Josh Charles Takes Over the Doctor's Office: Everything to Know About FOX's Best Medicine Remake

Get ready for a dose of grumpy charm! FOX is bringing the beloved British hit Doc Martin stateside with Best Medicine, starring Josh Charles, set to premiere in January 2026.

TL;DR

• Josh Charles leads Best Medicine, FOX's US remake of the popular UK series Doc Martin, premiering January 2026.
• The show follows a brilliant but blunt surgeon who leaves Boston for a small East Coast fishing village, harboring a debilitating secret phobia.
• Original Doc Martin star Martin Clunes will make a special guest appearance as Dr. Best's father, Dr. Robert Best.

Imagine this: you've just moved to a quaint, tight-knit fishing village, and everyone greets you with a friendly, "Doc Martin!" Only, your name isn't Martin. Or, well, it is, but your surname is Best. And you're really not the friendly type. This awkward (and quite funny) exchange is exactly how FOX is kicking off its new comedy-drama, Best Medicine, a highly anticipated American remake of the long-running British hit, Doc Martin.

Set to debut in January 2026, Best Medicine promises to deliver the same blend of quirky small-town charm and a brilliantly curmudgeonly doctor that made the original a global phenomenon. Starring Emmy-nominee Josh Charles (you'll remember him from The Good Wife) as Dr. Martin Best, the series aims to capture the heart and humor of its predecessor while giving it a fresh East Coast spin. It's a big undertaking, considering the legacy of the original, but early glimpses suggest a promising prescription for success.

Dr. Martin Best: A Brilliant Surgeon with a Blunt Bedside Manner

Dr. Martin Best isn't your average small-town practitioner. He's a brilliant surgeon who abruptly ditches an illustrious career in Boston. His destination? A charming East Coast fishing village he remembers fondly from childhood summers. The catch? His personality is, let's just say, abrasive. Martin's blunt, bordering-on-rude bedside manner quickly rubs the quirky locals the wrong way, and he finds himself alienating the very community he’s supposed to serve, even though he's their only doctor. Source: [Bleeding Cool, "Best Medicine Teaser Previews FOX's Remake of UK's "Doc Martin", November 4, 2025].

But there’s more to Dr. Best than just a bad attitude. The logline reveals a deeper struggle: his terse demeanor hides a debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues. These issues prevent him from experiencing true intimacy, setting up a compelling series-long character arc. We'll watch as Martin, whether he likes it or not, gets dragged into the personal chaos of the village, learning to open up, become a part of the community, and maybe, just maybe, become a nicer person.

Assembling a Charming and Quirky East Coast Ensemble

No small-town doctor drama is complete without a memorable supporting cast, and Best Medicine is packing some serious talent. Alongside Josh Charles, we have Abigail Spencer (Timeless) as Louisa Gavin, the charming schoolteacher who's destined to become Martin's love interest – even if they get off on the wrong foot initially. Annie Potts (Young Sheldon) steps in as Martin's strong, sturdy Aunt Joan, a lobster woman with a heart as big as the sea, despite her stern exterior. She's loyal but stubborn, and holds a few secrets, including why she lost touch with Martin years ago. Source: [Us Weekly, "Josh Charles Stars As Doc Martin In Fox's Best Medicine – Watch First Trailer", November 3, 2025].

The town's colorful residents also include Cree (Game Shakers) as Elaine Denton, Martin's endearing but inept assistant who dreams of YouTube stardom. Josh Segarra (The Other Two) plays the lovable Sheriff Mark Mylow, who knows every inch of his town and, still healing from a breakup with Louisa, forms a bit of a love triangle with the new doctor. The series also features Didi Conn as councilwoman Geneva Potter, Clea Lewis as pharmacist Sally Mylow, and the happily married proprietors of The Salty Breeze, Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey. Even a dog, Wattson, will join the cast as pup Copernicus!

But here's the real treat for fans of the original: Martin Clunes, the iconic British actor who played the titular Doc Martin for 18 years, will make a special guest appearance! He's set to portray Dr. Robert Best, Martin's father. Described as an accomplished gastroenterologist and a "headstrong man who makes his stoic son seem warm by comparison," Clunes’ character is sure to challenge his son and might even reveal secrets that could turn Martin's new life upside down. This cameo is definitely a nod to the original and a fantastic way to bridge the two series.

Quote Box: A Familiar Face Returns

"Can't wait to see the real Doc Martin aka Martin Clunes on the show!"

— A fan's comment on Fox's Instagram, reflecting excitement for Clunes's cameo in Best Medicine. Source: [Digital Spy, "Doc Martin star Martin Clunes to cameo in US remake", November 3, 2025]

The Enduring Global Charm of the Original 'Doc Martin' Series

To understand the buzz around Best Medicine, you need to know the phenomenon that was the original Doc Martin. The ITV series, which ran from 2004 to 2022, made Martin Clunes a household name in the UK and beyond. It consistently averaged 9 million viewers per episode in the UK and was screened in over a dozen countries, inspiring international remakes from Spain (Doctor Mateo) to Russia. Source: [Radio Times, "Revisiting Doc Martin's global adaptations – remakes from Spain to Russia", November 4, 2025]. Its global reach was truly staggering, with its popularity in the US growing from just 7% to an astonishing 97% over its run.

The show's success even led to a unique form of fan tourism. The real-life Cornish fishing village of Port Isaac, where Doc Martin was filmed, became a pilgrimage site for "Clunatics" – devoted fans who would travel in droves to watch filming, share tips on local eateries, and snap up memorabilia. These fans adored the doctor's unfiltered honesty and directness, finding a refreshing quality in a character who dared to say what everyone else only thought. For them, it wasn’t just a show; it was a connection.

For example, imagine a group of American tourists in Port Isaac, breathlessly poring over fridge magnets of Martin Clunes scowling in a grey suit, ignoring the more conventional postcards. Helen, a fan who traveled almost two hours to see filming, once told a reporter, "Doc Martin is so gentle and funny compared with some of the stuff you see on TV. And Martin Clunes is a wonderful man." This illustrates the deep, almost personal connection fans felt with the seemingly irascible doctor and the world he inhabited. It’s this profound affection that Best Medicine hopes to tap into with its new iteration.

Why FOX is Betting Big on This Comedic Medical Drama

FOX has been making strategic moves in its comedy lineup, and Best Medicine is a key part of that vision. According to Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, the network sees comedy beyond just half-hour live-action formats, embracing animation, game shows, and now, hour-long comedic dramas like this. Thorn enthusiastically described Best Medicine as a "perfect opportunity for us to expand the way that we talk to our audience through comedy." Source: [Us Weekly, "Josh Charles Stars As Doc Martin In Fox's Best Medicine – Watch First Trailer", November 3, 2025].

What specifically drew FOX to this project? Thorn highlighted several key elements. He praised the original format's "old, funny, surprising, flawed, no filter character who happens to be a brilliant doctor," noting that such "messy characters" resonate well with their audience. Liz Tuccillo, who adapted the American version, is credited with doing a great job capturing this essence. Additionally, Thorn pointed to the original's "wonderful, quirky ensemble of supporting characters, a great romance, [and] an aspirational small town setting" as qualities that perfectly fit FOX's programming strategy. It's clear they believe this series will fill a unique niche on broadcast TV.

Navigating Expectations: The Challenge of a Beloved Remake

Creating a remake of such a globally adored series comes with its own set of challenges. One immediate question many fans might have is: why isn't it just called 'Doc Martin'? While the original articles don't give a definitive studio answer, one plausible reason is to avoid confusing the new American series with the British original, which enjoyed immense success for nearly two decades. The name Best Medicine (a playful pun on Dr. Best's name) allows it to stand on its own while still clearly nodding to its roots.

Another common concern with remakes is whether they can truly capture the magic of the original. While Doc Martin had a unique charm rooted in its Cornish setting and Martin Clunes's specific portrayal, Best Medicine will need to forge its own identity. The show faces the tradeoff of leveraging existing fan loyalty versus creating something entirely fresh. However, with the original executive producers Mark Crowdy and Philippa Braithwaite on board, and even Clunes himself making a cameo, it seems the production team is keenly aware of the original's legacy and is working to honor it while building something new. The shift to an East Coast fishing village also offers a chance for new regional flavors and eccentricities.

Where and When to Catch Your Dose of Dr. Best

Mark your calendars! Best Medicine is slated to premiere on FOX in January 2026. For those who prefer streaming, you're in luck: new episodes will be available the day after their linear airing on both Hulu and Hulu On Disney+. So, whether you're a longtime "Clunatic" or simply looking for a fresh new comedy-drama, you'll have multiple ways to tune in to Dr. Martin Best's journey in his new, quirky East Coast home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Medicine When does Best Medicine premiere? The series is set to premiere in January 2026 on FOX. Where can I stream Best Medicine? New episodes will be available to stream the day after their FOX broadcast on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+. Who stars in the lead role? Josh Charles plays Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon. Is Best Medicine a remake? Yes, it's a US remake of the highly popular British ITV series Doc Martin, which starred Martin Clunes. Practical Takeaways for Viewers

• Prepare for Quirky Charm: Expect a blend of humor and heart as a brilliant but grumpy doctor navigates a small, eccentric fishing village.
• Familiar Face Alert: Original Doc Martin star Martin Clunes is guest-starring, a must-see for long-time fans.
• Easy Access: Catch it on FOX in January 2026, or stream episodes the next day on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.
• A New Spin on a Classic: It's a remake, but with a fresh US East Coast setting and new cast dynamics, promising a unique viewing experience.

Sources

• Bleeding Cool, "Best Medicine Teaser Previews FOX's Remake of UK's "Doc Martin"", November 4, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)
• Deadline, "Josh Charles in ‘Best Medicine,’ Fox’s U.S. Remake of British Series ‘Doc Martin’", November 3, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)
• Digital Spy, "Doc Martin star Martin Clunes to cameo in US remake", November 3, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)
• Radio Times, "Revisiting Doc Martin's global adaptations – remakes from Spain to Russia", November 4, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)
• TVLine.com, "Josh Charles Stars As Doc Martin In Fox's Best Medicine – Watch First Trailer", November 3, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)
• Us Weekly, "Josh Charles Stars As Doc Martin In Fox's Best Medicine – Watch First Trailer", November 3, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)
• WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com, "Best Medicine Trailer Released For FOX’s “Doc Martin” Remake", November 3, 2025. URL: (Not provided in original text, placeholder)