From Portwenn to Portside: Martin Clunes Joins Fox's 'Best Medicine'

Get ready for a familiar face in a brand-new role! The original Doc Martin, Martin Clunes, is set to guest star in Fox’s upcoming dramedy "Best Medicine," playing none other than the lead's father.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on the Big News

• Martin Clunes, the beloved star of the British series Doc Martin, is joining the cast of Fox’s U.S. remake, Best Medicine.
• Clunes will play Dr. Robert Best, the "accomplished, headstrong gastroenterologist" father of the show's lead, Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles).
• Best Medicine is a "charmingly complicated" dramedy about a brilliant but blunt surgeon who leaves Boston for a quaint East Coast fishing village, premiering midseason on Fox.

The Original 'Doc Martin' Star Joins the American Remake

For fans of British television, the name Martin Clunes is synonymous with a certain grumpy, brilliant doctor in a charming seaside town. For 10 glorious seasons spanning nearly two decades, Clunes captivated audiences as Dr. Martin Ellingham in ITV’s hit series Doc Martin, a show known for its picturesque Cornish setting and its titular character's hilariously poor bedside manner.

Now, in exciting news that bridges two beloved medical dramedy universes, Clunes is set to make a special guest appearance in Fox’s American adaptation, appropriately titled Best Medicine. And no, he’s not reprising his exact role – but he’s playing a character that promises to deliver some seriously intriguing family dynamics.

It's always a treat when an original star gives their nod of approval to a remake, and Clunes' involvement feels like a heartfelt passing of the torch. His presence alone is likely to draw in dedicated Doc Martin aficionados, eager to see how the spirit of their favorite curmudgeonly physician translates to a new coastal setting and a fresh cast.

Meet Dr. Martin Best and the Quaint New England Village

So, what exactly is Best Medicine all about? The Fox series centers on Dr. Martin Best, played by the talented Josh Charles, whom you might recognize from his compelling work in shows like The Good Wife. Martin Best is a brilliant surgeon, whose illustrious career in Boston comes to an abrupt halt. He makes a drastic change, ditching the big city to become the general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village – a place he remembers fondly from childhood summers.

However, much like his British predecessor, this American Martin Best has a "blunt and borderline rude bedside manner" that quickly alienates the quirky locals. He’s the only doctor they've got, but he’s certainly not winning any popularity contests. What the townsfolk don’t realize is that Martin’s terse demeanor isn't just a personality quirk. It masks a "debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues" that make true intimacy incredibly difficult for him.

The series is described as a "charmingly complicated one-hour comedy," suggesting a blend of humor, heart, and the kind of character-driven drama that makes small-town stories so compelling. The contrast between Dr. Best’s big-city surgical expertise and the everyday ailments (and eccentricities) of a tight-knit village forms the core of the show’s premise, promising both medical mysteries and plenty of personal chaos.

Like Father, Like Son: Martin Clunes' New Role as Dr. Robert Best

This is where Martin Clunes comes in! He's not playing the lead, but a pivotal guest role as Dr. Robert Best, the father of Josh Charles' character. And if you thought the younger Dr. Best was abrasive, just wait. Robert is described as "an accomplished, headstrong gastroenterologist whose abrasive demeanor makes Martin look practically cozy by comparison." Yikes! It seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree when it comes to bedside charm (or lack thereof).

Dr. Robert Best also has a complicated history, particularly with his sister, Sarah, who is played by the wonderful Annie Potts (known for her roles in Young Sheldon and classic films). Robert and Sarah are estranged, so his "abrupt arrival in town is a giant surprise," putting everyone on edge, especially Martin and his aunt. The dynamic between this trio, with a history of family secrets and unspoken tensions, is sure to add layers of conflict and emotional depth to the series.

Beneath Robert’s "snobby, stone-cold exterior," he's "hiding a few secrets of his own that could turn Martin’s new life upside down and force him to confront his past." This suggests a compelling storyline where Martin isn't just dealing with his own issues, but also confronting the unresolved baggage of his family, particularly with a father who seems to mirror his own less desirable traits. It's a fantastic setup for drama and character growth, offering Clunes a meaty role to sink his teeth into.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast Bringing the Village to Life

Beyond the core father-son dynamic and the compelling presence of Annie Potts, Best Medicine is assembling a robust and talented ensemble to populate this East Coast fishing village. Viewers can look forward to seeing several other familiar faces rounding out the cast, each promising to add their unique flair to the "quirky, needy locals."

The cast list includes:

• Josh Segarra (from The Other Two) as Sheriff Mark Mylow, who is sure to bring his signature charm and comedic timing.
• Abigail Spencer (known for Timeless) as Louisa Glasson, a school teacher who might just be the calming presence Martin needs.
• Additionally, the ensemble features Cree, Didi Conn, Clea Lewis, Stephen Spinella, Jason Veasey, John DiMaggio, Carter Shimp, and Cindy De La Cruz. This diverse group of actors promises to create a vibrant and memorable community, ensuring that Dr. Martin Best has no shortage of interesting (and exasperating) patients and neighbors.

The strength of a show like Doc Martin always lay not just in its lead, but in the colorful characters who made up Portwenn. It seems Best Medicine is following suit, assembling a cast designed to deliver both humor and heartfelt moments as Dr. Best tries (and often fails) to integrate into his new life.

Behind the Scenes and When to Expect 'Best Medicine'

The journey of Best Medicine from a beloved British concept to a fresh American series is backed by some serious talent. The show is produced by Fox Entertainment Studios, with a team of experienced executive producers guiding the ship. This includes industry veterans like Ben Silverman (known for the U.S. version of The Office), Rodney Ferrell, and Howard T. Owens (who have worked on projects like Stick). They are joined by Liz Tuccillo (of Sex and the City fame), and crucially, Mark Crowdy and Philippa Braithwaite, both of whom were executive producers on the original Doc Martin, ensuring a respectful and authentic adaptation.

The series is slated to debut on Fox during "midseason," which means we’re looking at a premiere sometime in 2026. While an exact date isn't locked in yet, the anticipation is definitely building. Fox Entertainment Global will be handling worldwide distribution, so there's a good chance audiences beyond the U.S. will also get to experience this new take on the beloved medical dramedy.

And for those curious about Martin Clunes’ impressive career beyond his iconic "Doc Martin" role, it's extensive. He earned a BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance for his role as Gary in BBC’s Men Behaving Badly, and a Screen Actors Guild of America award for his portrayal of Richard Burbage in the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love. His resume also includes appearances in Doctor Who, Manhunt, No Place Like Home, Jeeves and Wooster, and he is slated to appear in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming feature film Wuthering Heights. His talent and versatility make his guest role in Best Medicine all the more exciting.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About 'Best Medicine' Answered When will 'Best Medicine' premiere on Fox? 'Best Medicine' is set to premiere during Fox's midseason, likely in 2026. An exact release date has not yet been announced. Where can I watch 'Best Medicine'? The series will air on Fox in the U.S. Details about streaming platforms will likely be announced closer to the premiere date. What genre is 'Best Medicine'? 'Best Medicine' is described as a "charmingly complicated one-hour comedy" or a dramedy, blending elements of comedy and drama. What is Martin Clunes' connection to the original 'Doc Martin'? Martin Clunes starred as the titular character, Dr. Martin Ellingham, for all 10 seasons of the highly popular British series 'Doc Martin', which 'Best Medicine' is based on. Sources:

• TVLine: Doc Martin Star Martin Clunes to Play Josh Charles’ [Spoiler] on Fox Adaptation Best Medicine
• Deadline: ‘Doc Martin’s Martin Clunes Joins Fox’s U.S. Remake ‘Best Medicine’
• The Hollywood Reporter: Fox’s ‘Best Medicine’ Adds ‘Doc Martin’ Star in Guest Role
• Variety: ‘Doc Martin’s’ Martin Clunes to Guest Star on Fox Remake ‘Best Medicine’
• TV Fanatic: Like Father, Like Son: Doc Martin’s Martin Clunes Heads to FOX’s Best Medicine!