A guest star occasionally appears in a TV show for several episodes, elevating the season. Abigail Spencer guest-starred in 9-1-1 Season 8 as Amber Braeburn, a police detective who turned out to be a serial killer. Amber set her sights on Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and kidnapped her, but Maddie saved herself by killing her kidnapper. Spencer is shifting gears in her next project, according to a report by Deadline. The All My Children and Timeless star has joined Josh Charles in Fox’s remake of Doc Martin titled Best Medicine. She plays Louisa, described as a “warm, charming teacher who immediately gets off on the wrong foot with Martin, yet she’s intrigued by him.”
Best Medicine is inspired by the popular British series and stars Charles as Martin Best. The hourlong comedy series centers on Best, “a brilliant surgeon who abruptly leaves his illustrious career in Boston to become the general practitioner in a quaint East Coast fishing village where he spent summers as a child. Unfortunately, Martin’s blunt and borderline rude bedside manner rubs the quirky, needy locals the wrong way, and he quickly alienates the town, even though he’s all they’ve got. Although Martin can expertly address any medical ailment or mystery in this idiosyncratic town, he’s really just desperate to be left the hell alone,” the show’s official description reads. Louisa is one of the townsfolk who is rubbed the wrong way by the rude doctor. The description continues:
“Instead, he keeps getting dragged right smack into the middle of their personal chaos, feuds and fantasies. What the locals don’t know is that Martin’s terse demeanor masks a debilitating new phobia and deep-seated psychological issues that prevent him from experiencing true intimacy with anyone. But tenacity is the creed of everyone in their small village, and the people who live there may be exactly what the doctor ordered.”
Imagine a show that brings together the charm of a sleepy seaside town, a brilliant-but-grumpy doctor, and a dash of American drama. That’s exactly what Fox is cooking up with its new series — unofficially dubbed a “Doc Martin dupe” by fans. But here’s the twist: the network has cast the villain from ‘9-1-1’ Season 8 in a leading role. Now that’s what we call a plot twist.
The Legacy of ‘Doc Martin’: Why the Original Still Matters
From Cornwall With Love
‘Doc Martin’ was more than just a British medical dramedy. Set in the idyllic village of Portwenn, it starred Martin Clunes as a socially awkward but brilliant surgeon forced to become a local GP. Audiences adored the show’s mix of sarcasm, scenic views, and emotional depth.
Why American Networks Can’t Let It Go
Networks love to replicate success, especially if it comes with a built-in fanbase. The American appetite for British imports is insatiable, and Fox’s attempt to reinterpret Doc Martin in a fresh, U.S.-friendly way is a logical — if risky — move.
Who’s Playing the Lead? Hint: You’ve Seen Them on ‘9-1-1’
A Shocking Casting Decision
In a bold creative pivot, Fox has cast Noah Bean, the man who gave us literal chills as the tech billionaire villain in ‘9-1-1’ Season 8, as the new lead in their ‘Doc Martin’-inspired series. Fans of the emergency drama will remember his icy performance — so what makes him perfect for this quirky medical role?
From Villain to Vascular Genius
Fox’s new character is reportedly a “world-renowned vascular surgeon with a no-nonsense attitude and zero bedside manner,” much like Clunes’ portrayal. The twist? He’s relocating from a top Manhattan hospital to a dusty rural town after a career-halting scandal. Sound familiar?
What to Expect from the New Show
Setting the Scene: Not Cornwall, But Close
The show won’t take place in a quaint English village, but rather a quirky Southern U.S. town brimming with eccentric characters and small-town charm. Think Sweet Magnolias meets House, M.D.
Tone and Genre: Dramedy Done Right
Expect a genre mash-up — heartfelt moments, awkward patient encounters, witty one-liners, and emotional redemption arcs. Yes, there will be goats. And probably moonshine.
A Villainous Actor with Surprising Range
Why Typecasting Is a Thing of the Past
Casting a villain in a lead role might seem odd, but it’s becoming the norm. Think of Bryan Cranston going from goofy Hal in Malcolm in the Middle to meth kingpin Walter White. This casting decision signals Fox’s faith in the actor’s versatility.
What This Means for His Career
This could be Noah Bean’s breakout moment in U.S. primetime. While he’s no stranger to television, this lead role puts him in front of a whole new audience. It’s a gamble — but one with huge payoff potential.
Will Fans of ‘Doc Martin’ Approve?
Similar Structure, New Spice
The formula is familiar: brilliant doctor, flawed personality, reluctant relocation. But this version promises a grittier American twist. Purists may scoff, but fresh storytelling and a new setting could win over even the most loyal of British TV fans.
Nostalgia Meets Novelty
The trick lies in balance — honoring the spirit of Doc Martin without being a carbon copy. With a unique lead and a culture clash setting, this show might just pull it off.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Making It Happen?
Showrunner Spotlight
The show is helmed by Sarah Watson, best known for The Bold Type. She’s no stranger to creating nuanced characters with edge, emotion, and evolution.
Writers’ Room Secrets
Early reports reveal a diverse writers’ room focused on blending medical accuracy with character-driven storytelling. In other words, this isn’t just another ER knockoff.
How the Show Fits into Fox’s 2025 Lineup
Filling a Familiar Gap
With The Resident off the air and The Good Doctor wrapping up, Fox needs a strong medical anchor. This show is poised to slide into that coveted mid-season slot — likely with high expectations and a big promotional push.
Social Media Buzz: Early Reactions Are Mixed (But Intrigued)
Twitter Reacts to the Villain-Turned-Doc
Some fans are skeptical. Others are already shipping the grumpy doctor with a yet-unnamed nurse character. Regardless, the announcement has stirred up conversation, which is exactly what Fox wants pre-launch.
#DocDupe Trending Already
A leaked photo from the set, featuring Bean in scrubs looking delightfully annoyed by a goose in the hallway, has already racked up thousands of shares.
Why You Should Care (Even If You’ve Never Seen ‘Doc Martin’)
You don’t have to be a British TV buff to fall in love with a prickly doctor trying to find himself in a new world. If you liked House, Hart of Dixie, or even Virgin River, this one might just be your next obsession.
The Bottom Line: A Risky But Promising Diagnosis
Fox’s new series takes a beloved format and flips the script with a controversial casting choice, a Southern twist, and modern sensibilities. It’s risky, sure — but isn’t that how all great TV stories begin?
Conclusion
In an entertainment landscape flooded with spin-offs, reboots, and sequels, Fox is choosing to remix rather than replicate. Their upcoming ‘Doc Martin’-inspired medical dramedy brings fresh energy, familiar charm, and a surprisingly perfect lead in 9-1-1’s Noah Bean. Whether you’re a longtime fan of sarcastic doctors or just looking for your next primetime addiction, this might be the dose of drama you’ve been waiting for.
