Annie Potts, beloved for her iconic role as Meemaw in Young Sheldon, is making a bold return to primetime TV. FOX has officially confirmed that Potts will play the “feisty aunt” in their upcoming medical comedy-drama series Best Medicine, a U.S. adaptation of the British hit Doc Martin.
This isn’t just a cameo—Potts is stepping into a central character role that promises heart, edge, and a whole lot of personality.
Who Is Annie Potts Playing in ‘Best Medicine’?
In Best Medicine, Potts portrays Aunt Joan, the no-nonsense, lobster-fishing aunt of lead character Dr. Martin Best (played by The Good Wife star Josh Charles). Described as gritty, independent, and emotionally complex, Aunt Joan will be one of Martin’s few remaining family ties when he returns to his quirky coastal hometown.
Her role is more than comedic relief—she’s the emotional anchor of Martin’s past, offering both conflict and comfort as he tries to adapt to small-town life after a meltdown in Boston.
What Is ‘Best Medicine’ About?
Best Medicine follows Dr. Martin Best, a top-tier Boston surgeon who suddenly develops severe anxiety attacks during procedures. Forced to give up surgery, he returns to his hometown to serve as a general practitioner. The twist? He’s great at medicine but terrible at people.
The show is a blend of:
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Sharp humor
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Emotional family reconnections
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Coastal-town quirks
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Medical drama with a comedic twist
🎭 H2: Why Annie Potts Is the Perfect Casting Choice
You know Annie Potts. If you’ve watched Young Sheldon, Ghostbusters, or Designing Women, you’ve seen her steal scenes with charm and sass. Here’s why she’s a perfect fit:
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She brings Meemaw’s warmth and wit to a very different but equally dynamic character.
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She can balance gruffness with vulnerability, making Aunt Joan believable and deeply likable.
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Her comedic timing is flawless, which is key in a show walking the line between drama and humor.
The Main Cast of ‘Best Medicine’ (So Far)
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Josh Charles as Dr. Martin Best – An elite surgeon turned reluctant small-town doctor
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Abigail Spencer as Louisa Glasson – A smart, headstrong schoolteacher who may be a romantic foil
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Josh Segarra as Sheriff Mark Mylow – A charming but nosy local cop
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Annie Potts as Aunt Joan – The local legend with a past, a boat, and no filter
The cast brings together veterans of drama and comedy, setting the show up for success on both fronts.
What Aunt Joan Brings to the Series
Think of Aunt Joan as the small-town version of a drill sergeant crossed with a life coach:
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She pushes Martin to face his flaws
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She knows all the locals’ secrets
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She’s not afraid to call out nonsense—but she’s fiercely loyal to her family
Much like Meemaw in Young Sheldon, Joan isn’t there to coddle. She’s there to keep things real—and maybe sneak in some heartfelt advice when it matters most.
When and Where Is ‘Best Medicine’ Being Filmed?
Filming is set to begin summer 2025 in upstate New York, which will double as the show’s fictional seaside town. The scenic backdrop plays a big role in the show’s tone—offering cozy, weathered charm and isolating beauty.
When Will ‘Best Medicine’ Premiere?
FOX has scheduled Best Medicine as a midseason show for 2025–2026, meaning it will likely debut in early 2026.
A New Era of One-Hour Comedies
FOX is marketing Best Medicine as a “one-hour comedy,” a format gaining popularity as viewers crave richer storytelling without sacrificing laughs. It allows for:
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Deeper character arcs
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Emotional beats alongside punchlines
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More screen time for legends like Potts to shine
What Fans Are Saying
Fans across social media have expressed excitement, with many noting:
“If Meemaw’s in it, I’m watching it.”
“Annie Potts makes everything better.”
“She’s the queen of deadpan with heart.”
Why This Show Could Be a Breakout Hit
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Strong IP: Based on Doc Martin, a long-running UK favorite
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Well-balanced cast: Drama veterans meet comedy legends
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Nostalgia + freshness: Potts brings familiarity, but the concept feels new
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Heart and humor: Perfect for fans of Parenthood, Northern Exposure, or Everwood
Comparing Aunt Joan to Meemaw
| Trait | Meemaw (Young Sheldon) | Aunt Joan (Best Medicine) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | East Texas | Coastal New England |
| Personality | Flirty, sharp, nurturing | Gruff, bold, emotionally layered |
| Style | Retro-chic | Fisherwoman casual |
| Role | Matriarchal force | Familial disruptor & mentor |
Potts Speaks Out
While Annie Potts hasn’t released a full statement, sources close to the production say she was “excited to take on a strong, mature female role with a little grit and a lot of heart.”
✅ Conclusion
Annie Potts’s return to TV in Best Medicine is more than just a casting win—it’s a creative statement. Her role as Aunt Joan promises to deliver laughs, heart, and a familiar face that fans will instantly connect with. As FOX builds out its 2025–2026 slate, this show has all the makings of a standout hit—and Potts will be right at the center of it.
❓FAQs
1. What is Annie Potts’s role in Best Medicine?
She plays Aunt Joan, a tough but caring relative of Dr. Martin Best who reconnects with him after years apart.
2. Is Best Medicine a remake of Doc Martin?
Yes. It’s a U.S. adaptation of the popular British medical dramedy.
3. When does Best Medicine premiere?
It’s expected to debut as a midseason show in early 2026.
4. What makes this show different from other medical dramas?
It blends humor, emotional storytelling, and character-driven plots in a unique “one-hour comedy” format.
5. Where is the show being filmed?
Production begins in upstate New York in summer 2025.
