Annie Potts—best known as Meemaw in Young Sheldon and Janine in Ghostbusters—is bringing her signature wit and warmth to a brand-new role. She’s officially joined Fox’s upcoming one-hour medical comedy, Best Medicine, playing a character who is as tough as she is heartfelt Reddit+15SoapCentral+15Yahoo Lifestyle+15PopCulture.com+2Parade+2Reddit+2.
What Is Best Medicine All About?
Fox’s Best Medicine is an American remake of the beloved British dramedy Doc Martin. The show follows Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles of The Good Wife)—a star Boston surgeon who abruptly relocates to a small East Coast coastal town to work as a general practitioner. His direct style clashes hilariously with the town’s quirky locals TV Series Finale+5Parade+5Yahoo Lifestyle+5.
Meet Her Character: Aunt Joan
A Hard-Shell, Big-Hearted Lobster Fisher
Potts will play Aunt Joan, Martin Best’s no-nonsense, lobster-fishing aunt. She’s tough, independent, and doesn’t take kindly to anyone telling her what to do. Beneath that rugged exterior, she cares deeply for her nephew and hides long-buried secrets about why they drifted apart TV Series Finale+3SoapCentral+3Parade+3.
Why Annie Potts Is a Perfect Fit
Potts has a rich history of grounding roles in both comedy and drama:
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She brought edgy charm as Mary Jo in Designing Women.
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She voice-acted beloved characters like Bo Peep in Toy Story.
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Most recently, she won hearts as Meemaw—a rough-around-the-edges granny with a tender soul—in Young Sheldon Reddit+15Wikipedia+15SoapCentral+15IMDb+13EW.com+13Civic Business Solutions+13.
Her ability to balance toughness with genuine warmth makes her ideal for the role of Aunt Joan.
How This Role Differs from Meemaw
While Meemaw was big on family, Aunt Joan steps outside those boundaries. She’s rooted in her town’s daily grind—pulling lobster traps, running her own life, yet still tethered emotionally to her nephew. It’s a fresh adventure for Potts that keeps her grounded in character-driven humor Yahoo Lifestyle+2Parade+2TV Series Finale+2.
The Doc Martin Connection
Doc Martin was praised for its heartwarming yet quirky approach to community and medical life. Fox’s new version is billed as a one-hour comedy-drama, and Potts’ inclusion emphasizes the series’ mix of emotional depth and offbeat humor .
Supporting Cast Highlights
Joining Potts in the cast:
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Josh Charles as Dr. Martin Best
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Abigail Spencer as Louisa Glasson—a local schoolteacher with a rocky start with Martin
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Josh Segarra as Sheriff Mark Mylow—a charming lawman fast rebuilding his lifeReddit+7PopCulture.com+7Civic Business Solutions+7Reddit+11Parade+11IMDb+11
Production Timeline & Premiere Info
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Filming Location: Upstate New York, beginning this summer SoapCentral
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Premiere Slot: Midseason 2025‑26 on Fox. No specific date yet, but expect teasers soon SoapCentral+3TV Insider+3Parade+3
🎭 What to Expect from Potts’s Performance
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Dry humor infused with East Coast charm
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Unlikely mentorship, often guiding Martin through local customs
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Emotional depth as old secrets come to light, revealing why she and Martin drifted apart
Aunt Joan promises to be a standout character in a series filled with quirky townspeople and heartfelt narratives.
Social Buzz & Fan Reactions
Fans welcomed the news warmly:
“Annie Potts as a lobster‑boat aunt? Yes, please!”
“Mary Cooper vibes, but salty and sweet—can’t wait!”
Hardcore Young Sheldon viewers say this role is a perfect fit, showcasing the kind of grounded, authentic presence Potts excels at TV Series Finale+4SoapCentral+4Parade+4Civic Business Solutions+8Reddit+8Parade+8.
Why Best Medicine Matters to Fox
Fox is expanding its comedy with one-hour hybrids, and Best Medicine is a flagship. Executive Michael Thorn described it as part of Fox’s new direction—“comedy first”—and casting Potts helps build a strong emotional center for the showTV Series Finale+5TV Insider+5FOX 11 41 Tri Cities Yakima+5.
Comparing to Other TV Grandmas
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Chandra Wilson’s Dr. Bailey on Grey’s Anatomy: caring, fierce, maternal
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Betty White in Hot in Cleveland: lovable with attitude
Aunt Joan fits right in—tough, seasoned, and big-hearted. Potts joins that legacy of TV grandmothers who resonate deeply with audiences.
Conclusion
Annie Potts stepping into the role of Aunt Joan in Best Medicine is both a strategic and inspired move by Fox. It blends her grounded, witty style with the show’s small-town, comedic-medical tone. With midseason filming on the horizon in upstate New York, this series is gearing up to be a heartfelt, charming addition to 2025-26 TV. Potts’ involvement assures audiences they’re in for a character-driven, emotionally honest ride.
FAQs
1. Who is Annie Potts playing in Best Medicine?
She’s cast as Aunt Joan, a no-nonsense lobster-fishing aunt with a big heart Reddit.
2. When does Best Medicine premiere?
A midseason 2025‑26 debut on Fox, with a specific date to be announced Reddit+14TV Insider+14TV Series Finale+14.
3. Is the show a comedy or a drama?
It’s a one-hour comedy-drama, blending humor with emotional storytelling TV Series Finale+5TV Insider+5Parade+5.
4. Where is Best Medicine filmed?
Shooting will begin this summer in upstate New York SoapCentral+1Parade+1.
5. Will there be guest appearances from Young Sheldon cast?
No official details yet, but Potter’s Young Sheldon roots could inspire cameos or Easter eggs.
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