Does Netflix's Pulse and Grey's Anatomy have similarities? Details explored

Netflix's Pulse- a reimagined Grey's Anatomy? This has been the question of the hour since Netflix's latest medical procedural debuted on April 3, 2025. This series explores the complicated relationships and challenges the residents and doctors face at a fictional trauma center in Miami. Does the description sound familiar? That's likely because many fans are comparing it to the early seasons of Grey's Anatomy, ABC's (still) longest-running medical procedural.

Steamy romances, intense medical procedures, and a messy workplace relationship- Pulse shares many similarities with Grey's Anatomy.

At its core, this is the story of Danny Sims and her tight-knit group of residents, Harper, Elijah, and Tom, as she navigates the complicated relationships with her boss, Xander, and her profession. All too reminiscent of how Meredith managed her taboo relationship with Derek, alongside her tribe of residents in Grey's Anatomy.

Let's explore how the two shows are similar.

*Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.*

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Exploring the similarities between Netflix's Pulse and Grey's Anatomy

Since the release of Netflix's Pulse first trailer, people have been comparing it to Grey's Anatomy, and for all the right reasons. Reminiscent of ABC's longest-running procedural, the latest show promises over-the-top medical emergencies juxtaposed with steamy and complicated relationships.

First and foremost, the tension between the central characters and their taboo relationship with each other is reminiscent of Grey's. Just like Derek and Meredith, Danny and Xander are portrayed in a taboo relationship, as a resident and a senior doctor.

Drerk and Meredith's complicated relationships form the heart of Grey's Anatomy, and it looks like Danny and Xander are also headed down the same path. In fact, the new procedural adds a spicy twist, with Danny filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against her boss when the show premieres.

Next, Pulse also borrows from its predecessor's knack for creating intense medical situations. While Grey's has never shied away from intense medical emergencies and natural disasters dominating the ER, Pulse takes it a step further and opens amidst a hurricane that brings chaos to the hospital.

The tension between the residents and patients created in the first three episodes of Pulse is highly reminiscent of the disaster episodes of Grey's, as the latest medical procedures try too hard to evoke that Grey's comparison, which Danny even verbalizes in Episode 2 to Camila:

“Did you watch a lot of Grey’s Anatomy growing up?”

While the medical drama will surely remind you of early Grey's, it is difficult to say if it will be able to recapture the charm and legacy of its predecessor.

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Star Jessie T. Usher called the procedural an 'early Grey's Anatomy'

With all the comparisons to Grey's Anatomy, it's likely that Netflix's new medical drama will find it challenging to carve out its own identity.

While the similarities to Grey's are evident, they also place significant pressure on this newcomer to measure up to such a well-established show. Although the parallels exist, the new medical procedural must earn its place, especially given the legacy left by its predecessors.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Jessie T. Usher, who portrays Sam Elijah on the show, addressed these comparisons:

''Yeah, Pulse is a medical drama, so Netflix, it'll be airing sometime this spring. I play Dr. Elijah. I can't give away storypoints on it, but it has the feel of early Grey's Anatomy. It's sexy, and it's romantic, and it's dramatic in a lot of ways. It was one heck of an experience.''

While the early comparisons are out, it would be interesting to see if the show could deliver on that.

Also Read: Fans laugh as Netflix announces Pulse, a new high-stakes medical drama premiering April 3

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