Recommended International Medical Dramas! How about a popcorn time under the covers?

The appeal of medical dramas lies in cheering, crying, and laughing along with the doctors and patients who work hard for a better life and the dramatic stories that unfold within hospitals.

The gripping stories and touching narratives leave a deep impression on many viewers, both domestically and internationally.

Following the medical dramas aired in Korea, let's explore some popular international medical dramas with Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic.

1. House M.D.

‘House M.D.’, which began with Season 1 in 2004 and concluded with Season 8 in 2012, is an American medical drama inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series.

It tells the story of Dr. Gregory House, an eccentric and quirky yet brilliant protagonist who always manages to cure his patients.

While it has a strong detective element and might not be considered a pure medical drama, it's now available on Netflix, an online video streaming service. How about binge-watching it?

A Korean patient even appears in Season 3, so watch the drama to see how Dr. House treats a Korean patient.

2. The Good Doctor

This American medical drama, a remake of the Korean medical drama ‘Good Doctor’, aired in 2017.

Similar to the original Korean drama, it features a protagonist with autism and savant syndrome, but instead of pediatric surgery, it's set in general surgery, allowing viewers to meet a diverse range of patients from children to seniors in their 70s.

Furthermore, characters such as alcoholics and racists appear, adapting the story to suit American sensibilities.

We recommend the American medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’ for the great emotional impact it delivers through the protagonist's journey of growth and independence as he learns to communicate with people and understand what love is.

3. Surgeons (外科风云)

This Chinese drama, aired in 2017, tells the story of a surgeon who lost his family in a tragic medical accident 30 years ago and sets out to uncover the truth behind it.

‘Surgeons’ not only reveals secrets from the past but also offers a rich narrative encompassing the relationship between Chinese specialist doctors and patients, various human relationships that can arise within a hospital, and the medical community's dilemmas regarding medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

While the main story is about uncovering the secret behind the medical accident that befell the protagonist's family, it is a warm medical drama that illuminates the profession of a doctor itself, depicting the inner growth of the protagonist.

4. Emergency Department Doctors (急诊科医生)

‘Emergency Department Doctors’ is a medical drama aired in China in 2017, based on a novel by Toyoko Yamasaki, depicting stories that unfold in the emergency room of a Chinese university hospital.

The drama is gaining renewed attention due to an episode featuring symptoms similar to COVID-19.

Many viewers have noted the striking similarities, from a patient with periodic coughing symptoms and a chest X-ray for diagnosis, to the process of isolating the patient to prevent transmission.

Uniquely, ‘Emergency Department Doctors’ provides emergency response tips for the symptoms in each episode at the end of the show. How about checking out emergency first aid methods for various emergency situations through ‘Emergency Department Doctors’?

We've explored four popular medical dramas from overseas.

We discovered unique characters and patient stories from different international cultures, as well as informative content and other distinctive viewing points.

We extend our applause and support to the production teams who worked hard to create moving and entertaining dramas, and to all medical staff and hospital personnel who constantly strive for their patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of drama is ‘House M.D.’?

‘House M.D.’ is an American medical drama that aired from 2004 to 2012. It has a strong detective element, inspired by the Sherlock Holmes series, and tells the story of eccentric genius doctor Gregory House treating patients. It is currently available on Netflix.

What are the differences between ‘The Good Doctor’ and the Korean drama?

‘The Good Doctor’ is an American remake of the Korean medical drama ‘Good Doctor’. Similar to the original, it features a protagonist with autism and savant syndrome, but it is set in general surgery rather than pediatric surgery, allowing for a wider range of patients of various ages.

What is the main plot of the Chinese medical drama ‘Surgeons’ (外科风云)?

‘Surgeons’ tells the story of a surgeon who lost his family in a medical accident 30 years ago and seeks to uncover the truth behind it. In addition to revealing past secrets, it richly explores the dilemmas of the Chinese medical community and human relationships within the hospital.

What are the characteristics of ‘Emergency Department Doctors’ (急诊科医生)?

‘Emergency Department Doctors’ is a medical drama set in the emergency room of a Chinese university hospital. It has gained renewed attention for an episode dealing with symptoms similar to COVID-19, and a unique feature is that it provides emergency response tips for the symptoms in each episode at the end of the show.

Where can I watch ‘House M.D.’?

‘House M.D.’ is currently available on the online video streaming service Netflix. You can binge-watch all episodes from Season 1 to Season 8, and a Korean patient even appears in Season 3.