Dr. Charles has always been the rock of Chicago Med, but fans noticed something unraveling in Season 10. The character’s gradual decline into therapist burnout wasn’t just a plot device—it was a passion project for actor Oliver Platt.
In interviews, Platt has openly discussed the emotional toll of portraying a mental health professional. “We play heroes, but we forget they’re human too,” he said. “I wanted to show what that toll looks like.”
The storyline follows Dr. Charles as he misses subtle signs, isolates himself, and finally seeks help. It’s raw, slow-burning, and deeply real. The arc was written with input from actual therapists, some of whom had experienced burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental health organizations praised the show for its honesty. “This storyline is helping normalize something so many therapists face in silence,” said one Chicago-based counselor. Fans, too, responded with heartfelt messages, calling it one of the most grounded and necessary arcs the show has produced.
