Doc Martin Gets a US Makeover: Emmy Star Takes the Lead in ‘Best Medicine’ Reboot

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Unexpectedly, the well-liked British comedy-drama series Doc Martin is undergoing an adaptation for American television, featuring a multiple Emmy nominee taking on the main character’s part.

Assuming the position as the main character physician, similar to how Martin Clunes garnered a British Comedy Awards nomination, for the TV show on Fox, I am Josh Charles – a two-time Emmy nominee recognized for my role as Will Gardner in the intriguing drama series The Good Wife.

As a cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: “In ‘Best Medicine,’ I, a renowned surgeon from Boston, take a surprising turn, swapping my bustling career for the tranquil life of a general practitioner in a charming East Coast fishing village where I once spent carefree summers as a child.

It’s unfortunate that Martin’s brusque and somewhat impolite behavior towards patients irritates the peculiar and dependent locals. As a result, he manages to push the townsfolk away, despite being their only option for medical care.

Michael Thorn, president of Fox Television Network, explained why the moment was perfect for an American adaptation of Doc Martin: “The universal appeal of its heartfelt narrative, unique premise, and humor is undeniable. By bringing Best Medicine to Fox, we’re giving this quirky concept a small-town U.S. twist, blending it with captivating allure and a touch of the bizarre.

For a decade, from 2004 to 2022, ITV’s show Doc Martin aired, catapulting the careers of stars like Katherine Parkinson and Caroline Catz to greater prominence.

Previously, she is set to receive a BAFTA award at tomorrow’s event, and recently shared with TopMob about the strategies she employed to avoid being stereotyped following her roles in Doc Martin and The IT Crowd: “Those with a comedic flair tend to be attracted to eccentric characters that starkly contrast one another. In other words, they seek out diverse roles to prevent being typecast.

I’ve found it challenging to portray an ordinary individual on screen, as I often question my ability to truly embody normality in everyday life.

It remains uncertain if the Best Medicine series will produce characters as memorable as the quirky receptionist Pauline from Parkinson’s, just as we are yet to find out.

Though Martin is skilled at solving any medical puzzle or enigma in this quirky town, he yearns for solitude above all else. Yet, he finds himself repeatedly entangled in their personal dramas, conflicts, and fancies instead.

It might surprise the locals, but beneath Martin’s reserved personality lies a recently developed intense fear and hidden psychological challenges that make it difficult for him to establish genuine emotional connections with others.

In their small village, persistence is deeply ingrained in every person, making them potential solutions for any challenges that a physician might encounter.

Best Medicine is set for release in late 2025/early 2026.

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2025-05-10 13:48