American medical television series by decade

American Medical Television Series by Decade is a comprehensive overview of television series within the United States that are centered around medical themes, including drama and comedy, that have been produced and aired over the decades. These series often provide viewers with insights into the lives of medical professionals and the challenges they face in their daily routines, ranging from emergency room crises to the intricacies of running a private practice. This article categorizes these series by their respective decades of first airing, highlighting the evolution of medical television series over time.

1950s

The 1950s marked the beginning of medical television series in America, with shows like City Hospital and Medic. These series were pioneering in their approach to dramatizing the medical profession, setting a precedent for future shows.

1960s

The 1960s introduced more nuanced medical dramas and sitcoms, including Dr. Kildare and The Nurses. These shows began to explore more complex medical and ethical issues, reflecting the changing societal attitudes towards medicine and healthcare.

1970s

The 1970s saw a diversification in the genre with series like M*A*S*H, a medical drama set in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, and Marcus Welby, M.D., which focused on a family practitioner. These series were notable for blending humor with serious medical and social issues.

1980s

The 1980s witnessed the advent of iconic series such as St. Elsewhere and Trapper John, M.D.. These series were characterized by their ensemble casts and complex narratives that intertwined personal and professional lives of the characters.

1990s

In the 1990s, medical dramas like ER and Chicago Hope gained immense popularity. These series offered a more realistic and gritty portrayal of the emergency department, pushing the boundaries of medical storytelling.

2000s

The 2000s introduced a new era of medical series with shows like Grey's Anatomy and House, M.D.. These series combined medical cases with deep character development, exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of the medical profession.

2010s

The 2010s continued the trend with series such as The Good Doctor and New Amsterdam, which focus on the personal and professional lives of doctors and the healthcare system's challenges and triumphs.

2020s

The 2020s have seen the continuation of medical dramas with series like Transplant and Nurses, reflecting the ongoing interest in medical storytelling and the evolving landscape of healthcare.

The evolution of American medical television series reflects broader changes in society's views on medicine, healthcare, and the moral dilemmas faced by medical professionals. From the early days of pioneering dramas to the complex narratives of today, these series offer a unique lens through which to view the challenges and triumphs of the medical field.