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No one enjoys a trip to the doctor, but oddly enough, we can’t get enough of watching doctors in action on TV. Medical dramas have captivated audiences for decades, allowing us to experience the highs and lows of hospital life—minus the stress of real-life emergencies. Whether it’s doctors making life-or-death decisions, love triangles forming between the staff, or intricate hospital politics unfolding, these shows offer a fascinating blend of suspense, drama, and heartwarming moments.
In August 2024, Netflix brought us the Spanish medical drama Breathless (also known as Respira), which immediately caught the attention of viewers worldwide. Created by the same team behind the hit teen thriller Elite, this series is set in a public hospital in Valencia and explores the impact of a public figure’s admission to the hospital. Starring Blanca Suárez, Manu Rios, Najwa Nimri, and other talented actors, Breathless takes the medical drama genre to new heights with its blend of medical crises, romance, and political intrigue.
If you’ve binge-watched the first season of Breathless and are looking for more gripping medical dramas to add to your watchlist, here are three of the best medical series currently available on Netflix that are sure to keep you hooked!
1. Grey’s Anatomy Best Medical Drama Series on Netflix
A Long-Running Favourite
You’ve likely heard of Grey’s Anatomy, and for good reason. This iconic medical drama has been a mainstay of pop culture since it premiered in 2005. Over the years, it has redefined medical storytelling, offering a mix of high-stakes medical cases, romantic entanglements, and gut-wrenching emotional moments.
Why You Should Watch
If you enjoyed the intense hospital drama and romantic subplots in Breathless, Grey’s Anatomy will feel like a natural next step. The series follows Dr. Meredith Grey and her colleagues at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as they navigate the challenging world of surgery and personal drama. While the medical cases are often intense, the show is also known for its deep emotional resonance, unflinching portrayal of loss, and the enduring relationships between characters.
What Makes Grey’s Anatomy Special?
Few shows last for 20 seasons and counting, but Grey’s Anatomy manages to remain relevant by constantly evolving. Its rotating cast keeps the show fresh, while the core themes of love, loss, and healing stay the same. The romance, the twists, and the shocking character exits keep fans on the edge of their seats year after year. You’ll never run out of episodes to watch, with 20 seasons available on Netflix, and Season 21 set to release soon.
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2. The Resident Best Medical Drama Series on Netflix
A Bold Look at Healthcare
Like Breathless, The Resident dives into the murky waters of healthcare politics and ethics. This fan-favourite Fox series, which aired from 2018 to 2023, stars Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins, a rebellious resident doctor with a penchant for bending the rules to get results.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
If Breathless intrigued you with its portrayal of hospital dynamics and the interplay of personal and professional stakes, you’ll love the sharp storytelling of The Resident. This series shines a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes workings of a hospital, including the financial and bureaucratic struggles that affect patient care. It’s a fast-paced, thrilling show that challenges its characters to question the ethics of their decisions constantly.
The Cast and Characters
The Resident boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Emily VanCamp, Manish Dayal, and Bruce Greenwood, who each bring their own unique perspectives to the healthcare setting. Much like Breathless, there’s no shortage of drama—both in the ER and outside of it. Over six seasons, the series tackles everything from complex medical cases to deeply personal conflicts.
Why You Should Watch Now
After gaining a second wind on Netflix in 2024, The Resident found a new wave of fans. With over 100 episodes to dive into, it’s the perfect follow-up to Breathless, especially if you’re in the mood for a show that balances medical intrigue with powerful character arcs.
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3. New Amsterdam Best Medical Drama Series on Netflix
Revolutionising Patient Care
New Amsterdam might be the shortest series on this list, but it packs an emotional punch. Premiering in 2018 and concluding in 2023, the NBC medical drama takes a fresh approach to the genre. Dr. Max Goodwin, played by Ryan Eggold, is the new medical director at one of America’s oldest public hospitals, and he’s determined to reform the system from the inside.
Why It Stands Out
Much like Breathless, New Amsterdam is set in a public hospital, but instead of focusing solely on the day-to-day medical crises, it zeroes in on the systemic issues plaguing the healthcare system. Max’s mission to prioritise patient care over profits is inspiring, and the series tackles serious issues like healthcare inequality, bureaucracy, and compassion in a broken system.
The Emotional Core
At the heart of New Amsterdam are its characters, particularly Max, whose relentless optimism and desire to make a difference set him apart from other TV doctors. His personal struggles, including battling cancer, add a layer of vulnerability that makes him one of the most relatable lead characters in any medical drama.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
If you’re looking for a show with heartfelt moments, New Amsterdam is a perfect choice. It’s less about the fast-paced drama of Grey’s Anatomy and more about the slow, impactful changes that can be made in healthcare. With just five seasons, it’s a quick binge, but one that will leave a lasting impact.
How Breathless Fits In Best Medical Drama Series on Netflix
While all three of these shows offer something unique, Breathless holds its own with its focus on political intrigue, character-driven drama, and complex relationships within the hospital setting. If you loved the fast-paced, high-stakes storytelling of Breathless, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in these three other medical dramas. From the emotional depth of Grey’s Anatomy to the ethical dilemmas in The Resident and the heartfelt reform mission in New Amsterdam, there’s a lot more to explore on Netflix.
Conclusion For Best Medical Drama Series on Netflix
If you loved the tension, romance, and ethical challenges in Breathless, then Grey’s Anatomy, The Resident, and New Amsterdam are perfect follow-up series. Each one brings its unique take on the medical drama genre, offering plenty of heart-stopping medical moments, intricate personal relationships, and a behind-the-scenes look at the healthcare industry. Whether you’re in it for the romance, the drama, or the heartwarming stories, these series are sure to keep you entertained long after Breathless ends.
FAQs For Best Medical Drama Series on Netflix
1. What is Breathless about?
Breathless is a Spanish medical drama set in a public hospital in Valencia. It follows the lives of hospital staff as they navigate the arrival of a public figure seeking treatment, leading to various political and personal challenges.
2. Is Grey’s Anatomy still ongoing?
Yes, Grey’s Anatomy is still airing and is currently in its 21st season, which will be available on Netflix after its television broadcast in 2025.
3. Why did The Resident end?
The Resident ended after six seasons due to declining ratings and a natural conclusion to its storylines, though it found renewed popularity on Netflix.
4. Is New Amsterdam based on real events?
New Amsterdam is loosely based on the memoir “Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital” by Dr. Eric Manheimer, who worked as medical director at the hospital.
5. What other medical dramas are similar to Breathless?
If you’re looking for more medical dramas, consider The Good Doctor, House M.D., and Chicago Med, all of which feature intense medical cases and personal drama.
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