Top 10 Best Medical Dramas of All Time

Long before Denzel Washington was an Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker, he was cutting his teeth on the set of the 80s drama, “St. Elsewhere.” The series centered around a rundown and poorly funded Boston hospital called St. Eligius. Running from 1982 until 1988, the show also starred Howie Mandel and Ed Begley Jr. An awards darling, the series earned 62 Emmy nominations and received the prestigious Peabody Award. 20 years after it’s debut, it was announced there were plans to adapt “Elsewhere” for the silver screen. However, the project never came to fruition, letting the drama rest peacefully as an icon of the 80s.

After finishing her impressive run as Carmela on “The Sopranos,” Edie Falco followed up with a very different character on Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie.” The series followed protagonist Jackie Peyton, an ER nurse with a severe prescription pill addiction. Balancing her habit, family life, and a fractured health care system, she was a complicated yet much-beloved character. Edie even took home her fourth Emmy Award in 2010 for the role. The true definition of a dramedy, the series was a mix of light and dark elements that would have viewers laughing one moment and at the edge of their seat the next.

Plastic surgery is always a hot topic in show business, so it wasn’t surprising that in 2003 FX followed suit. When the boundary-pushing channel launched “Nip/Tuck,” viewers were hooked on the series' edgy and provocative subject matter. Following the practice of two plastic surgeons, the show featured lots of graphic content. Slapped with a TV-MA rating, “Tuck” ran for many years and pushed the envelope whenever possible. From the get-go, the show never compromised its vision, remaining true to itself by leaving out the filler and keeping things au natural.

If you thought "Grey's Anatomy's" nearly 20 seasons run as an impressive feat, just wait until you hear about "Casualty." The UK-based and produced drama premiered in September 1986 and has remained on the air ever since. Tracking the daily operations of a fictional hospital called Holby City, it was initially created in response to the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's controversial administration. "Casualty's" creatives wanted to make something that was "anti-Conservative." Although cast members have come and gone, the series remains strong, holding the title of longest-running medical drama to date.

Originally a South Korean drama, “The Good Doctor” was adapted stateside, thanks to “Lost” alumni Daniel Dae Kim. A fan of the series, Kim bought the rights and shopped it around until ABC picked it up. Starring Freddie Highmore, the show follows the life of a surgical doctor, Shaun Murphy, who has autism. Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, the series has enjoyed high ratings and praise for its performances and engaging storyline. Highmore received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in 2018, and “The Good Doctor” is still going strong today.

"Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf struck television gold again when he co-created the "One Chicago" universe. Starting with "Chicago Fire" and then "Chicago P.D.," Wolf rounded out his emergency personnel-centered dramas in 2015 with "Chicago Med." Focused on the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center's ER, the show features lots of drama, romance, and high-stakes story arcs. Following its debut, Wolf produced a fourth installment in 2017 called "Chicago Justice," which only lasted one season. As the most junior in the franchise, "Med" has made an welcomed addition to the trio and proves that all good things come in threes.

Based on the Robert Altman movie of the same name, “M*A*S*H” became a pop culture icon of the 1970s. Taking place at a mobile military hospital during the Korean War, the show was part comedy, part drama. It even included a laugh track but balanced the line between being respectful while also humorous. The show also tackled some harrowing storylines, which are still regarded as some of the most heartbreaking moments in television history. Starring Alan Alda, the series ran an astounding eleven seasons and remains a fan favourite to this day.

Before medical dramas became a staple of every network's primetime lineup, there was "ER." Premiering in 1994, the high-octane drama centered around the lives of medical staff working in an emergency room department at a Chicago-based hospital. Produced by Steven Spielberg, the cast packed some serious star power, including George Clooney and Julianna Margulies. With an ensemble of talented actors and gritty storylines, the series took a lot of risks. For instance, Season 4 featured an episode that was filmed and aired live. It's not surprising that the show was once the highest-rated series in North America and enjoyed a successful and rare 15 season run.

This Hugh Laurie led drama was a fan favorite on FOX during the 2010s. Centered around the brilliant but cranky Dr. Gregory House, the series followed him as he led a diagnostic team. Rounding out the cast were Omar Epps, Olivia Wilde, Lisa Edelstein, and Kal Penn. The program became well known for its wordy medical jargon and outlandish storylines. Laurie went on to receive both SAG Awards and Golden Globes for his portrayal. Although he was peevish and cantankerous, “House” definitely left an impression on fans that lingers long after the series wrapped in 2012.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Private Practice” (2007-13)
“Grey’s Anatomy” Spin-off That Follows the Character of Dr. Addison Montgomery

“Code Black” (2015-18)
Marcia Gay Harden-Led Drama About an L.A. Hospital Battling Overwhelming Conditions

“Providence” (1999-2002)
Homecoming Story About a Plastic Surgeon Returning to Her Family in Rhode Island

“New Amsterdam” (2018-)
Centered on the Oldest Operating Hospital & the Medical Director Who Wants to Save It

“Holby City” (1999-)
Successful Spin-Off of “Casualty”

18 seasons and counting, and it looks like the “Grey’s Anatomy” train isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Premiering in 2005, the hospital-centered drama follows the personal and professional lives of doctors in Seattle. The Shonda Rhimes created series made stars out of its cast, including Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh. With romantic plotlines, dramatic story arcs and a slew of memorable characters, the show has become a television empire, launching spinoffs, and a massive fandom. When it seems like Grey’s has done it all, the show churns out another great storyline proving that its longevity is undeniably remarkable.