10 Movies and Shows Similar to ER (1994)

Description: Scrubs is similar to ER (1994) in its hospital setting and focus on the lives of medical professionals, but it approaches the subject with humor and surrealistic elements. Both shows balance the intensity of medical emergencies with the personal lives of the characters. Scrubs is known for its unique narrative style, including voiceovers and fantasy sequences, which set it apart from more traditional medical dramas like ER.

Fact: Scrubs was created by Bill Lawrence, who also co-created Ted Lasso. The show was filmed in a real decommissioned hospital. Many of the medical cases were based on real-life experiences of the show's medical consultants.

Description: House shares similarities with ER (1994) in its focus on medical cases and the personal struggles of doctors. Both shows delve into the ethical dilemmas and diagnostic challenges faced by physicians. However, House is more centered around the brilliant but abrasive Dr. House and his team solving rare medical mysteries, whereas ER has a broader ensemble cast.

Fact: Hugh Laurie, who plays Dr. House, is actually British and had to perfect an American accent for the role. The character of Dr. House was inspired by Sherlock Holmes. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of medical procedures, often consulting real doctors.

Description: Like ER (1994), Grey's Anatomy is a medical drama that focuses on the personal and professional lives of doctors and nurses in a hospital setting. Both shows explore the high-stakes environment of emergency medicine, the emotional toll on healthcare workers, and the intricate relationships between colleagues. The fast-paced storytelling and dramatic patient cases are central to both series.

Fact: Grey's Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama in American television history. The show was created by Shonda Rhimes, who also produced other hits like Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. The title is a play on the medical textbook Gray's Anatomy.

Description: Royal Pains shares ER's (1994) medical focus but with a lighter, more comedic tone and a luxurious Hamptons setting. Both shows revolve around a doctor dedicated to helping others, though Royal Pains' protagonist is a 'concierge doctor' for the wealthy. The show's medical cases and character-driven stories are reminiscent of ER's formula, but with a sunnier disposition.

Fact: The show was inspired by the real-life trend of concierge medicine. The Hamptons setting allowed for guest stars playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The show's title refers to the 'royal' treatment the patients receive and the 'pains' (problems) they face.

Description: Code Black, like ER (1994), is set in a busy emergency room and focuses on the high-pressure environment of emergency medicine. Both shows feature a mix of intense medical cases and personal drama among the staff. Code Black is particularly known for its realistic portrayal of the chaos and urgency in an ER, much like the early seasons of ER.

Fact: The term 'code black' refers to a hospital's emergency room being over capacity. The show was created by Michael Seitzman, who was inspired by the documentary Code Black. Marcia Gay Harden, who stars in the show, won an Emmy for her role in The Newsroom.

Description: The Good Doctor, like ER (1994), is a medical drama that highlights the challenges and triumphs of working in a hospital. Both shows feature a diverse cast of doctors dealing with life-and-death situations. The Good Doctor stands out for its focus on Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, bringing a unique perspective to the medical drama genre.

Fact: The show is based on a South Korean series of the same name. Freddie Highmore, who plays Dr. Murphy, also starred in Bates Motel. The show has been praised for its portrayal of autism and has worked with autism consultants to ensure accuracy.

Description: New Amsterdam shares ER's (1994) focus on the inner workings of a hospital and the dedication of its staff. Both shows emphasize the human side of medicine, with doctors going above and beyond for their patients. New Amsterdam is particularly noted for its idealistic approach to healthcare reform, similar to ER's early seasons which often tackled systemic issues in the medical field.

Fact: The show is inspired by the real-life Bellevue Hospital in New York City. The lead character, Dr. Max Goodwin, is based on Dr. Eric Manheimer, a former medical director at Bellevue. The show's title refers to the original name of New York City when it was a Dutch colony.

Description: St. Elsewhere is often considered a precursor to ER (1994), as both shows are set in teaching hospitals and feature ensemble casts dealing with medical and personal crises. St. Elsewhere was groundbreaking for its realistic portrayal of hospital life and its willingness to tackle difficult social issues, much like ER would later do. Both shows blend drama with moments of humor and humanity.

Fact: The show was set in a fictional Boston hospital. Many St. Elsewhere actors went on to star in other major TV shows and movies. The series finale is famous for its controversial twist ending.

Description: Private Practice is a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy and shares ER's (1994) focus on the personal and professional lives of doctors. While ER is set in a public hospital, Private Practice takes place in a private practice, offering a different perspective on healthcare. Both shows explore complex medical cases and the ethical dilemmas faced by physicians.

Fact: The show follows Dr. Addison Montgomery, a character originally introduced on Grey's Anatomy. The practice is located in Los Angeles, providing a contrast to Grey's Seattle setting. The show tackled controversial topics like abortion and euthanasia.

Description: Nurse Jackie, like ER (1994), provides a gritty look at the healthcare system, but from the perspective of a nurse rather than doctors. Both shows highlight the challenges and stresses of working in a hospital, though Nurse Jackie takes a darker, more comedic approach with its protagonist's addiction issues. The show's realistic portrayal of hospital life echoes ER's commitment to authenticity.

Fact: Edie Falco, who plays Jackie, is best known for her role in The Sopranos. The show was praised for its accurate depiction of nursing. Despite its comedic elements, the show deals with serious themes like addiction and healthcare bureaucracy.