Doctor Odyssey is one of ABC’s newest medical dramas which debuted on September 26, 2024. Despite being released rather recently, it gained popularity among fans of medical dramas. The series is written and directed by the legendary Ryan Murphy responsible for projects such as Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Glee, American Horror Story, and The Watcher.
The ABC drama revolves around the nonchalant Dr. Max, a carefree medical world genius, running a unit of practicing doctors and nurses aboard The Odyssey, a luxe cruise ship. Max and the gang tackle complex medical problems on both land and sea.
From dealing with cases of sunburn, and hypothermia, and working through a tumultuous stormy ocean - Max and his team navigate choppy waters to the best of their medical abilities. It’s not all serious though, there’s romance, drama, and a lot of action in Doctor Odyssey.
The show stars Joshua Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale, and Don Johnson, among others. While awaiting the weekly release of new episodes, fans can take a look at the top 7 medical dramas to watch if they liked this one.
Disclaimer: This article is purely based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.
10 Binge-worthy medical dramas like Doctor Odyssey
1) Grey's Anatomy
Starting the list strong is the creme de la creme of medical dramas, Grey’s Anatomy. The series is the longest-running medical drama with 21 seasons. The show’s protagonist Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, and the other budding doctors grow in the fields of medicine, friendship, and romance.
Like Doctor Odyssey, the drama also sees complex life-altering cases from deadly tumors to bionic arms. All 21 seasons of the show are now streaming on Netflix.
2) The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor revolves around the life of Shaun Murphy, played by Freddie Highmore. Murphy is an autistic doctor passionate about being a surgeon and a genius who can see through a medical conundrum with great clarity and a unique perspective. This medical drama exhibits impeccable character growth, especially for Shaun who continues to save lives extraordinarily.
The series also features the hardships of making friends, interacting with patients, and dealing with heartbreaking loss. Occasionally, there are sparks and romance brewing in the background, making it very much like Doctor Odyssey. The drama has 7 seasons, which are available to binge on Netflix.
3) Chicago Med
Chicago Med is another classic on the list and packs a punch with drama and intensity. The series primarily features a team of exemplary doctors and nurses working tirelessly in the Emergency Ward at the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Being in the ER is certainly no joke especially since they’re constantly dealing with life-or-death scenarios as soon as patients are wheeled in.
The drama’s season 10 is ongoing with 3 episodes already aired and 19 episodes slated to be released in the coming weeks. The show stars Nick Gehlfuss, Torrey DeVitto, Brian Tee, S. Epatha Merkerson, Oliver Platt, Marlyne Barrett, and more! Whether or not the hit show will return for Season 11 remains unknown, for now, it is available on Peacock.
4) Scrubs
Scrubs perhaps gets closest to Doctor Odyssey in its amalgamation of humor and medical drama. The Peacock series is packed with veteran actors such as Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, John C. McGinley, Chrisa Miller, Sarah Chalke, Aloma Wright, Eliza Coupe, and more.
This is the kind of medical sitcom where one can be hooked to the show and enjoy good laughs, almost similar to Doctor Odyssey. The most wholesome part about it is the friendship goals set by Braff and Faison’s characters J.D. and Christopher Turk. The latest season of Scrubs is available to watch on Peacock.
5) ER
Another medical drama fondly remembered across generations is ER. This was one of the most well-known medical drama series to have existed before Grey’s Anatomy in 1994. The series gained immense traction over 15 seasons and concluded in 2009 with a bittersweet ending.
Like Doctor Odyssey, the plot is based on a team of doctors with personalities across the spectrum working together at The County General Hospital in Chicago. From forging new bonds of friendship with fellow doctors to saving lives in the nick of time, all 15 seasons will leave you both at the edge of your seat and maybe in tears.
6) Nurse Jackie
Another close resemblance to Doctor Odyssey is the beloved hit medical show Nurse Jackie. Earning an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is about a nurse - the protagonist Jackie Peyton, played by Edie Falco, and her time working for an ER ward while occasionally tending to major cases.
Jackie is an excellent nurse as the series eloquently captures. However, she also has rather messy and carefree parts. She’s a rule-bender and only breaks them for the well-being of her patients. The series ran for seven successful seasons before taking its final curtain call on June 28, 2024.
7) St. Denis Medical
Ending the list is St. Denis Medical - a wholesome medical sitcom unraveling the events at the Emergency Department of the hospital. While the Chief of Medicine Joyce has high hopes of transforming the quaint and underfunded hospital to international standards, Alex and a few members of her team just want to save lives no matter the cost.
Despite the cathartic ordeal of doctors and nurses being swamped due to work and a surplus of patients - they’re each holding it together and having the other’s backs during times of crisis. The series stars Allison Tolman, Kahyun Kim, Kaliko Kauahi, David Alan Grier, Mekki Leeper, and Josh Lawson to name a few.
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