Fox’s ‘Best Medicine’ Explodes onto Screens: Record-Breaking Debut Masks a Brutal Fan Backlash Against This ‘Disgraceful’ Remake!
– In a stunning turn of events that’s rocking the TV world, Fox’s new medical dramedy ‘Best Medicine’ has shattered streaming records, pulling in a jaw-dropping 10.8 million viewers across platforms including Hulu – the network’s biggest debut in nearly three years. But behind the glitzy numbers lies a savage divide: while critics are cautiously applauding the show, audiences are unleashing fury, branding it a “disgrace” and “embarrassment” to the beloved British original ‘Doc Martin.’ Is this remake a prescription for success or a terminal case of creative malpractice?
In what could be the most polarizing TV launch of 2026, ‘Best Medicine’ premiered on January 4, sneakily slotted after an NFL doubleheader to hook sports fans before settling into its Tuesday 8 p.m. ET slot. Starring Baltimore native Josh Charles – known for his intense roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ – the series follows Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but abrasive Boston surgeon forced to flee his high-stakes career due to a debilitating fear of blood. He relocates to the quaint fishing village of Port Wenn, Maine, where he spent childhood summers, taking up the mantle of the local GP. There, he clashes with eccentric townsfolk, navigates small-town quirks, and sparks a slow-burn romance with schoolteacher Louisa Glasson, played by Abigail Spencer (‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Suits’).
Best Medicine’ Premiere Is Fox’s Most-Streamed Debut In 3 Years
The setup is a direct lift from the iconic British series ‘Doc Martin,’ which ran for 10 seasons from 2004 to 2022, starring Martin Clunes as the grumpy, hemophobic doctor in a Cornish village. Fox’s version Americanizes the formula, swapping rugged UK coastlines for upscale Hudson River vistas (filmed in Cornwall, N.Y.), and infusing more whimsy and cuddle-factor – think multiple vomit gags and predictable rom-com beats. Critics note it’s milder and more obvious than the original’s sharp, intense edge, resembling ‘Northern Exposure’ more than its source material. Yet, the ensemble shines: Annie Potts (‘Young Sheldon’) as the no-nonsense receptionist, Josh Segarra (‘Arrow’) as the dim-but-lovable sheriff, and even a planned guest spot from original star Martin Clunes himself.
But here’s where it gets shocking: despite the massive viewership – 3.69 million from the premiere alone, ballooning with streaming – the show is hemorrhaging goodwill from fans of the original. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics give it a respectable 73%, praising Charles’ deadpan humor and the easy binge-watch factor of its medical mysteries. “Josh Charles is a great choice… He’s looked like he has a bad bedside manner since ‘Dead Poets Society,’” quips one reviewer. Spencer and Charles’ chemistry is highlighted as a standout, with themes of vulnerability and community adding heart.
Audience scores? A brutal 38% – a 35% chasm that’s leaving industry insiders stunned. Viewers are torching it online: “Worse show ever! This so-called remake is a disgrace,” rants one IMDb user. “The dialogue is atrocious… It’s only worth hate-watching,” echoes a Reddit thread. Many decry the softened edges, calling it “thin” and “terrible for curling up under,” with weak writing and mismatched casting. One fan laments, “The real Doc Martin is autistic-coded and well-liked; this version just doesn’t hit.” Metacritic mirrors the mess: 60/100 from critics, a dismal 4.8/10 from users.
This backlash is especially vicious given ‘Doc Martin’s’ global cult following – remade in seven countries, it’s hailed as one of TV’s quirkiest gems. U.S. fans, who’ve binged the original on PBS and streaming services, feel betrayed by the “cuddly” overhaul. “It promises comfort but delivers inanity,” snipes Gold Derby. Yet, some defend it: “Huge Doc Martin fan here… It got better after a rocky start,” says an IMDb reviewer, predicting potential growth. Facebook groups buzz with mixed takes, one viewer noting Charles nails the irritation-to-heart switch.
Fox is betting big on longevity, eyeing multiple seasons like the original’s decade-long run. With episodes stretching to an hour – unusual for sitcoms – and ambitions in ensemble depth, it aims to build a viewer community. But can it survive the hate? Early episodes tease baseball games, local festivals, and deepening romances, but the real drama is off-screen: Will this “shoddy import” flop under fan fury, or will Charles’ star power prescribe a comeback?
Stream it or skip it? Critics say stream for Charles’ charm; audiences scream skip to save your sanity. Either way, ‘Best Medicine’ is proving laughter isn’t always the best cure – sometimes it’s a bitter pill. As one Pajiba critic puts it, “Quality show? Maybe – but it needs to up the dosage.” With Baltimore’s own Charles leading the charge, this Maine-set saga might just shock us all by enduring.