Best Medicine Trailer: Josh Charles Stars in Quirky FOX Doc Martin Adaptation
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The critically acclaimed and beloved global hit British series, Doc Martin, which concluded its 10-season run in 2022, is officially getting a highly anticipated American adaptation on FOX. Titled Best Medicine, this new series is set to join the 2025-2026 midseason lineup, delivering a character-driven comedic procedural that aims to capture the original’s signature blend of "humanity, originality, and humor". The show translates that established eccentricity into a small-town American setting, complete with "idyllic charm and absurdity". The confidence in the project is high, with Fox Television Network President Michael Thorn noting that the adaptation offers a "signature Fox character" and a story that is currently unique on broadcast television. The core of the series lies with Emmy Award-nominee Josh Charles, who stars as the titular, brilliant but painfully abrasive physician, Dr. Martin Best. Anticipation peaked with the release of the official Best Medicine Trailer by FOX on Monday, November 3, 2025, which provides a vivid glimpse into the chaotic world awaiting Dr. Best.
The Reluctant Physician: Dr. Martin Best’s New Beginning
Best Medicine centers on Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant surgeon who abruptly abandons his illustrious career in Boston. He relocates to a quaint East Coast fishing village—an aspirational small-town setting where he had previously spent summers with his Aunt Sarah, also known as Aunt Joan. His goal in taking on the role of the general practitioner seems to be a desperate effort to be "left the hell alone". Dr. Best possesses the ability to expertly diagnose and address any medical ailment or mystery presented in the idiosyncratic town. However, his major flaw is a "blunt and borderline rude bedside manner," which immediately alienates the "quirky, needy locals" who rely on him for care.
"Dr. Best, Actually": Clash with the Locals
The Best Medicine Trailer showcases the instant conflict arising from Martin’s inability to socialize. When the locals greet him as "Doc Martin," he quickly clarifies, "I prefer Dr. Best, actually," a running gag that Sheriff Mark Mylow adopts when welcoming him to town. Martin reveals his disdain for small-town life, stating, “I don’t care about silly little festivals or gossip like everyone else in this town. I’m here to work”. The trailer further illustrates the townspeople’s nature, describing them as “demanding” and “far too chatty at supermarkets”. Despite Martin’s attempts at isolation, the community proves tenacious, constantly dragging him into their “personal chaos, feuds and fantasies”.
What the townspeople do not realize is that Dr. Best’s terse demeanor and efforts to push people away conceal a deeper struggle. His anti-social behavior masks a "debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues that prevent him from experiencing true intimacy with anyone". The central irony of the show is that the small village, whose inhabitants he desperately tries to avoid, may ultimately be "exactly what the doctor ordered" for his own healing.
Unpacking the Best Medicine Trailer and Premiere Details
The release of the Best Medicine Trailer on November 3, 2025, provided a substantial look at the show’s tone, which "leans into the comedy of the series". The footage introduced the main cast and the picturesque East Coast fishing village setting. The trailer also confirmed that the series premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026. While other sources stated the exact premiere date was "yet to be announced," confirming only "some time in January 2026," the trailer transcription confirms the specific Tuesday date.
The show is slated to be part of the FOX network's 2025-2026 midseason lineup. FOX executives emphasized that the format, featuring a "funny, surprising, flawed, no filter character who happens to be a brilliant doctor," works well for their audience, and they consider Best Medicine a distinctive "one hour comedy on Fox". Josh Charles was specifically highlighted as the "perfect lead" to embody the American version of this signature character.
The Eccentric Ensemble: Cast and Characters of Port Wenn, USA
Integral to the adaptation’s success is the "wonderful, quirky ensemble of supporting characters" that surround Dr. Best. Abigail Spencer stars as Louisa Gavin, a charming local school teacher who immediately clashes with Martin. Although they get "off on the wrong foot," Louisa remains intrigued, setting the stage for a "great romance" element. Complicating this relationship is Josh Segarra as Sheriff Mark Mylow, a charming lawman still recovering from a recent breakup with Louisa, who is eager to get to know the new doctor, thus forming a bit of a love triangle.
Annie Potts plays Aunt Joan (Aunt Sarah), Dr. Best’s relative. She is described as a strong, sturdy lobster woman who is "salt of the earth" and loves her small Maine town and her cranky nephew. However, she is also stubborn and harbors secrets about why she and Martin lost touch years ago. Cree rounds out the core cast as Elaine Denton, Martin’s assistant, who is charming but inept at her job, preferring to focus on her plans to become a YouTube star. The wider community, featuring recurring roles such as councilwoman Geneva Potter (Didi Conn), pharmacist Sally Mylow (Clea Lewis), and the proprietors of The Salty Breeze (Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey), ensures a rich tapestry of small-town life in the series.
Abrasive Lineage: Martin Clunes’ Guest Role
In a significant connection to the source material, original Doc Martin star Martin Clunes is confirmed to be guest starring in the adaptation. Clunes will play Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s father, who is characterized as an accomplished, headstrong gastroenterologist. Dr. Robert Best possesses an abrasive demeanor that makes his son, Martin, look "practically cozy by comparison". Robert is estranged from his sister, Aunt Sarah (Annie Potts), and his surprise visit to the village puts everyone on edge. Dr. Robert Best is also hiding secrets that could turn Martin’s new life upside down and force him to confront his past.
Adapting a Global Hit: Why Best Medicine is a Signature Fit for FOX
The production of Best Medicine is helmed by executive producers including Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, Rodney Ferrell, and Liz Tuccillo, alongside Mark Crowdy and Philippa Braithwaite, who previously worked on the original Doc Martin. The show is a co-production, with Propagate Content being involved. Ben Silverman praised the adaptation, stating that Josh Charles is the "perfect lead" for this "brilliantly character-driven comedic procedural" and that Best Medicine creates a world "we’ll all want to be part of".
Liz Tuccillo, who is adapting the American version, was lauded by network executives for successfully capturing the essential components that made the original a global hit: the "messy characters" that work well for the FOX audience, the quirky ensemble, the romantic subplot, and the aspirational small-town setting. By maintaining this proven formula while injecting a unique American cast and a quaint East Coast fishing village setting, Best Medicine is positioned to be a highly distinctive addition to broadcast television today. The anticipation surrounding the Best Medicine Trailer highlights the high expectations for this bold adaptation.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Series Details: Best Medicine is the American adaptation of the global hit British series, Doc Martin, created by executive producers involved in the original show.
🗝️ Premiere Information: The Best Medicine Trailer confirmed the series premiere date is Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as part of FOX’s midseason lineup.
🗝️ The Lead: Josh Charles stars as Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant surgeon who moves to a quaint East Coast fishing village but struggles due to his "blunt and borderline rude bedside manner".
🗝️ Core Conflict: Dr. Best’s abrasive nature is a mask for a "debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues" that prevent intimacy, yet the tenacious locals may hold the key to his recovery.
🗝️ Key Cast: The ensemble includes Abigail Spencer as Louisa Gavin, Josh Segarra as Sheriff Mark Mylow (setting up a love triangle), and Annie Potts as Aunt Joan (Sarah).
🗝️ Legacy Connection: Martin Clunes, the original Doc Martin star, will guest star as Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s abrasive father.
🌐 External sources
Focus keywords: Josh Charles Stars in Quirky FOX Doc Martin Adaptation
Josh Charles Stars in Quirky FOX Doc Martin Adaptation
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