The American adaptation of the popular ITV comedy-drama Doc Martin, titled Best Medicine, has now arrived in the UK after premiering in the US earlier this year. The series, a spin-off of the original, stars The Good Wife actor Josh Charles as Dr. Martin Best, a respected surgeon who leaves his successful career in Boston to seek a slower pace of life in the picturesque seaside town of Port Wenn, Maine.
Plot and Premise
Dr. Martin Best's transition to small-town life proves far from straightforward. He struggles with an intense fear of blood while navigating the town's colourful and eccentric residents. The series synopsis explains: 'Soon he's introduced to Port Wenn's community, filled with quirky but loving characters with no end of ailments for him to figure out and diagnose. However, as someone who is quite introverted and likes to keep himself to himself, he struggles with the adjustment. He's also got a huge blood phobia, which doesn't help his abilities as a doctor who may need to tend to wounds from time to time. But behind his brusque attitude and no-nonsense approach to a bedside manner, Dr Martin hides his own personal pain that he is hiding from the world which explains why he is the way he is.'
US Success and UK Release
After becoming a huge success in the US, attracting around 15 million regular viewers by the time the finale aired, the series has now finally made its way to UK screens. The feel-good medical dramedy offers plenty of heart, humour and small-town charm, making it an ideal choice for viewers looking for easy, uplifting entertainment.
Cast and Cameo
Heading up the cast is Josh Charles, whose previous credits include The Good Wife and The Handmaid's Tale. He is joined by Abigail Spencer (Grey's Anatomy) as Louisa Gavin, Josh Segarra (Abbott Elementary) as Mark Mylow, Cree (Big Sky) as Elaine Denton, and Annie Potts (Pretty in Pink) as Aunt Sarah. The supporting cast also features Stephen Spinella, Jason Veasey, Carter Shimp, Alexandra Cica, John DiMaggio, Clea Lewis, and Didi Conn.
Fans of the original ITV series are in for a treat, as Martin Clunes makes a special cameo in the ninth episode, playing Robert Best, the on-screen father of Josh Charles' character. Clunes famously brought the gruff but lovable Dr. Martin Ellingham to life in the original series.
Audience Reception
Widely praised by viewers as 'fantastic' and 'delightful', the series has already won over audiences across the Atlantic. On IMDb, one viewer said: 'I cannot express how much I love this show. Please don't let anyone, or anyone behind the scenes, quit working on the show. Everything's perfect the way it is. From the actors chosen, the writers, the set design, the props. Everybody who participated in the show needs a HUGE raise. I hope it's on TV for 20 years. I love this show!' Another enthused: 'Brilliant Show - Awesome Cast,' while a third added: 'What a fun show! While I am a solid fan of the British Doc Martin, I actually like this version so much better.' One more wrote: 'Charming and Heartwarming, My Latest Obsession. I have not seen the original Doc Martin, but Best Medicine has really captured my heart. I even watch it live every week which I haven't done for a show in probably a decade.'
Availability
Best Medicine is available to watch on Sky One and NOW.
