Best Medicine (2026) – the American remake of the beloved British series Doc Martin – is currently dividing audiences and critics alike. Starring Josh Charles as the brilliant but socially awkward surgeon Dr. Martin Best, who relocates from Boston to the quaint seaside village of Port Wenn, Maine, after developing a severe blood phobia that ends his surgical career, the show has become Fox’s biggest streaming debut in nearly three years. The premiere episode pulled in 10.8 million multiplatform viewers, including strong Hulu numbers (1.3M in the first week), proving there’s real appetite for this cozy, grumpy-doctor-in-a-small-town formula.
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What Works Well
Josh Charles nails the deadpan, curmudgeonly charm that made Martin Ellingham iconic. His stiff posture, blunt insults, and rare moments of vulnerability feel pitch-perfect for the role – a grumpy genius who can’t stand people but can’t help fixing them. The chemistry with Abigail Spencer as Louisa Gavin (the warm, no-nonsense schoolteacher) is electric: their will-they-won’t-they tension, awkward flirtations, and slow-burn romance provide the heart of the series. Supporting cast shines too – Annie Potts as Aunt Sarah brings warmth and humor, Josh Segarra as the local cop adds charm (and a subtle love triangle element), and Cree delivers sweet, youthful energy.
The show keeps the core spirit: a brilliant doctor with zero bedside manner clashes with quirky villagers in a picturesque coastal setting (filmed in upstate New York/Hudson Valley standing in for Maine). It’s cozy dramedy at its best – think Northern Exposure meets light medical cases, with plenty of small-town whimsy, vomit gags, and feel-good moments.
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The Controversies and Criticisms
Fans of the original Doc Martin (with Martin Clunes’ sharper, more abrasive take) often call this version “softened” or “Americanized” too much. Reviews note it’s milder, more cuddly and whimsical – less biting satire, fewer truly dark edges, and a cleaner, upscale vibe for Port Wenn. The blood phobia is emphasized more dramatically here, sometimes feeling overplayed. Critics praise it as a “smart reinvention” and “endearingly cozy” (with strong scores around 7.6/10 on IMDb and positive takes from Hollywood Reporter, Variety), but audience reactions (and some Reddit/Facebook threads) lean harsher, labeling it a “pale imitation,” “mismatched,” or “tone-deaf rewrite.” Rotten Tomatoes audience scores trail behind critics, reflecting the split.
Verdict: Worth Watching?
If you’re new to Doc Martin or crave lighthearted, character-driven comedy-drama with romance, excellent acting, and small-town charm, Best Medicine is a winner – perfect for cozy viewing on Hulu/Fox. Josh Charles carries it brilliantly, and the viewership numbers show it’s resonating with American audiences.
But if you’re a die-hard fan of the British original’s rawer, more sardonic tone, it might feel too polished and less soulful – prepare for some “hate-watching” frustration.
My personal rating: 7.8/10. It’s not a perfect clone, but it’s a charming, well-acted update that stands on its own. A solid “best medicine” for anyone needing laughs, heart, and a grumpy hero who secretly cares.
Have you watched it yet? Team original Doc Martin or open to the remake? 😄
