Classic medical drama Peak Practice begins streaming on ITVX today (Thursday 29 October), giving Call the Midwife fans a new period medical series to enjoy while they wait for upcoming episodes.
Since Call the Midwife first aired in 2012, viewers have followed the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House. The BBC series broadcast its emotional series 15 earlier this year, with a prequel titled Sisters in Arms set to air this festive period, alongside an announced feature film and season 16.
A Long-Running Medical Drama Returns
Created by Lucy Gannon, Peak Practice originally aired on ITV between 1993 and 2002. It followed doctors in the fictional town of Cardale in the Derbyshire Peak District, with protagonists Dr Jack Kerruish, Dr Beth Glover, and Dr Will Preston played by Kevin Whately, Amanda Burton, and Simon Shepherd respectively.
The cast changed over the years, with Gary Mavers, Adrian Lukis, Haydn Gwynne, and Maggie O'Neill joining in later seasons.
Storylines and Reception
According to ITV, the series explores themes of community, relationships, and the challenges of rural healthcare, and is suited to fans of character-driven dramas and British television. The broadcaster added: "With stunning scenery and compelling storylines, Peak Practice offers a heartwarming and engaging look into the world of medicine."
The first season began with Dr Kerruish returning to the UK after setting up a practice in Africa. He interviews for a job at the Beeches surgery in Derbyshire, run by Dr Glover and Dr Preston.
Since its 1993 release, the show has gained a loyal following. One viewer wrote on X: "#PeakPractice another classic along with #LondonsBurning." Another called it an "excellent" series and "one of the better dramas of recent years" on IMDb, while a third described it as "excellent, beautiful and heartwarming."
One fan lamented the show's cancellation after nearly a decade, writing: "It had fantastic, well-written and engaging story lines, clever and touching writing and sweet, relaxing music. It also had the advantage of being gorgeously filmed, the countryside of Derbyshire is absolutely beautiful and really added to Peak Practice's charm."
Others suggested the quality declined over time, with one person calling the last episode "lazy" and adding: "Not a bad series, though the fact that no one EVER found happiness, no wedding EVER went well, no marriage EVER worked out, no family in town seemed happy together. The series finale was shocking, but also a lazy way out for the writers. Incredibly disappointing."
Peak Practice is now available to stream on ITVX.
