For viewers who crave the relentless adrenaline of The Pitt or the sharp wit of House, there's a new—yet wonderfully familiar—option arriving on Netflix this August. Best Medicine, Fox's under-the-radar medical dramedy, makes its streaming debut on August 4, offering a refreshing change of pace that swaps trauma bays for tide pools.
Based on the long-running British series Doc Martin, Best Medicine transplants the story to coastal Maine, where lobster traps and Atlantic fog replace Cornwall's cliffs. The result is a series that feels like a warm hug in medical scrubs—a gentle, character-driven alternative to the high-stakes chaos of its genre peers.
What Is 'Best Medicine' About?
The show centers on Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles), a brilliant Boston heart surgeon whose life unravels after a traumatic case leaves him with a debilitating blood phobia. Seeking refuge from his past, he takes a job in Port Wenn, a small fishing village he once visited as a child. But Martin's blunt, socially awkward demeanor clashes immediately with the town's nosy, tradition-bound residents.
From the moment he arrives, Martin butts heads with nearly everyone—including Louisa (Abigail Spencer), a sharp-tongued schoolteacher, and Sheriff Mark (Josh Segarra), Louisa's recently dumped ex-fiancé. He also reconnects with his fiercely independent aunt, Sarah (Annie Potts). Each episode pairs a light medical mystery with a local custom Martin finds baffling, from baked-bean suppers to quirky annual rituals. His patients often ignore his advice, clinging to habits he insists are harmful—creating a battle between modern medicine and small-town stubbornness.
A Charm-Filled, Low-Stakes Binge
While the first season leans on a repetitive structure, it compensates with undeniable charm. In his review for Collider, Billy Fellows gave the series a 6 out of 10, noting it stays surface-level but praising the cast. Charles, in particular, carries the show with a stiff yet endearing performance. Fellows highlighted a key monologue where Martin's guard finally cracks: "Charles doesn't completely drop his character's emotional barriers, keeping his jaw tense like he wishes he hadn't shared such personal history. But his softened eyebrows remove the scowl viewers have grown accustomed to, showing a far more vulnerable character that makes you want to give him a big hug, even if he hates them."
Spencer, known for her role in Suits, radiates empathy and kindness, and her will-they-won't-they chemistry with Charles gives the series its emotional core. Segarra brings the same lovable himbo energy he displayed in The Other Two, making Sheriff Mark an instant fan favorite.
While Best Medicine won't compete with The Pitt for Emmy nominations or intensity, it offers a predictable, comforting watch—perfect for a lazy weekend binge. The show has already been renewed for a second season, premiering September 22, 2026, so there's no better time to catch up. For those who enjoy cozy small-town storytelling, this is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more hidden gems, check out Avenue 5 or Sense8—both offer unique takes on their genres. With its blend of heart, humor, and a touch of medical drama, Best Medicine is a gentle prescription for what ails you.
