The internet is on fire, and Best Medicine is the explosive reason why. Fox’s new medical comedy-drama adaptation of the beloved British series Doc Martin premiered on January 4, 2026, and delivered a massive streaming debut—pulling in 10.8 million multi-platform viewers for its first episode alone, marking one of the network’s strongest launches in years. But here’s the twist that’s fueling nonstop debate: audiences are completely divided. Critics are cheering with 73–75% approval, while original fans are furious, dragging audience scores down to a dismal 38–46%. The clash between praise and backlash is exactly what’s turning this quirky small-town dramedy into TV’s hottest hate-watch phenomenon.
Josh Charles steps into the role of Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but socially disastrous Boston heart surgeon whose life implodes when a traumatic incident during surgery triggers a debilitating fear of blood. Unable to continue in the high-stakes operating theater, he abruptly relocates to the quaint fishing village of Port Wenn, Maine—a picturesque coastal town where he spent childhood summers. The job? General practitioner for the tight-knit, quirky locals who immediately clash with his blunt, borderline rude bedside manner. What follows is a fish-out-of-water comedy laced with heartfelt moments, romantic tension, and gentle pokes at small-town life.
Charles reinvents the character with deadpan charm and quiet vulnerability. Gone is the original’s more abrasive grumpiness; instead, Martin Best is a flawed, high-functioning professional trying (and often failing) to navigate human connection. His blood phobia leads to hilarious, cringe-worthy moments—fainting at the sight of a cut, dodging emergencies, or awkwardly delegating to his eccentric staff. Critics praise Charles for bringing subtle warmth and layers to what could have been a one-note curmudgeon, calling his performance “pitch-perfect” and “endearingly cantankerous.” Variety highlighted how his charm keeps the sometimes-forced zaniness in check, while Decider noted he’s “so good at playing the grumpy, people-averse Dr. Best” that the show works despite any flaws.
Abigail Spencer shines as Louisa Gavin, the warm, no-nonsense local schoolteacher who serves on the hiring committee and immediately gets off on the wrong foot with Martin. Their chemistry crackles—equal parts irritation, flirtation, and reluctant respect—setting up a classic will-they-won’t-they dynamic. Spencer brings plucky toughness and vulnerability, making Louisa more than just the romantic foil; she’s a grounded force who challenges Martin’s isolation. The supporting cast adds color: Annie Potts as Martin’s sharp-tongued aunt Joan (a local lobster woman who keeps him in line), Josh Segarra as Sheriff Mark Mylow (adding a love-triangle tension with Louisa), Cree as the incompetent but endearing assistant Elaine, and others who populate the village with eccentric, needy personalities.
The show follows Martin’s reluctant adjustment to small-town medicine—treating hypochondriacs, handling quirky emergencies, and slowly (very slowly) learning to connect. Episodes blend light comedy with emotional beats: Martin’s phobia creates slapstick chaos, but underlying themes of trauma, redemption, and community healing give the series heart. The Maine setting—coastal cliffs, foggy harbors, lobster traps, and tight-knit locals—provides a cozy yet isolating backdrop that contrasts sharply with Martin’s big-city past.
Critics largely applaud the reinvention. The Hollywood Reporter called it “low-key and likable,” praising the cozy dramedy vibe and Charles’ anchoring performance. Variety described it as “cutesy” but effective, with Charles keeping the zaniness grounded. Many see it as a smart, modern update—softening some edges for American audiences while preserving the core charm of a brilliant misfit finding his place.
But die-hard fans of the original Doc Martin (which ran for 18 years and 10 seasons on ITV) are not having it. Social media is ablaze with accusations that the remake is “softened,” “watered down,” and “mismatched.” Complaints flood in: Martin’s rudeness feels toned down, the humor less biting, the village too Hallmark-sweet, and the blood phobia played more for laughs than pathos. “They missed the soul of what made Doc Martin special,” one viral post reads. Audience scores on platforms hover in the 38–46% range, with original fans calling it a “glossy misfire” and a potential “hate-watch” trainwreck.
That exact divide is what’s propelling the obsession. The premiere’s massive numbers—boosted by post-NFL airing and strong streaming—show curiosity is high, but the polarized reaction keeps conversations going. Is this a fresh, accessible take that broadens the appeal? Or a betrayal of the source material’s sharp British edge? The debate rages on Reddit, X, and Facebook groups, with threads dissecting every episode, comparing characters, and predicting whether the show will find its footing or flame out.
As episodes roll out weekly on Fox (with next-day Hulu streaming), the conversation only intensifies. Charles’ quiet reinvention—balancing deadpan humor, hidden vulnerability, and slow-burn growth—has critics seeing gold where fans see compromise. Abigail Spencer’s crackling chemistry with him adds romantic spark, while the ensemble’s quirky locals deliver cozy laughs.
Whether you love it or loathe it, Best Medicine is impossible to ignore. It’s Fox’s biggest streaming debut in years, splitting the internet in two and proving that sometimes the biggest hits come from the biggest fights. Stream it now—then join the war: genius update or glossy misfire? The verdict is still out, but the obsession is just beginning.
