Get Ready for Your New Favorite Grumpy Doctor: 'Best Medicine' Arrives Soon!

Get your scrubs ready! FOX is serving up a fresh take on a beloved British classic with "Best Medicine," the U.S. remake of the hugely popular series "Doc Martin," and we've got the first look.

TL;DR

• FOX's "Best Medicine" is the highly anticipated U.S. remake of the long-running British hit "Doc Martin."
• Emmy nominee Josh Charles stars as Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon who moves to a charming East Coast fishing village.
• The series is set to premiere in January 2026 on FOX, with episodes available the next day on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.

"What the locals don’t know is that Martin’s terse demeanor masks a debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues that prevent him from experiencing true intimacy with anyone. But tenacity is the creed of everyone in this small village, and the people who live there may be exactly what the doctor ordered."

— Official 'Best Medicine' Logline

Meet Dr. Martin Best: Boston Surgeon, Small-Town GP, and Not a Fan of His Nickname

Alright, folks, buckle up! FOX is bringing us "Best Medicine," a brand-new comedy-drama that's poised to capture our hearts with its delightfully prickly protagonist. If you're a fan of the long-running British hit "Doc Martin," this name probably sounds a little familiar. That's because "Best Medicine" is the highly anticipated U.S. remake, and it's got some big shoes to fill!

Stepping into the titular role is none other than Emmy nominee Josh Charles, known for his work in "The Good Wife." He's playing Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant surgeon who, in a classic fish-out-of-water tale, abruptly ditches his illustrious career in Boston. His destination? A quaint East Coast fishing village where he used to spend his childhood summers with his Aunt Sarah.

But here's the kicker, and where the "Doc Martin" vibes really come in: Dr. Best isn't exactly a people person. The trailer gives us a hilarious glimpse into his new life, where the friendly (or perhaps just overly familiar) townspeople immediately start calling him "Doc Martin." His swift, slightly annoyed correction, "Dr. Best, actually," sets the tone perfectly. His bedside manner? Let's just say "blunt and borderline rude" is the official description. He's there "to work," not to "care about silly little festivals or gossip like everyone else in this town." Oh, we are so here for it!

From Cornwall Charm to East Coast Quirk: The Enduring Allure of the Grumpy Doctor

So, why are we so excited about another grumpy doctor? Well, the original "Doc Martin," which aired on ITV from 2004 to 2022 and starred the fantastic Martin Clunes, proved that a brilliant but socially awkward GP is a recipe for television gold. That show was a massive hit in the UK, often pulling in 9 million viewers per episode, and its global reach was nothing short of staggering. It was screened in dozens of countries and even inspired remakes from Spain ("Doctor Mateo") to Russia.

Fans, affectionately known as "Clunatics," would flock to Port Isaac in Cornwall, the real-life filming location, just to soak up the atmosphere. They loved the irascible doctor because, as one fan put it, "He’s so honest! So direct!" He’s the kind of guy who says what everyone else is thinking but is too polite to voice. This universal appeal of a highly skilled professional who utterly lacks social graces is what "Best Medicine" aims to tap into, bringing that unique charm to an American setting.

It's clear that Dr. Best has more going on than just a bad attitude. The logline hints at a "debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues" that keep him from true intimacy. So, while we'll get plenty of laughs from his social ineptitude, there's also a deeper character arc about him learning to open up and connect with the very community he initially tries to push away. And given the "tenacity" of the small village, they might just be exactly what the doctor ordered, whether he likes it or not!

Who's Who in the East Coast Fishing Village: A Look at the Supporting Cast

A grumpy doctor needs a colorful cast of characters to bounce off, and "Best Medicine" delivers. Here's a quick rundown of the eclectic townspeople you'll meet:

• Abigail Spencer ("Suits," "Timeless") plays Louisa Gavin, the charming schoolteacher who looks set to be Dr. Best's love interest (and probably his biggest challenge!).
• Annie Potts ("Young Sheldon," "Designing Women") takes on the role of Aunt Sarah, the relative with whom Dr. Best spent his childhood summers.
• Josh Segarra ("Abbott Elementary," "The Other Two") is the lovable Sheriff Mark Mylow, who also seems keen on getting Dr. Best to embrace small-town life.
• Cree ("Game Shakers," "Twinless") portrays Elaine Denton, Dr. Best's endearing but perhaps not-so-adept assistant.

And for a truly exciting nod to the original series, none other than Martin Clunes, the original "Doc Martin" himself, will make a special guest appearance! He's set to play Dr. Robert Best, Martin Best's father. We can only imagine the delightful father-son dynamic and awkward interactions this will bring!

Behind the Scenes of Best Medicine: The Creative Minds Bringing the Remake to Life

Bringing a beloved international format to a new audience requires a skilled team, and "Best Medicine" has an impressive roster of executive producers. This crew includes:

• Ben Silverman ("The Office," U.S. remake)
• Rodney Ferrell ("Stick")
• Howard T. Owens ("Stick")
• Liz Tuccillo ("Sex and the City")
• Mark Crowdy ("Doc Martin" original)
• Philippa Braithwaite ("Doc Martin" original)

With producers who have experience on both the original "Doc Martin" and successful U.S. remakes like "The Office," it seems "Best Medicine" is in capable hands to deliver a fresh yet faithful adaptation. The original "Doc Martin" was brought to the U.S. by Propagate Content and All3Media International, paving the way for this new FOX series.

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Catch Your Dose of 'Best Medicine'

So, when can you finally tune in and meet Dr. Martin Best? "Best Medicine" is slated to premiere in January 2026 on the FOX linear channel. And for those who prefer to stream, you're in luck! Thanks to a multi-year deal, new episodes will be available to watch the very next day on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.

The anticipation is already building for this "charmingly complicated one-hour comedy-drama." It promises to deliver plenty of laughs, heart, and perhaps even a few medical mysteries, all wrapped up in the unique personality of Dr. Martin Best. We're certainly looking forward to seeing how this East Coast fishing village manages to soften the surgeon's tough exterior.

Why We're All Eager for 'Best Medicine': The Universal Appeal of Community and Connection

At its core, "Best Medicine" (just like its British predecessor) touches on something universal: the human need for connection, even for those who push it away. Dr. Best might claim he doesn't care for "silly little festivals or gossip," but the persistent, quirky locals are bound to drag him into their lives. This push-and-pull, combined with the underlying vulnerabilities of Dr. Best, creates a compelling narrative that blends humor with genuine emotional depth.

Whether you're a longtime "Clunatic" or simply looking for your next favorite feel-good (but still a little bit grumpy) show, "Best Medicine" looks like it's going to be a must-watch. Get ready to fall in love with a doctor who truly needs to find his own cure – and hopefully, the eccentric residents of his new home will be just what the doctor ordered.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to 'Best Medicine' When does 'Best Medicine' premiere? 'Best Medicine' is scheduled to premiere in January 2026. Where can I watch 'Best Medicine'? You can watch 'Best Medicine' on the FOX linear channel. New episodes will also be available the day after their broadcast premiere on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+. What is 'Best Medicine' about? The series follows Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon from Boston who becomes the general practitioner in a small East Coast fishing village. He struggles with his blunt bedside manner and deep-seated personal issues, while the quirky locals try to integrate him into their community. Is 'Best Medicine' a remake? Yes, 'Best Medicine' is the official U.S. remake of the highly successful British comedy-drama series 'Doc Martin.' Sources

• Deadline (Denise Petski)
• Radio Times (Amy Raphael)
• What's On Disney Plus (Roger Palmer)
• TVLine (Kimberly Roots)
• Bleeding Cool (Adi Tantimedh)