10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to House (1985)

Description: ER and House both revolutionized the medical drama genre with their fast-paced storytelling and focus on the inner workings of a hospital. House's diagnostic brilliance is mirrored in ER's intense emergency room cases. Both shows also feature flawed but deeply dedicated doctors, adding a layer of realism and relatability.

Fact: ER was created by best-selling author Michael Crichton, who drew from his experiences as a medical student. The show launched the careers of George Clooney and Julianna Margulies. ER was one of the first shows to use handheld cameras to create a more immersive, documentary-like feel.

Description: Scrubs shares similarities with House (1985) in its blend of medical drama and humor. Both shows feature a protagonist with a unique approach to medicine—House with his diagnostic genius and Scrubs' J.D. with his imaginative and often humorous perspective. Both series also delve into the personal lives of the medical staff, balancing emotional depth with lighter moments.

Fact: Scrubs was created by Bill Lawrence, who also co-created Cougar Town. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of hospital life, thanks to medical consultant Dr. Jon Doris. The iconic 'Janitor' character was originally meant to appear in only one episode but became a series regular due to his popularity.

Description: Grey's Anatomy, like House, focuses on the personal and professional lives of doctors in a high-stakes medical environment. Both shows emphasize complex medical cases and the ethical dilemmas that arise. The emotional tone and character-driven storytelling are also similar, with both series exploring the human side of medicine.

Fact: Grey's Anatomy is the longest-running medical drama in American television history. The show's title is a nod to Gray's Anatomy, the classic medical textbook. Patrick Dempsey, who plays Derek Shepherd, was initially reluctant to take the role but was convinced by his wife.

Description: Royal Pains and House both feature doctors who take unconventional approaches to medicine. While House is a diagnostician, Royal Pains' Hank Lawson is a concierge doctor for the wealthy. Both shows blend medical drama with personal storylines and a touch of humor.

Fact: Royal Pains was created by Andrew Lenchewski and John P. Rogers. The show was inspired by the real-life phenomenon of concierge medicine. The series was filmed in the Hamptons, giving it a distinctive upscale aesthetic.

Description: The Good Doctor, like House, centers on a brilliant but socially awkward doctor. Both protagonists face skepticism from their peers due to their unconventional methods. The shows also share a focus on medical mysteries and the ethical challenges of modern medicine.

Fact: The Good Doctor is based on a South Korean series of the same name. Freddie Highmore, who plays Shaun Murphy, also voices characters in several animated series. The show has been praised for its portrayal of autism, though it has also faced some criticism.

Description: The Resident shares House's gritty, realistic portrayal of hospital life and its focus on the darker side of medicine. Both shows feature protagonists who are unafraid to confront corruption and incompetence in the healthcare system. The medical cases and ethical dilemmas are also central to both series.

Fact: The Resident was created by Amy Holden Jones, Hayley Schore, and Roshan Sethi. The show has been praised for its accurate depiction of medical procedures. Matt Czuchry, who plays Dr. Conrad Hawkins, is best known for his roles in Gilmore Girls and The Good Wife.

Description: New Amsterdam, like House, features a maverick doctor who challenges the status quo to improve patient care. Both shows highlight systemic issues in healthcare and the personal sacrifices doctors make. The emotional intensity and moral dilemmas are also key similarities.

Fact: New Amsterdam is based on the book Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital by Eric Manheimer. The show's lead, Ryan Eggold, previously starred in The Blacklist. The real Bellevue Hospital is the oldest public hospital in the United States.

Description: St. Elsewhere, like House, is a groundbreaking medical drama that combines complex medical cases with deep character development. Both shows are known for their realistic portrayal of hospital life and their willingness to tackle difficult ethical issues. The ensemble cast and episodic structure are also similar.

Fact: St. Elsewhere was created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey. The show is often credited with paving the way for modern medical dramas like ER and Grey's Anatomy. The series finale famously revealed that the entire show might have been a figment of an autistic boy's imagination.

Description: Private Practice, a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy, shares House's focus on the personal and professional lives of doctors. Both shows explore the complexities of medical practice and the emotional toll it takes on practitioners. The ensemble cast and episodic medical cases are also reminiscent of House.

Fact: Private Practice was created by Shonda Rhimes, the same creator as Grey's Anatomy. The show was originally conceived as a vehicle for Kate Walsh's character, Addison Montgomery. The series finale was titled 'In Which We Say Goodbye,' echoing the episode titles of Grey's Anatomy.

Description: Nurse Jackie, like House, features a protagonist with a brilliant mind and a destructive personal life. Both shows explore addiction and the pressures of the medical profession. The dark humor and moral ambiguity are also shared traits.

Fact: Nurse Jackie was created by Liz Brixius, Linda Wallem, and Evan Dunsky. Edie Falco, who plays Jackie Peyton, won an Emmy for her performance. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of nursing, though it also faced criticism for its depiction of addiction.