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.”
A Familiar Face in a Brand-New Role
Fox is cooking up something bold for its 2025 primetime lineup—a fresh take on the beloved British medical dramedy Doc Martin. But here’s the twist: instead of your average quirky doctor, this series is bringing the heat by casting a familiar face from 9-1-1 Season 8—yes, the villain that had fans buzzing for weeks. So, what does this mean for Fox’s new show? And why is everyone talking about it? Let’s dive in.
What Is Fox’s ‘Doc Martin’ Dupe All About?
A Stateside Reimagining with a Modern Edge
Think of it as Doc Martin meets House, with a slice of Virgin River drama. This upcoming Fox medical drama follows a brilliant yet socially awkward physician who relocates from a high-intensity urban hospital to a quiet coastal town, only to stir up all kinds of small-town tension and secrets. But unlike Doc Martin, this American adaptation leans harder into mystery, emotional trauma, and—wait for it—criminal backstories.
Who Is the ‘9-1-1’ Villain Joining the Cast?
The Antagonist Fans Love to Hate
While Fox is keeping the official character name under wraps, it’s been confirmed that the actor playing the villain from Season 8 of 9-1-1 has been cast in a pivotal role—likely the central antagonist or a morally gray local figure.
This actor left a chilling impression in 9-1-1, portraying a rogue paramedic who manipulated crises for personal gain. Now, imagine that same intense presence dropped into a sleepy seaside village. Chills, right?
Why This Casting Choice Is a Game Changer
From Chaos to Clinic: A Bold Career Pivot
Casting a known antagonist from an action-packed series into a quieter, emotionally driven medical drama is an unexpected move—but one that could work brilliantly. Viewers already associate this actor with high-stakes tension, so watching them pivot into a complex, layered role will keep audiences on edge. It’s like taking a match and dropping it into a field of dry grass—sparks are bound to fly.
The Show’s Coastal Setting Adds Depth
Why Small-Town Drama Hits Harder
Set in a fictional East Coast fishing town, the show uses its setting not just for aesthetics, but for emotional weight. Much like Doc Martin, this environment becomes a character in its own right—isolated, introspective, and full of unresolved issues.
Pair that with the arrival of a socially blunt doctor and a mysterious villain with a past? You’ve got a recipe for weekly drama gold.
Psychological Drama Over Procedural Tropes
A Shift from Case-of-the-Week to Character-Driven Plots
Unlike the more procedural format of 9-1-1, Fox’s new medical show will favor serialized storytelling. Expect long-burning plotlines, slow reveals, and psychological showdowns. This means the villain won’t just be “bad for an episode”—they’ll simmer, manipulate, and haunt every corner of the story.
Is This the Next ‘House’ or a Total Original?
Comparisons Will Come—But the Tone Is Unique
Yes, critics will inevitably compare this to House or Doc Martin, but creators promise a different flavor. This show aims to humanize everyone—including the villain. There will be no one-note bad guys. Instead, audiences will be asked: What if the villain has a point?
A Spotlight Role for a Rising Star
More Than Just a Villain
The 9-1-1 alum isn’t just there to stir the pot—they’re getting a meaty, emotionally nuanced role. Sources say their character might even have a tragic backstory connected to the town’s darkest secrets. Redemption arc, anyone?
Fan Reactions: Shock, Praise, and Endless Theories
Twitter Has Entered the Chat
Since the announcement, social media has lit up with fan theories and reactions. Some love the idea of the villain crossing into a new universe. Others wonder if this hints at a bigger Fox crossover. One popular tweet reads:
“From saving lives to ruining them—can’t wait to see this villain in a white coat!”
How the Character Ties into the Bigger Plot
A Nemesis, Ally, or Something In-Between?
Sources hint that this new character will walk a fine line between helping the town and hiding something from it. They may arrive as a wealthy investor or a rival medical professional—but their ties to the town’s trauma will be central to the plot.
Production Details and Premiere Timeline
Filming Starts Fall 2025
Production is set to begin this fall, with a premiere targeted for mid-season 2026. It’s being helmed by several of the minds behind The Resident and 9-1-1: Lone Star, so expect high production quality and emotional depth.
Writers Promise Twists, Turns, and Teardrops
More Than Just a Medical Show
Showrunners tease that each episode will end with a cliffhanger or emotional punch, blending elements of suspense, personal growth, and community healing. And yes, the villain will be at the center of it all—sometimes loved, often feared.
What This Means for the Actor’s Career
From Supporting Villain to Series Co-Lead
After stealing scenes in 9-1-1, this casting marks a major step up. They’ll be featured prominently in promos, storyline arcs, and potentially awards conversations. Not bad for a character who once caused chaos with a radio dispatch.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch
This new Fox series promises to shake up your expectations of a medical drama. With a morally complex story, a charming-yet-flawed lead, and a deeply layered villain from 9-1-1, the show is shaping up to be one of the most binge-worthy premieres of 2026. If you loved Doc Martin but wished it had more bite—and more plot twists—you won’t want to miss this.
