compelling drama that is as informative as it is moving.