Fox’s new show Best Medicine is creating a major split between reviewers and people watching at home. The series started airing on January 4, 2026, and has one of the largest differences in ratings seen on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have given it a mostly positive score, but regular viewers are not enjoying it nearly as much. This gap highlights a clear division in opinion about the American remake of a popular British series.
The show stars Josh Charles as Dr. Martin Best, a surgeon who leaves a Boston hospital to become a small-town doctor in Maine. The cast also includes Abigail Spencer, Josh Segarra, Cree Cicchino, and Annie Potts. Best Medicine is based on the long-running and beloved British series Doc Martin, which aired for 10 seasons starting in 2004.
Details on the Best Medicine Ratings Split
The score difference is striking. On Rotten Tomatoes, Best Medicine holds a 73% critics score. This means nearly three-quarters of professional reviewers gave it a positive write-up. In contrast, the audience score is sitting at just 38%. This creates a 35 percentage point gap between what critics think and what the audience feels.
This kind of split puts the show in rare company. While movies often have these divides, it is less common for a new TV series to have such a stark contrast right from its premiere.
What Critics Are Saying About Best Medicine
Professional reviewers have described the show in positive terms. Many critics have called the series quirky and whimsical. They note that while the format is familiar, it works well for this type of show. A common point of praise is the performance of lead actor Josh Charles, who many reviewers highlight as a strong part of the series.
One critic said the show “strikes a winsome balance between heart and humor” and that Charles is excellent in the lead role. Another review pointed out it is a “pleasant enough comedy-drama” that stays true to the spirit of the original British series while telling new stories.
Why Audiences Are Giving Negative Reviews
The reaction from people watching the show is very different from the critics. Many audience reviews express disappointment. A common complaint is that the American remake is an inferior version of the original Doc Martin.
Fans of the British series are especially critical. One viewer wrote, “This so-called remake is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the original series”. Another stated, “If Doc Martin is a sharp British comedy… Best Medicine is the flat American remake that forgot both ingredients”.
Other viewers, even those unfamiliar with the original, find the show unfunny and its characters unrealistic. There are also notes about the show’s setting. The story is set in a Maine fishing village, but it is filmed in New York. Several reviewers from Maine have pointed out that the location feels inauthentic.
One detailed review said, “Port Wenn is supposed to be in Maine… It doesn’t look or sound like Maine in any sense. It’s filmed in New York and it shows”.
Background on the Original Series and Remake
The source material, Doc Martin, is a British television institution. It starred Martin Clunes as the grumpy, blood-phobic doctor Martin Ellingham and ran successfully for 10 seasons on ITV, ending in 2022. The show was praised for its dry humor and heart, building a dedicated global fanbase.
Best Medicine is the latest in a line of international adaptations of the format, which has also been remade in countries like France, Germany, and Spain. Key producers from the original British series, including Mark Crowdy and Philippa Braithwaite, are also involved in the American version. Notably, Martin Clunes has a recurring role in Best Medicine as the father of Josh Charles’s character.
Release Schedule and How to Watch
Best Medicine airs on Fox on Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. EST. After its initial broadcast, episodes are available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The series premiered on January 4, 2026, and is early in its first season.
The show’s early television ratings were modest. Its series premiere attracted 3.69 million viewers. For comparison, it was scheduled against strong competition like NFL football games.
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Fan Reactions and Comparison to Doc Martin
The discussion among viewers online heavily involves comparing the new show to Doc Martin. Many fans of the original are urging people to skip the remake and watch the British version instead. The character portrayals, the humor, and the overall charm are frequent points of contention.
However, not all audience feedback is negative. Some viewers are approaching it as its own show. One reviewer noted, “I think they are doing a good job paying tribute to the original but making it its own show”. Another said, “I’m enjoying the first 2 episodes… I’m hopeful for this show”.
The show’s future is not yet determined. With such a large divide in reception, it remains to be seen if audience opinions will improve as the season continues or if the show will find a steady viewership that enjoys its take on the familiar premise.
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