10 Shows and Movies Similar to Doc Martin (2004)

Description: This Irish series mirrors Doc Martin's fish-out-of-water premise with an English priest adjusting to rural Ireland. Both shows feature quirky villagers, romantic subplots, and gentle humor. The picturesque village setting and episodic storytelling are similar, with both balancing comedy and drama.

Fact: The village was filmed in Avoca, County Wicklow. Stephen Tompkinson (Father Clifford) couldn't drive when cast. The show's title refers to a real place in County Kerry.

Description: While more crime-focused, Midsomer shares Doc Martin's idyllic English village setting with dark undertones. Both feature eccentric characters and explore community dynamics. The shows balance serious themes with humor, though Midsomer is more macabre.

Fact: Holds the record for most deaths in a TV series. The fictional county was inspired by Thomas Hardy's Wessex. John Nettles (original DCI Barnaby) left to write Jersey history books.

Description: Set in the Scottish Highlands, this series shares Doc Martin's beautiful rural backdrop and focus on community dynamics. Both shows feature an outsider (a London heir in Monarch, a surgeon in Doc Martin) adapting to small-town life. The storytelling mixes humor with family and relationship drama.

Fact: Inspired by Compton Mackenzie's Highland novels. The fictional Glenbogle estate was filmed at Ardverikie House. Richard Briers joined the cast after initially turning it down.

Description: While set in London's East End, this shares Doc Martin's medical focus and community-centered storytelling. Both shows blend professional drama with personal stories, balancing emotional moments with humor. The strong ensemble casts and period settings create similar nostalgic appeal.

Fact: Based on Jennifer Worth's memoirs. The show's medical advisor is a real midwife. Miranda Hart was cast after sending a heartfelt letter to the producers.

Description: Like Doc Martin, this series features an intelligent but socially awkward protagonist solving village mysteries. Both shows are set in quaint English locations with strong community elements. The episodic nature and mix of light and dark tones are comparable, though Father Brown focuses more on crime.

Fact: Based on G.K. Chesterton's stories. Mark Williams (Father Brown) is also known for playing Arthur Weasley. Filmed in the Cotswolds, like early Doc Martin episodes.

Description: This series combines crime-solving with village life, similar to Doc Martin's medical cases. Both feature complex protagonists (a vicar in Grantchester, a doctor in Doc Martin) navigating personal and professional challenges in picturesque settings. The tone mixes drama with lighter moments.

Fact: Based on James Runcie's Sidney Chambers stories. The real Grantchester has become a tourist attraction. James Norton (Sidney) prepared by shadowing a Cambridge vicar.

Description: Like Doc Martin, The Durrells is set in a picturesque, small coastal town (Corfu) and revolves around the quirky interactions of its inhabitants. Both shows blend humor with heartfelt moments, focusing on community and personal growth. The protagonist, Louisa Durrell, shares Doc Martin's fish-out-of-water experience as she navigates life in a new place.

Fact: Based on Gerald Durrell's autobiographical books. The real-life Durrell family home in Corfu is now a museum. Keeley Hawes (Louisa) initially turned down the role.

Description: Like Doc Martin, this period drama explores rural community life with warmth and humor. Both shows feature strong female characters and examine class differences. The storytelling balances everyday dramas with larger emotional arcs in picturesque settings.

Fact: Based on Flora Thompson's semi-autobiographical novels. Julia Sawalha (Dorcas) was nearly 40 playing a 25-year-old. The series was filmed in Buckinghamshire and Wiltshire.

Description: This series shares Doc Martin's focus on complex family relationships and later-life romance. Both shows blend humor with emotional depth in rural settings. The writing explores similar themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances with well-drawn characters.

Fact: Inspired by writer Sally Wainwright's mother's experience. Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid had never met before filming. Sarah Lancashire and Nicola Walker became close friends during production.

Description: This long-running series shares Doc Martin's rural setting (Yorkshire) and gentle, episodic storytelling. Both feature medical professionals (a doctor in Doc Martin, a nurse in Heartbeat) as central characters dealing with village life's eccentricities. The shows balance drama with lighthearted moments and nostalgia.

Fact: Originally titled 'The Police Doctor'. Ran for 18 seasons with 372 episodes. Featured numerous 1960s pop songs as part of its soundtrack.