5 Shows To Watch While Waiting For Doc Season 2

Doc follows a long history of medical dramas providing an exciting peek into the medical world while also delving into the personal and societal issues impacting doctors. Dr. Amy Larsen’s traumatic brain injury that causes her memory loss in Doc was inspired by a true story. Amy’s newly reawakened softer, more nurturing side is sharply contrasted with the harsh, egotistical part of herself she grew into as shown in the show's blue-tinged flashbacks.

Doc season 1 left many questions unanswered, but there are plenty of other incredible medical dramas to check out while we wait for Doc to return. Whether you like Doc for its medical mysteries, the romantic drama behind the scenes, or its rogue protagonist taking on the hospital system, these shows are some of the best medical dramas of all time that will scratch the itch between seasons of Doc. Watching some of the shows that laid the groundwork for Doc might give fans a deeper appreciation when Doc season 2 premieres.

5 The Pitt (2025 - )

HBO’s New Hit Show Closely Follows One Shift In The Emergency Room

For fans of Doc who enjoy the medical aspects of the show, The Pitt offers an even more realistic portrayal of working in an ER. HBO’s new hit show, already receiving rave reviews, dives deep into the daily challenges faced by healthcare workers while addressing the systemic failures within the American medical system. The Pitt is ER meets 24, following Noah Wyle’s Dr. Robby in real time through one shift in the emergency room over the entire first season.

A composite image of Noah Wyle looking over his shoulder in front of two doctors in dressing gowns in The Pitt

The Pitt Is Not Like Other Medical Dramas In 1 Huge Way

Medical dramas are a dime a dozen, but Max's the Pitt has the unique opportunity to present its injuries and ailments as no series has before.

Posts5

Unlike other shows in the genre that may veer into melodrama or soapiness, The Pitt takes a more grounded approach, focusing on the pressures, ethical dilemmas, and institutional flaws that shape the experiences of doctors, nurses, and patients. With its unflinching look at healthcare's complexities, The Pitt offers a rich, thought-provoking exploration of the field, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate a more nuanced, realistic take on medical dramas.

4 ER (1994–2009)

ER Revolutionized The Medical Drama Genre

Fans of Doc will appreciate ER, a groundbreaking show that created the modern medical drama genre. Premiering in 1994, ER blended fast-paced emergency room action with deep character development, earning critical acclaim and widespread popularity. ER’s 15 seasons laid a blueprint for future medical dramas, influencing shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor. The realistic portrayal of trauma, medical procedures, and life-or-death decisions resonated with audiences and set a high standard for future medical shows.

A collage of a Noah Wyle as John Carter in ER and as Dr. Robby in The Pitt on a purple background

The Real-Life Legal Controversy Behind Max's The Pitt Explained

Noah Wyle's new show The Pitt is on the way, but the new Max medical drama has faced challenges in the form of a lawsuit before its debut.

Posts

ER also launched the careers of actors like George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross and Noah Wyle as Dr. John Carter, propelling them to international stardom. If you enjoy the emotional depth and medical tension in Doc, ER is a must-watch, both for its lasting impact on the genre and for the careers it helped launch, so leaving an indelible impact on the genre.

3 Grey’s Anatomy (2005-ongoing)

Grey’s Anatomy Leans Into The Personal Lives Of The Doctors At Seattle Grace

If you enjoy the soapier aspects of Doc, you’ll love Grey’s Anatomy, a medical drama that seamlessly blends emotional storylines with romantic entanglements and personal drama. Much like Doc, Grey’s Anatomy delves into the lives of its characters, offering compelling love stories, conflicts, and moments of heartbreak. Even people who have never seen the show have heard the names of Dr. McDreamy and Dr. McSteamy, showing how integral romance is to the show and proving the series is a true cultural touchstone.

Even people who have never seen the show have heard the names of Dr. McDreamy and Dr. McSteamy, showing how integral romance is to the show and proving the series is a true cultural touchstone.

With over 20 seasons out and more to come, Grey’s Anatomy offers an abundance of episodes, so you’ll have plenty of material to binge. If you love the emotional rollercoaster of Doc mixed with romantic tension and long-running character arcs, Grey’s Anatomy’s most important episodes provide the same addictive blend with even more drama to enjoy.

2 The Resident (2018-2023)

The Resident Also Centers On A Doctor Who Pushes The Boundaries

If you root for Amy Larsen when she pushes boundaries for the sake of her patients in Doc, you'll likely appreciate The Resident, where Matt Czuchry’s Dr. Conrad Hawkins takes this to even more extreme levels. Conrad is a passionate and rebellious doctor who often challenges hospital protocol and authority to ensure the best care for his patients, regardless of the consequences. The doctors frequently clash with the hospital's corporate interests and bureaucratic obstacles.

The Resident balances its intense medical drama with plenty of romantic tension and relationship dynamics, making it a great choice for viewers who enjoy both emotional depth and steamy love stories. The doctors fight for what’s right, even when it means defying the system while navigating their personal lives in an engaging mix of drama and romance.

1 House (2004-2012)

Dr. House Is Similar To Pre-Accident Amy Larsen

House has a lot in common with Doc, particularly in its medical approach and the character of Dr. Gregory House, who shares similarities with Amy Larsen, especially in her pre-accident more abrasive self. Both characters exhibit a strong drive to solve complex medical cases, often believing they know best and breaking the rules ostensibly for the sake of their patients, although also to boost their own egos.

House typically followed a “case of the week” format, making it less reliant on an overarching mystery or romantic foibles like Doc.

Like Amy, House is unorthodox, blunt, and determined, willing to go to extreme lengths to uncover the truth, no matter how medically weird House’s cases could be. House typically followed a “case of the week” format, making it less reliant on an overarching mystery or romantic foibles like Doc. Fans of Doc will appreciate House’s difficult medical decisions, emotional complexity, and the characters’ uncompromising commitment to their patients.

Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for my weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.

zo/span>lentz