Why Netflix’s Pulse is the Best Medical Drama in Years

If you’ve been searching for your next TV addiction, look no further. Netflix’s latest medical drama, Pulse, is making waves, and for good reason. With a fresh, high-stakes narrative, complex characters, and irresistible chemistry, this show might just be the best thing the streaming giant has produced in years.

Medical dramas have had their fair share of hits and misses over the years, but Pulse breaks new ground, combining the tension of life-or-death situations with the messy, emotional turmoil of its complex characters. Trust us—once you start watching, you won’t be able to stop.

A New Take on Medical Dramas

Medical dramas have been extensively explored. From Grey’s Anatomy to House, we’ve seen it all, from surgeries and heart-stopping moments to intricate romantic entanglements. But Pulse brings something fresh to the table.

Set in a Miami Level 1 trauma centre, the show focusses on Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), a third-year resident who was unexpectedly thrust into the role of chief resident after the highly publicised suspension of the former chief, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). The drama begins immediately, with a looming hurricane threatening the city and a hospital on the verge of chaos.

The tension is palpable as the hurricane forces the hospital into lockdown, creating an intense and claustrophobic environment that mirrors the emotional weight the characters carry. But what really sets Pulse apart is its ability to balance medical crises with deeply human, emotional stories. We’ve seen the former plenty of times, but it’s the latter that gives the show its heart.

Unstoppable Chemistry and Complicated Relationships

The core of Pulse is the volatile relationship between Danny and Xander. Their dynamic is far from simple; it’s layered, tense, and filled with unresolved history. The two characters share undeniable chemistry, which plays out both in moments of high drama and in their quieter, more introspective interactions.

The episodes gradually reveal their complex past through flashbacks, providing viewers with a close-up view of their deteriorating relationship. The back-and-forth between Danny and Xander adds a layer of emotional tension that drives the plot forward.

“We’re not just doctors. We’re the ones they call when everyone else gives up.” — Danny

In Pulse, the personal and professional lives of the characters collide. Danny is a brilliant doctor with deep empathy for her patients, but her self-sabotaging nature often hinders her success. She’s afraid of her potential, which makes her a deeply relatable character. As her personal relationships become increasingly strained—particularly with Xander, her sister Harper (Jessy Yates), and her best friend Sam Elijah (Jessie T. Usher)—we watch as she grapples with her insecurities and tries to find her footing as a leader in a high-pressure environment.

Their relationship doesn’t just add to the drama; it’s what makes Pulse so compelling. Each scene with Danny and Xander crackles with raw emotion, jealousy, and pain as the two work through their toxic feelings for each other. Their personal struggles affect everyone in their orbit, including their co-workers and loved ones. The storm brewing in the emergency room affects everyone.

A Strong Supporting Cast Adds Depth

Although Danny and Xander’s relationship dominates the series, the supporting cast also contributes significantly. From Sophie Chan (Chelsea Muirhead), a surgical intern struggling under the influence of a toxic mentor, to Camila Perez (Daniela Nieves), a medical student whose growing bond with Sophie adds a tender moment to an otherwise high-strung environment, Pulse brings a diverse range of characters whose lives are just as complex as the medical cases they handle.

Perhaps the most intriguing of these secondary characters is Sam Elijah, Danny’s best friend and fellow resident. Sam is a highly competitive individual, and as the race to become chief resident heats up, tensions rise between him and Danny. Their friendship becomes increasingly strained as they battle it out for the coveted position, and their complicated relationship adds to the emotional weight of the show.

Fun fact: Jack Bannon, who plays Tom Cole, revealed that he drew inspiration for his character from real-life mentors who pushed him to do better, even when he didn’t want to. “Tom’s tough love approach is what drives Sophie, but it also pushes her to the brink,” he said in an interview.

Real Medical Drama with Heart-Stopping Moments

What’s so refreshing about Pulse is that it doesn’t just rely on medical cases to keep the audience hooked—it mixes real, life-or-death situations with the emotional turmoil of its characters. The show does a brilliant job of depicting the pressures and challenges faced by medical professionals. Every surgery, every critical case, feels high stakes because we know what’s on the line for the characters, both professionally and personally.

The show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the medical world. Patients present with a range of injuries, from gunshot wounds to severe trauma, requiring the doctors to make swift decisions that can significantly impact their lives. It’s this constant pressure that makes the show so gripping, and it’s balanced perfectly with the personal dramas that unfold in the ER.

The Binge-Watching Dilemma

Here’s where Pulse faces a unique challenge: Netflix’s binge-watch model. While the show is undeniably addictive, it feels like it could have benefitted from a weekly release schedule, similar to HBO’s The Pitt.

Having to wait a week between episodes would have allowed viewers to sit with the material, process the tension, and anticipate the next twist. Instead, the binge model means that we’re constantly moving from one plot point to the next, and while that’s fun, it doesn’t allow the emotional depth to settle in the same way.

Still, it’s difficult to deny that the binge-watching experience is part of what makes Pulse so compelling. Once you start, it’s difficult to stop, and before you know it, you’re caught up in the whirlwind of drama, medical cases, and personal conflict.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Drama Fans

In a world filled with formulaic TV shows, Pulse stands out as a fresh, exciting, and emotionally charged medical drama. It’s got everything you want in a TV show: suspense, romance, compelling characters, and high-stakes drama. Whether you’re a fan of medical procedurals like New Amsterdam or The Good Doctor or just looking for a show with strong character development and addictive storylines, Pulse delivers.

The show’s combination of medical intrigue, complex relationships, and high emotional stakes makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves great drama. With memorable performances from Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell and a supporting cast that’s equally as engaging, Pulse has all the ingredients for a successful TV series.

If you haven’t watched it yet, do yourself a favour and bingewatch Pulse. You won’t regret it.