Everything We Know About the FOX Doc Martin Remake and Martin Clunes’ Guest Role
- 4 dic
- 6 Min. de lectura
The popular British comedy-drama Doc Martin, which ran successfully on ITV from 2004 to 2022, is making its way across the Atlantic in a highly anticipated US remake. Set to premiere on FOX in January 2026, the new series is titled Best Medicine, a playful pun on the main character's surname. The original series was a massive hit, making star Martin Clunes a household name in the UK over its ten-season, eighteen-year run. Now, American television favorite Josh Charles (known for The Good Wife and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) steps into the leading role of Dr. Martin Best, bringing the prickly, fish-out-of-water dynamic to the US East Coast.
This project has garnered significant attention, not just because of the challenging task of remaking a beloved international hit, but because the original Doc Martin, Martin Clunes himself, is confirmed to make a guest appearance. Best Medicine hopes to stick the landing as an unusual exception to the general skepticism often aimed at American remakes of British shows. The series is a medical comedy-drama that will explore the journey of a brilliant surgeon forced to confront his own deep-seated issues while navigating the quirky demands of small-town life.
![Josh Charles portrays Dr. Martin Best in the Fox medical series Best Medicine, wearing a blue suit and tie with a serious expression.[1]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/616c7c_7ead13bbf5b24fd8ba90ac21af488076~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_552,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/616c7c_7ead13bbf5b24fd8ba90ac21af488076~mv2.jpg)
The Premise and the Players
The setup for Best Medicine closely mirrors the original narrative, transplanting the action from Cornwall to an American locale. Josh Charles plays Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant surgeon who abruptly leaves his illustrious career in Boston. His new post is as the general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent summers during his childhood.
The core conflict of the series immediately establishes itself: Dr. Martin Best possesses an undeniably brilliant medical mind, but his blunt and borderline rude bedside manner instantly rubs the quirky and needy locals the wrong way. Even though Dr. Best is the only doctor the town has, he quickly alienates the community. Like the original Doc Martin, Dr. Best is initially disinterested in local events and gossip upon his arrival. However, the sources suggest that despite his hardened demeanor, he gradually comes to like his new home.
The show features a strong ensemble cast alongside Charles. Abigail Spencer (Suits, Grey’s Anatomy) plays the school teacher Louisa Gavin, who is flagged early on as the potential love interest for the difficult doctor. Annie Potts (Young Sheldon, Ghostbusters) stars as Joan, Martin's aunt, serving as one of the few familiar faces he encounters upon his major relocation. Rounding out the main cast are Cree (or Cree Cicchino) as Martin's assistant, Elaine Denton, and Josh Segarra as sheriff Mark Mylow. Supporting roles also feature Didi Conn and Clea Lewis.
The Character Arc of Dr. Martin Best
While the external comedy stems from the clash between the sophisticated, grumpy doctor and the close-knit community, the sources emphasize that the real drama lies within Dr. Best himself. What the quirky locals don’t know is that Martin's terse demeanor and emotional distance are not merely personality flaws; they mask a debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues that actively prevent him from experiencing true intimacy with anyone.
This crucial internal conflict sets up the series-long character arc for Dr. Best: he must learn to open up, become a fully integrated member of the community, and ultimately, become a nicer person. The trailer even indicates that the pilot episode will lean heavily into the running "Doc Martin" joke—a nickname the character Dr. Martin Best "hates so much". This development ensures that the character growth—or lack thereof, initially—will be central to the show’s longevity.
Why the New Name?
One intriguing detail noted by commentators is why FOX chose to call the show Best Medicine rather than simply retaining the successful title of Doc Martin. The most plausible explanation offered is that the US producers likely wished to avoid confusing American audiences with the British original, which was a massive hit that ran for nearly two decades. Thus, the title Best Medicine was chosen, utilizing the lead character's surname, Dr. Martin Best, to create a memorable, if slightly obvious, pun.
The Return of the Original Doc: Martin Clunes
The announcement that original Doc Martin star Martin Clunes would participate in the remake caused significant excitement among fans. Clunes will guest-star, playing the father of the American lead, Dr. Robert Best. Dr. Robert Best is confirmed to be a recurring role in the series.
The character of Robert Best is positioned as an accomplished gastroenterologist and a figure whose presence will undoubtedly complicate Martin’s life. According to a press release, Robert is described as a "headstrong man who makes his stoic son seem warm by comparison," indicating he holds a sardonic view of the world that rivals even his son’s characteristic grumpiness. Martin Clunes’ portrayal of Robert is expected to be exciting for fans who appreciated his wittiest putdowns in the original series.
More than just a guest role, the sources hint at a complex dynamic between father and son. Martin Clunes's character is expected to make his son miserable, suggesting a path toward some kind of eventual reconciliation. Crucially, the sources confirm that Robert Best is "hiding a few secrets of his own that could turn Martin's new life upside down," forcing the younger Dr. Best to confront his past. This sets the stage for high-stakes familial drama layered on top of the established small-town comedy.
Release Details and Fan Reception
Best Medicine is set to premiere on FOX in January 2026. In the US, episodes will stream afterward on Hulu. The UK rollout plan remains to be confirmed. The release of the first-look trailer generated immediate buzz, with many fans of the original series expressing their enthusiasm online. One fan noted, "Can’t wait to see the real Doc Martin aka Martin Clunes on the show!". Another fan expressed excitement for the US cast, stating, "We love the UK version and cannot wait to see this US remake. Looks really fun! Josh Charles and Annie Potts - really excited for this!".
Despite the excitement, the sources acknowledge that viewers, particularly British fans, maintain a "healthy degree of skepticism" whenever beloved UK shows are remade for an American audience. However, the strength of the cast and the involvement of Clunes has raised hopes that Best Medicine might be the rare exception that manages to successfully capture the original show's charm and spirit.
The challenge for Best Medicine is similar to the complex process of transferring a cherished family recipe to a new kitchen: the core ingredients (the abrasive doctor, the quirky town, the romance) are all present, but the execution must maintain the flavor and heart of the original while adding a unique, regional twist. With Josh Charles leading the cast and Martin Clunes providing a nod to the original heritage, the Doc Martin Remake is positioned as a highly anticipated entry in the 2026 television lineup.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Best Medicine is the US remake of the long-running ITV hit Doc Martin, set to premiere on FOX in January 2026.
🗝️ Josh Charles stars as Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but grumpy Boston surgeon who relocates to a quaint East Coast fishing village.
🗝️ Dr. Best’s abrasive manner stems from a debilitating new phobia and psychological issues that form the core of his journey toward personal growth.
🗝️ Original star Martin Clunes will guest-star as Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s equally sardonic father, who holds secrets that could disrupt Martin’s new life.
🗝️ The ensemble cast includes Abigail Spencer (as love interest Louisa Gavin) and Annie Potts (as Aunt Joan).
🗝️ While some skepticism exists regarding American remakes, fan reaction to the casting and Clunes' involvement has been largely enthusiastic. The US streaming partner for the series will be Hulu.
🌐 External sources
Keywords: Doc Martin Remake
Doc Martin Remake
