5 reasons to make Best Medicine your next Netflix binge

While we love summer, it's often a long wait until our favorite shows return from hiatus. We have great news for you. FOX's Best Medicine is coming to Netflix on August 4, leaving you plenty of time to binge season 1 before the medical dramedy returns in September on FOX.

Netflix has acquired more of other networks' series,  adding Best Medicine to its library along with other hits like Doc. This allows viewers who missed its freshman run to now enjoy this heartwarming show. Best Medicine differs from many medical series because it's more lighthearted, but it delivers on charm, wit, and relationships, pulling you into this seaside town.

Best Medicine follows Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles) as he returns to Port Wenn, a seaside town that he used to summer at and visit his Aunt Sarah (Annie Potts). It's based on the UK version of Doc Martin, which I'll admit I never saw. Best Medicine has quickly become one of my favorites because of its character arcs, strong relationships, and quirky comedic timing.

Best Medicine features an all-star cast

Josh Charles leads Best Medicine as Dr. Martin Best, a former surgeon from Boston who relocates to Port Wenn to become the general doctor. He's like a fish out of water because he hasn't dealt with mundane issues in ages or a well-meaning, curious community.

Abigail Spencer portrays Louisa Gavin, the head teacher at Port Wenn's day school. She's Martin's love interest, but she's his opposite since she's passionate about everything that happens in Port Wenn, from the residents to its traditions.

Annie Potts plays Martin's Aunt Sarah, and she's outspoken but loving. She's thrilled that her nephew has returned but has some choice words about his life choices. She's a hoot! Josh Segarra portrays Sheriff Mark Mylow, Louisa's ex-fiancé and the town cop. Things become complicated when both he and Martin are attracted to Louisa, but it's fun and messy.

Best Medicine focuses on starting over

Who doesn't love a detailed character arc? Best Medicine season 1 dives into why Martin left Boston and begins again in Port Wenn, where he only knows his aunt. Initially, it feels like he's hiding out and that he doesn't trust anyone, but once someone learns his secret, he finds an unlikely ally and makes his medical practice thrive. It's as much about his evolution as it is about the weekly medical cases.

Louisa and Mark also needed to try to form a new type of relationship since, even though they broke up, everyone runs into one another and becomes the butt of gossip in a small town. Watching them come to terms with their past and become friends is one of the season's highlights, as it shows you can care about an ex.

The medical cases are quirky instead of intense

It's quickly revealed that Martin suffers from a blood phobia, which doesn't work well if he's a doctor. Part of the hilarity of Best Medicine is watching how he copes with that, who assists him with procedures, and how he hides it so he won't lose his job.

The weekly cases feature more fun and quirkiness and aren't as serious as something you'd find in Doc or The Resident. There are cases related to why one resident turned blue right before the annual Blueberry Festival or what caused an outbreak of food poisoning. Martin often deals with the community not listening to him since they're used to things being dealt with a certain way.

Port Wenn showcases small-town charm

Port Wenn exudes small-town charm, from the fishing dock to the infamous Salty Breeze. Everyone knows your name and your business, and it's the way it's always been. Most of the time, they'll jump in to help one another because that's what Port Wenn does, and Martin needs to adjust to that mindset quickly.

There's a festival for everything in Port Wenn. Gilmore Girls fans may appreciate it. There are monthly baked bean suppers and ball games, and my personal favorite, a blueberry pie festival. Everyone wants that crown, and people aren't afraid to play dirty to win the coveted prize. It's one of the most entertaining episodes.

There's an adorable dog to fall in love with

Every grumpy character needs an adorable dog to humanize him, and Best Medicine joins those shows. A lovable stray dog follows Martin around, even though the doctor doesn't seem interested. Eventually, everyone assumes the dog is his, and it's entertaining watching him become man's new best friend.

Best Medicine drops on Netflix on Tuesday, August 4, giving you plenty of time to catch up on season 1 before the upcoming season returns in September.

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