15 Best Medical TV Dramas Released in the Past 5 Years

Medical TV dramas have a special way of pulling us into the high-stakes world of hospitals, where doctors and nurses race against time to save lives, making us feel the adrenaline rush of the emergency room without ever leaving our couches; over the past five years, there have been some incredible shows that blend the thrill of medical mysteries with the heartwarming (and sometimes heart-wrenching) stories of the people wearing the scrubs.

1. Dopesick (2021)

The series dissects the tragic roots and explosive growth of America's opioid crisis, through the eyes of a compassionate doctor, Sam Finnix, who gets ensnared by the deceptive practices of Purdue Pharma, a mining community devastated by addiction, and the legal team fighting against the pharmaceutical giant.

2. Five Days at Memorial (2022)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, healthcare workers at Memorial Medical Center face harrowing decisions about patient care during a five-day power outage, leading to controversial legal battles and ethical dilemmas over their actions.

3. Good Sam (2022)

Talented heart surgeon, Dr. Sam Griffith, steps up as the leader of her hospital's surgical team after her renowned boss and father falls into a coma, navigating professional challenges and personal dynamics upon his contentious awakening.

4. This Is Going to Hurt (2022)

Adam Kay, a young hospital doctor, grapples with the pressures of the NHS frontline, juggling overwhelming responsibilities, personal struggles, and the often-humorous absurdities of hospital life, which challenge his relationships and mental health.

5. Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. (2021)

A 16-year-old prodigy, Lahela "Doogie" Kameāloha, balances her budding medical career with the everyday challenges of teenage life, guided by her family and her experiences at a Honolulu hospital.

6. Dr. Brain (2021)

A brilliant neuroscientist, Sewon, delves into experimental brain science to access the memories of the dead, embarking on a mind-bending journey to uncover the truth behind a tragic accident that took his family from him.

7. Medical Police (2020)

Two American physicians stationed at a pediatric hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, discover a deadly virus; they're recruited as government agents in a race around the world to find a cure and uncover a dark conspiracy.

8. Ghost Doctor (2022)

Two polar-opposite doctors – one a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon and the other a resident with a less stellar reputation – become entangled in a supernatural accident that leads to the former's spirit possessing the latter, forcing them to work together in unusual and enlightening ways.

9. RFDS (2021)

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia portrays the challenging and critical work of medical staff providing emergency aerial medical care in the remote Outback, showcasing their personal sacrifices and the life-and-death decisions they face daily.

10. Big White Duel (2019)

The series focuses on the professional and personal lives of doctors working at a fictional Hong Kong hospital, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and politics of healthcare, as well as the tensions between old practices and new technologies.

11. Hospital Valle Norte (2019)

After a tragic accident, Paula, a renowned surgeon, takes the lead at the Hospital Valle Norte, where she and her team face complex medical cases, hospital politics, and personal challenges in a relentless pursuit of excellence and patient care.

12. Transplant (2020)

Bashir "Bash" Hamed, a Syrian refugee and talented doctor, struggles to rebuild his career and life in Canada, facing challenges and prejudices while proving his medical prowess and navigating the complexities of a new healthcare system.

13. Dr. Death (2021)

Based on a true story, this chilling series follows the case of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a rising star in the Dallas medical community, whose patients consistently experience post-surgical complications, leading to the investigation and revelation of his shocking incompetence and crimes.

14. SkyMed (2022)

The series captures the high-stakes world of air ambulance services in Northern Canada, focusing on the young pilots and medical staff as they deal with critical emergencies, personal entanglements, and the vast, unforgiving wilderness.

15. Hospital Playlist (2020)

Five doctors, whose friendship goes back to their medical school days, navigate the ups and downs of working at Yulje Medical Center, sharing life's joys and challenges while delivering heartfelt care to their patients.