The Most Popular Doctor Show, Ranked

Choose the doctor show you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:35
When it comes to choosing a doctor show to watch, the opinions are as varied as the medical cases depicted on screen. Every viewer has a preferred mix of drama, accuracy, and character development that makes a show stand out for them. This variety makes it rather complex for new audiences to sift through the endless options and find the show that best matches their taste. By providing a community-driven ranking, we give every fan of medical dramas a voice to cast votes for the shows they believe truly capture the essence of the medical world. These rankings offer a unique perspective on what is trending and beloved by audiences. Through the cumulative insight of the community, newcomers can easily find highly recommended series, and enthusiasts can see how their favorites are holding up against the competition.

What Is the Most Popular Doctor Show?

  1. 1
    83
    votes

    Grey's Anatomy

    Shonda Rhimes
    This long-running medical drama has been a fan favorite since its debut in 2005. Its engaging characters, compelling storylines, and emotional performances have kept viewers hooked for 17 seasons. Wiki
    Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama television series that follows the professional and personal lives of surgical interns, residents, and attending physicians at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show explores their struggles, relationships, and the intense and dramatic situations they encounter in their high-pressure work environment.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Number of seasons: 17
    • Number of episodes: 384
    • Original release: March 27, 2005 - Present
    • Average episode duration: 43 minutes
    Grey's Anatomy in other rankings
  2. 2
    32
    votes

    ER

    This classic medical drama set the standard for all that came after it. The show ran for 15 seasons and was known for its realistic portrayal of life in an emergency room. Wiki
    ER (Emergency Room) is an American medical drama television series that aired from 1994 to 2009. Set in the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago, the show follows the intense and chaotic lives of the doctors and nurses working in the hospital's emergency room.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Original network: NBC
    • Original release: September 19, 1994 – April 2, 2009
    • Number of seasons: 15
    • Number of episodes: 331
  3. 3
    26
    votes
    This critically acclaimed series starred Hugh Laurie as the brilliant but troubled Dr. Gregory House. The show was known for its complex medical cases and dark humor. Wiki
    House is a high-energy and complex Hip Hop dance style that originated in the early 1980s in the clubs of Chicago. It fuses elements of various dance styles, including disco, Latin, and African dance. House is characterized by its fast footwork, fluid movements, and energetic yet controlled style.
    • Tempo: BPM ranges from 120-130
    • Footwork: Fast and intricate steps, often emphasizing syncopated rhythms
    • Groove: Lively and rhythmic movements that flow with the beat
    • Freeze: Incorporation of freezes - moments of stillness or abrupt halts that contrast with the continuous flow
    • Loose Upper Body: Relaxed and expressive upper body movements, including arm swings and fluid gestures
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    This comedy-drama followed the lives of medical interns at a fictional hospital. The show was known for its quirky sense of humor and heartfelt moments. Wiki
    Scrubs is a popular American medical comedy-drama television series that aired from 2001 to 2010. It follows the lives of a group of medical interns, residents, and attending physicians at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital. The show combines humor and poignant moments to portray the daily challenges faced by the characters in their professional and personal lives.
    • Genre: Medical comedy-drama
    • Original network: NBC (2001–2008), ABC (2009–2010)
    • Total seasons: 9
    • Total episodes: 182
    • Running time: 22–24 minutes
  5. 5
    22
    votes

    The Good Doctor

    David Shore
    This drama series follows a young surgeon with autism as he navigates his personal and professional life. The show has been praised for its representation of autism and its emotional storytelling. Wiki
    The Good Doctor is a popular medical drama television series that follows the life of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. The show explores his journey as he joins the surgical unit of a prestigious hospital and navigates the challenges of his unique perspective in a profession that values conformity. The series also delves into the personal and professional relationships of the characters, showcasing both triumphs and struggles.
    • Genre: Medical Drama
    • Premiere Year: 2017
    • Network: ABC
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Main Cast: Freddie Highmore, Antonia Thomas, Hill Harper
    The Good Doctor in other rankings
  6. 6
    15
    votes

    Private Practice

    Shonda Rhimes
    This spin-off of Grey's Anatomy followed Dr. Addison Montgomery as she moved to Los Angeles to start a new practice. The show was known for its strong female characters and complex relationships. Wiki
    Private Practice is a popular medical drama television series that aired from 2007 to 2013. It is a spin-off of the long-running show Grey's Anatomy, and follows the life of Dr. Addison Montgomery as she leaves Seattle Grace Hospital and moves to Los Angeles to join a private practice.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Country of origin: United States
    • Original network: ABC
    • Original release: September 26, 2007 – January 22, 2013
    • Number of seasons: 6
    Private Practice in other rankings
  7. 7
    15
    votes

    Chicago Med

    Dick Wolf
    This medical drama is set in a fictional hospital in Chicago and follows the lives of the staff who work there. The show has been praised for its diverse cast and realistic portrayal of medical procedures. Wiki
    Chicago Med is a popular medical drama television series that follows the lives of doctors and nurses working in the emergency department at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The show explores the daily challenges faced by the medical professionals as they tend to a diverse range of cases and navigate their own personal and professional relationships.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Original Network: NBC
    • Original Release: November 17, 2015
    Chicago Med in other rankings
  8. 8
    14
    votes

    St. Elsewhere

    Joshua Brand and John Falsey
    This classic medical drama was one of the first to focus on the personal lives of doctors and nurses. The show ran for six seasons and was known for its gritty realism. Wiki
    St. Elsewhere is a medical drama television series that aired from 1982 to 1988. Set in a fictional Boston teaching hospital, the show follows the lives and struggles of the doctors, nurses, and staff working at St. Eligius Hospital. It is known for its gritty portrayal of the healthcare system and its unique storytelling approach.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Original network: NBC
    • Original release: October 26, 1982 – May 25, 1988
    • Number of seasons: 6
    • Number of episodes: 137
  9. 9
    15
    votes
    This iconic series followed the lives of doctors and nurses in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. The show was known for its mix of comedy and drama, as well as its commentary on war and politics. Wiki
    M*A*S*H is a popular doctor show that aired from 1972 to 1983. It follows the story of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. The show combines elements of comedy and drama as it explores the everyday lives of the medical staff stationed at the camp, dealing with the realities of war and providing medical care to the injured soldiers.
    • Genre: Comedy, Drama, War
    • Original Network: CBS
    • Original Run: September 17, 1972 – February 28, 1983
    • Total Seasons: 11
    • Total Episodes: 251
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    This drama series followed two plastic surgeons as they navigated their personal and professional lives in Miami. The show was known for its controversial storylines and graphic content. Wiki
    Nip/Tuck is a popular doctor show that follows the professional and personal lives of two plastic surgeons as they navigate the world of cosmetic surgery and the ethical dilemmas it presents. The show explores the highs and lows of their careers, while delving into themes of beauty, identity, and the consequences of vanity.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Original Network: FX
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Number of Seasons: 6

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Ranking factors for popular doctor show

  1. Ratings
    The show's viewership ratings, particularly those reported by trusted sources such as Nielsen, can be an important indicator of popularity.
  2. Critical acclaim
    The reception of the show by television critics, as reflected in reviews and ratings on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, or Metacritic, can impact its perceived popularity.
  3. Awards
    Winning or being nominated for major awards, such as the Primetime Emmy Awards or Golden Globe Awards, can highlight the show's quality and impact on audiences.
  4. Longevity
    The number of seasons and episodes produced can be an indicator of a show's popularity and the continued interest of both audiences and networks in its storylines and characters.
  5. Cultural impact
    A show's influence over pop culture, its contribution to public discussion, and its ability to generate catchphrases, memes, or other easily recognizable symbols can all contribute to its popularity.
  6. Online engagement
    The level of engagement with the show on social media platforms, through fan pages, forums, or hashtag trending topics, can reflect its popularity and the passion of its fanbase.
  7. International success
    The show's reception and popularity in different countries and the degree of localization through subtitles or dubbing can be an important factor in its overall popularity.
  8. Spin-offs and adaptations
    The creation of spin-off series, movies, or adaptations in other media, such as books or comics, can be a sign of the show's popularity and its ability to inspire new creative endeavors.
  9. Cast and crew
    The show's popularity can also be influenced by the reputation, talent, and fan following of its cast members and key production crew, such as the showrunner, writers, and directors.
  10. Genre and theme
    The appeal and popularity of the show's genre (in this case, medical dramas) and the unique themes or storytelling techniques it employs can also contribute to its success.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular doctor show. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or doctor show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4064 views
  • 219 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each doctor show once every 24 hours. The rank of each doctor show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular doctor show

Doctor shows have been a staple in television for decades, captivating audiences with their dramatic storylines and compelling characters. From medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy and ER to sitcoms like Scrubs and The Mindy Project, viewers have been drawn to the world of medicine depicted on the small screen. But which doctor show reigns supreme as the most popular? StrawPoll has compiled data from thousands of polls and rankings to give you the answer. Read on to discover the top doctor shows that have captured the hearts of viewers around the world.

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