Best Medicine, FOX’s upcoming medical dramedy based on the acclaimed British series Doc Martin, just landed another major addition: Annie Potts, beloved for playing Meemaw on Young Sheldon, will star as Aunt Joan, adding her signature wit and warmth to the ensemble. With production starting summer 2025, fans can expect a compelling blend of sharp humor and genuine emotion.
Who Is Annie Potts Playing?
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Aunt Joan is introduced as Martin Best’s tough, lobster-fishing aunt—gruff on the outside but with a heart of gold. Despite their estrangement, she’ll play a key role in Martin’s journey as he settles in his childhood coastal hometown blog.sitcomsonline.com+13Parade+13GeekSided+13GeekSided.
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Joan is described as independent, stubborn, and deeply connected to the sea—balanced by hidden vulnerabilities and a path to reconnect with her nephew .
⛵ H1: How She Fits into the Story
Martin Best (Josh Charles) relocates from Boston to take over as a general practitioner in his small hometown. Aunt Joan will be a strong local presence, grounding the narrative in family relationships. As production unfolds, expect their relationship to fuel both drama and heartfelt comedy Give Me My Remote+3Parade+3SoapCentral+3.
👩⚕️ H2: Best Medicine’s All-Star Ensemble
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Josh Charles stars as Dr. Martin Best, a surgeon whose emotional struggles bring both drama and absurd humorblog.sitcomsonline.com+13foxflash.com+13SoapCentral+13.
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Abigail Spencer plays Louisa Glasson, the local teacher who clashes with—and possibly connects to—MartinGive Me My Remote+4FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+4Parade+4.
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Josh Segarra takes on Sheriff Mark Mylow, a potential romantic rival.
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Now, Annie Potts joins them as Aunt Joan, completing the core cast PRESSBEE+4Parade+4GeekSided+4.
Why This Casting Workout
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Fan Appeal – Potts is beloved as Meemaw, and her strong screen presence attracts Young Sheldon fans.
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Character Resonance – Her outspoken, lovable persona is a natural fit for a character who’s rough around the edges but deeply caring.
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Ensemble Strength – With Charles, Spencer, and Segarra already onboard, Potts adds comedic depth and generational nuance Wikipedia+5Parade+5GeekSided+5.
FX or Comedy? Fox’s Bold Direction
Fox describes Best Medicine as a “one-hour comedy,” an approach blending heartfelt narratives with humor—an evolution beyond typical sitcoms SoapCentral+8FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+8The Laconia Daily Sun+8. Potts excels in roles that deliver both laughs and emotional sincerity—ideal for this hybrid format.
Production & Premiere Timeline
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Filming begins summer 2025 in upstate New York TV Insider+5Parade+5PRESSBEE+5.
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Best Medicine is scheduled as a midseason entry in FOX’s 2025–26 season Give Me My Remote+5FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+5TV Insider+5, likely premiering early 2026.
The British Template with American Flavor
Best Medicine adapts Doc Martin, known for its rugged lead doctor in a quirky coastal village. Potts’s character echoes strong local figures from the original—think tradition, stubborn patience, and hidden ties Parade+2foxflash.com+2FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+2. The American version aims to keep that heart, elevated by a seasoned cast ready to match its emotional depth with humor.
Potts’s Career Evolution
From Designing Women to Young Sheldon, Potts has showcased her ability to play strong, authentic women with equal doses of sass and warmth. Joining Best Medicine highlights her adaptability and appeal—bringing charisma to a fresh ensemble and helping anchor a new genre blend on FOX.
Why We’re Excited
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Potts in dramedy mode—fans will love her emotional range and comedic timing.
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The coastal backdrop offers visual charm and story opportunities.
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Well-rounded cast promises chemistry, humor, and heartfelt stories—distinct in FOX’s line-up.
✅ Conclusion
Annie Potts joining Best Medicine boosts the medical comedy-drama’s star power. As Aunt Joan, her blend of toughness and tenderness enriches the story and ensures emotional resonance. With summer filming underway and a strong cast, Best Medicine looks set to deliver a warm, complex, and entertaining ride to FOX viewers in the 2025–26 midseason.
❓ FAQs
1. What role is Annie Potts playing in Best Medicine?
She plays Aunt Joan, Martin Best’s independent, lobster-fishing aunt with a hidden emotional history Give Me My Remote+3Parade+3GeekSided+3.
2. How does this show differ from Doc Martin?
The American adaptation is a one-hour comedy-drama, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling in a seaside U.S. townIMDb+12foxflash.com+12FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+12.
3. Who else stars in the series?
Leading roles include Josh Charles (Dr. Martin), Abigail Spencer (teacher Louisa), Josh Segarra (Sheriff Mylow), and now Annie Potts (Aunt Joan) Give Me My Remote+8SoapCentral+8FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+8.
4. When and where will filming take place?
Production begins summer 2025 in upstate New York, targeting a midseason 2026 premiere The Laconia Daily Sun+6Parade+6PRESSBEE+6.
5. When will Best Medicine air on FOX?
It’s set for FOX’s midseason 2025–26 lineup, likely in early 2026 TV Insider+3FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+3Parade+3.
