The Doctor Is In: Martin Clunes Joins Fox’s Best Medicine, The Highly Anticipated Doc Martin Remake
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Fox is set to launch a highly anticipated new medical comedy-drama titled Best Medicine, an adaptation of the immensely popular British series Doc Martin. After running for 10 seasons across 18 years for British broadcaster ITV, the original Doc Martin established itself as a global hit centered on the life of a brilliant, but socially inept, doctor. Fox is keen to capture the format’s success, viewing Best Medicine as an opportunity to expand its audience through comedy, particularly a one-hour comedy format which the network hasn't pursued in almost a decade. The adaptation is generating immense buzz, not just for bringing the "flawed, no filter character" and the "aspirational small town setting" to US television, but for securing the participation of the original star, Martin Clunes, who played the title character in the UK version.
The Enduring Charm of the Abrasive Physician
The core concept that made Doc Martin a masterpiece—and what makes Best Medicine so compelling—is the contrast between clinical brilliance and social awkwardness. The American adaptation follows Dr. Martin Best (played by Josh Charles), a brilliant surgeon who abruptly abandons his illustrious career in Boston. Seeking a change of pace, he becomes the general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent summers as a child.
The Original Phenomenon
The original Doc Martin aired from 2004 to 2022 and was created by Dominic Minghella. The series successfully navigated the fine line of showcasing a character who is "gruff, anti-social, and stern" yet still somehow manages to be "respected and beloved by your community". Fox executives loved the original format for its mixture of "humor, charm, optimism, and edge". Dr. Martin Best carries this legacy forward; unfortunately for him and the locals, his bedside manner is described as blunt and borderline rude, quickly alienating the quirky, needy residents, even though he is "all they’ve got".
Best Medicine: A Signature Fox One-Hour Comedy
The decision by Fox to invest in Best Medicine reflects a deliberate strategy to broaden their definition of comedy beyond the traditional half-hour live-action format. Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, expressed enthusiasm for the adaptation, noting that the combination of the messy lead character and the wonderful, quirky ensemble of supporting characters works perfectly for the network’s audience. Liz Tuccillo, who is adapting the American version, has been praised for capturing the elements that made the British original a proven global hit. The series is currently filming in upstate New York and is slated to premiere during the 2025–26 TV season.
The Martin Clunes Twist: Father Knows Worst
The most exciting development for fans of the original series is the casting of Martin Clunes, the former titular star, in a new, pivotal role. Clunes, who portrayed Doc Martin for nearly two decades, is joining the US remake as Dr. Robert Best, the father of the American lead, Martin Best. This casting choice adds a layer of intergenerational conflict that promises deep dramatic and comedic potential.
Martin Clunes’ Return: A Twist of Fate
Clunes’ character, Dr. Robert Best, is an accomplished, headstrong gastroenterologist. Crucially, his personality is described as being so abrasive that he makes his already prickly son, Martin, look "practically cozy by comparison". Robert Best is estranged from his sister, Aunt Joan (Sarah), who is played by Annie Potts. His surprise arrival in the East Coast fishing village puts everyone on edge, and underneath his snobby, stone-cold exterior, he is "hiding a few secrets of his own that could turn Martin’s new life upside down and force him to confront his past". The age difference between Clunes (the father) and Josh Charles (the son) is only nine years in real life, making the dynamic intriguing.
A Gallery of Quirky Locals: The Ensemble Cast
Just as the original relied on the colorful residents of Portwenn, Best Medicine is building a strong ensemble to challenge and complicate Dr. Best’s life. These supporting players provide the necessary warmth and humor to balance Martin’s cynical demeanor.
The cast includes Abigail Spencer as Louisa Glasson, a local school teacher who immediately clashes with Martin but is simultaneously intrigued by him. This mirrors the central romantic tension of the original series. Adding complication to this budding relationship is Josh Segarra as Sheriff Mark Mylow, a charming lawman still recovering from a recent breakup with Louisa, thus forming a bit of a love triangle.
Another key local is Aunt Joan (Annie Potts), characterized as a strong, sturdy lobster woman who is "salt of the earth". Despite her stern exterior, she has a large heart and loves her cranky nephew. She is loyal yet stubborn and, notably, holds a few secrets regarding why she and Martin lost touch many years ago, adding depth to the familial dynamic. Furthermore, Cree plays Elaine Denton, who works at the practice but is charmingly inept and more focused on becoming a YouTube star. The large cast also includes Didi Conn (Councilwoman Geneva Potter), Clea Lewis (Pharmacist Sally Mylow), and the proprietors of The Salty Breeze, among others.
The Future of the Medical Comedy-Drama
Best Medicine is set to deliver a unique blend of high-stakes medical drama and small-town character comedy that, according to Fox, is unlike anything currently on broadcast TV. The involvement of original Doc Martin executive producers Mark Crowdy and Philippa Braithwaite alongside Liz Tuccillo further solidifies the show’s connection to the British success, offering reassurance to long-time fans. While some fans of the original are approaching the remake with "cautionary reserve," expressing hope that it avoids gimmicks like a laugh track, the overwhelming sentiment is excitement, particularly concerning Clunes’ surprise return. The anticipation for the 2025–26 premiere suggests that the diagnosis for Fox’s new prescription is overwhelmingly positive.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Best Medicine is the US adaptation of the beloved UK series Doc Martin, a medical comedy-drama that ran for 10 seasons.
🗝️ The series centers on Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles), a brilliant former Boston surgeon whose abrasive bedside manner creates conflict in the quaint East Coast fishing village where he becomes the general practitioner.
🗝️ Original Doc Martin star Martin Clunes joins the cast as Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s father. Robert is a headstrong gastroenterologist with an even more abrasive demeanor than his son and is hiding crucial secrets.
🗝️ The ensemble cast, which includes Abigail Spencer (Louisa Glasson), Josh Segarra (Sheriff Mark Mylow), and Annie Potts (Aunt Joan), provides the "quirky" small-town setting and romantic tension essential to the format.
🗝️ Best Medicine is a key strategic launch for Fox, marking its return to the one-hour comedy-drama format.
🌐 External sources
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