"The resident" provides a critical look at the inner workings of a hospital, exposing corruption and unethical practices. The series follows Dr. Devon Pravesh (Manish Dayal) as he begins his residency under the supervision of the unorthodox Dr. Conrad Hawkins (Matt Czuchry). The show's willingness to tackle controversial issues, such as medical errors and insurance fraud, sets it apart from other medical dramas. While it can sometimes feel overly dramatic, “The Resident” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and moral compromises faced by healthcare professionals. It aims to shed light on the systemic problems within the healthcare industry, making it a compelling and sometimes unsettling watch.

"Code black" plunges viewers into the chaotic world of an understaffed and overwhelmed emergency room in Los Angeles. The series focuses on the dedicated doctors and nurses who must make split-second decisions to save lives. The show's high-intensity atmosphere and realistic medical scenarios make it a thrilling watch. Marcia Gay Harden delivers a standout performance as Dr. Leanne Rorish, the head of the ER. While it lasted only three seasons, “Code Black” provided a gritty and authentic look at the challenges faced by medical professionals in a high-pressure environment. The title refers to the hospital code for when the ER is at maximum capacity, highlighting the constant struggle to provide care under extreme circumstances.

"New amsterdam" offers an idealistic take on the medical drama, following Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) as he becomes the medical director of one of America's oldest public hospitals. Goodwin aims to reform the system and provide better care for his patients, often challenging bureaucratic obstacles. The show's optimistic tone and focus on patient advocacy set it apart from more cynical medical dramas. While it can sometimes feel overly sentimental, “New Amsterdam” raises important questions about healthcare accessibility and the role of hospitals in serving their communities. Inspired by Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the series strives to depict real-world issues and offer hopeful solutions. Its emphasis on empathy and compassion makes it a feel-good addition to the medical drama genre.

"Grey's anatomy" has become a television institution, known for its dramatic storylines and complex character relationships. The series follows Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and her fellow surgeons at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as they navigate their personal and professional lives. The show's longevity is a testament to its ability to reinvent itself and keep viewers invested in the characters. While it occasionally delves into melodramatic territory, “Grey’s Anatomy” remains a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the challenges of working in medicine. Shonda Rhimes's creation has launched numerous careers and continues to be a significant cultural phenomenon. The series also deserves credit for addressing important social issues within its storylines, prompting discussions and raising awareness.

"Chicago med", as part of Dick Wolf's "Chicago" franchise, delivers a solid medical drama experience with a focus on the personal and professional lives of the doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The series tackles a wide range of medical cases, often intertwined with ethical and emotional dilemmas. The ensemble cast, including Nick Gehlfuss and Yaya DaCosta, provides strong performances. What sets "Chicago Med" apart is its integration with other shows in the franchise, allowing for crossover events and interconnected storylines. The show is filmed in Chicago, which lends authenticity to the setting. It explores the challenges faced by medical professionals in a busy urban hospital, making it a relatable and engaging watch for fans of the genre.

"The good doctor" presents a unique perspective in the medical drama landscape, focusing on Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young autistic surgeon with savant syndrome. Freddie Highmore delivers a compelling performance, capturing the complexities of a character who sees the world differently. The show explores themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the power of unique perspectives. While it sometimes relies on sentimental storytelling, it effectively raises awareness and promotes understanding of autism spectrum disorder. One notable aspect is how Shaun's unique abilities allow him to solve medical mysteries that others might miss, adding an interesting twist to the standard medical procedural format. David Shore, who also created “House,” brings his expertise to this series, ensuring a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

"ER" revolutionized medical dramas with its fast-paced, realistic portrayal of a Chicago emergency room. This series is a masterclass in ensemble storytelling, featuring a stellar cast including George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Anthony Edwards. The show's raw and unflinching depiction of the chaos and intensity of emergency medicine set a new standard for the genre. Its influence can be seen in countless medical dramas that followed. Fun fact: Michael Crichton, the author of "Jurassic Park," based "ER" on his own experiences as a medical student. The show's authenticity and high-stakes scenarios make it a gripping and unforgettable television experience. The use of long takes and hand-held cameras put viewers right in the middle of the action, making "ER" a truly immersive experience.

While technically a comedy, "Scrubs" masterfully blends humor with heartfelt medical drama, earning it a high spot on this list. The show follows the surreal journey of J.D. (Zach Braff) and his colleagues as they navigate the challenges of residency at Sacred Heart Hospital. The show's unique style, incorporating fantasy sequences and quirky cutaways, sets it apart from other medical series. Beyond the laughs, "Scrubs" tackles serious issues of patient care, ethical dilemmas, and the emotional toll on healthcare professionals. Its emphasis on friendship and camaraderie makes it exceptionally heartwarming and relatable. Bill Lawrence, the creator, also incorporated real medical cases he found interesting, ensuring a blend of authenticity and comedy. "Scrubs" is not just funny; it’s a deeply human and surprisingly educational look at life in a hospital.

“House,” starring Hugh Laurie as the brilliantly acerbic Dr. Gregory House, stands at the pinnacle of medical dramas. The show distinguishes itself with its compelling medical mysteries, each episode presenting a diagnostic puzzle that House and his team must unravel. Laurie's portrayal of House is iconic; he embodies a character who is both infuriating and endearing, battling his own demons while solving the unsolvable. The supporting cast, including Lisa Edelstein as Dr. Lisa Cuddy and Robert Sean Leonard as Dr. James Wilson, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The show's sharp writing, combined with its willingness to explore the gray areas of morality and medicine, makes it a must-watch. Did you know that Hugh Laurie originally auditioned for the role of Dr. Wilson? Thankfully, he was chosen to play the lead, which completely redefined the medical drama genre.