The classic US hospital drama ER is set to arrive on Netflix in the UK on 9 February 2026, bringing all 15 seasons of the show to a new generation of viewers. Originally airing from 1994 to 2009, the series is widely regarded as a landmark in television history.
ER followed the lives of doctors and nurses at the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago, blending intense medical cases with personal storylines. The show launched the careers of stars like George Clooney, who played the reckless but heroic Dr Doug Ross, and Noah Wyle as the earnest Dr John Carter.
Critics argue that ER deserves recognition as the true beginning of the 'golden age of television', predating shows like The Sopranos. It combined ambitious storytelling, moral complexity, and massive popularity, winning numerous Emmy awards while topping the Nielsen ratings.
Despite its impact, ER is sometimes overlooked in discussions of prestige TV, possibly because it aired on network NBC rather than cable channels like HBO. However, its legacy endures through episodes like 'Love's Labor Lost' and the iconic finale 'And In the End...'.
