The prognosis looks great for Fox’s medical comedy-drama, Best Medicine. The series, a remake of the long-running British hit Doc Martin, is reportedly on the verge of a second-season renewal after a strong initial run, according to sources familiar with the network’s plans. The show premiered on January 4, 2026, and quickly captured an audience, particularly following its debut immediately after an NFL doubleheader.
The premiere episode drew 3.69 million viewers, a solid start for a midseason drama. When factoring in viewership across all platforms – including streaming and on-demand – the total audience swelled to 10.8 million. Ratings have remained consistent since then, signaling a potential success story for the network. This initial performance is particularly encouraging for Fox, as the network fully owns the series through Fox Entertainment Studios.
A Familiar Formula, A Fresh Setting
Best Medicine follows Dr. Martin Best, portrayed by Josh Charles, a brilliant but socially awkward heart surgeon who leaves a prestigious position in Boston to practice medicine in Port Wenn, Maine. The compact fishing village holds childhood memories for Dr. Best, but integrating into the close-knit community proves challenging. The show, developed by Liz Tuccillo, explores Dr. Best’s struggles with a severe blood phobia – stemming from a childhood trauma – and his attempts to connect with the quirky residents of Port Wenn.
The series draws heavily from the premise of Doc Martin, which ran for ten seasons on ITV from 2004 to 2022. The original series, starring Martin Clunes as the titular Dr. Martin Ellingham, gained a devoted following for its unique blend of medical drama, quirky humor, and compelling character development. Best Medicine aims to replicate that success for a U.S. Audience.
Clunes to Guest Star, Bridging the Atlantic Connection
Adding another layer of intrigue, Martin Clunes, the star of the original Doc Martin, is set to guest star in Best Medicine later this season. Clunes will portray Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s father, described as an accomplished and assertive gastroenterologist. His arrival in Port Wenn is expected to stir up conflict and potentially reveal hidden secrets about the Best family. The casting move is a clear nod to the show’s origins and a potential draw for fans of the original series.
The dynamic between father and son is expected to be a central theme, with Dr. Robert Best’s abrasive personality contrasting sharply with his son’s already unconventional bedside manner. The storyline also hints at a strained relationship with Martin’s aunt, Sarah, played by Annie Potts, adding another layer of family complexity.
Production Details and Key Players
Best Medicine is a production of All3Media International, Propagate Content, and Tuccillo, Inc., in association with Fox Entertainment Studios. Jamie Babbit, Tyson Bidner, Jaime Eliezer Karas, Mark Crowdy, Philippa Braithwaite, Rodney Ferrell, Howard T. Owens, Ben Silverman, and Liz Tuccillo serve as executive producers. The series also stars Abigail Spencer and Josh Segarra alongside Charles and Potts. Wesley Cardino, John G. Inwood, and Matthew J Santo are credited with the cinematography, while Sheri Bylander, Vanessa Procopio, and Karen K.H. Sim handle the editing.
What’s Next for ‘Best Medicine’?
While Fox has not officially announced a second-season renewal, the positive ratings and the network’s ownership of the series strongly suggest a favorable outcome. The show’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Doc Martin format and the strength of the cast and creative team. Fans can expect to spot more of Dr. Martin Best and the residents of Port Wenn if the renewal is confirmed, with the storyline likely to delve deeper into his personal struggles and professional challenges. Further updates regarding the show’s future will be released by Fox as they become available.
The next episode of Best Medicine airs [Date and Time to be confirmed by Fox]. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and all your sports and entertainment news.
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