Doc fans have a major reason to tune in when the show returns. Veteran actor Blair Underwood is joining the cast of the hit Fox medical drama as a new series regular for the recently announced third season . Viewers will get a first look at his character in the upcoming Season 2 finale this April.
Underwood, known for his extensive work in television and film, will play Dr. Ben Grant. The character is described as a world-class trauma and cardiothoracic surgeon whose ego is as impressive as his surgical skills . According to the official character details released by Fox, Dr. Grant is a “once-in-a-generation talent with the swagger to match” who is used to being the smartest person in the operating room .
A New Rival for Dr. Amy Larsen
The introduction of Dr. Grant sets the stage for a major conflict on the show. His path will directly cross with the series’ lead, Dr. Amy Larsen, played by Molly Parker. The official description promises their meetings will be explosive, as their approaches to medicine clash and their egos collide . The network teases that “sparks fly like Westside has never seen” when the two brilliant surgeons are in the same room . Their dynamic is summed up perfectly: together, their brilliance is unmatched, but only if they can survive each other .
Underwood’s deal is reportedly for one season, similar to the arrangement for Felicity Huffman, who joined the show for a year-long arc in Season 2 . He will first appear as a guest star in the two-hour Season 2 finale, which airs on April 14, before becoming a regular presence in the third season .
Season 3 Renewed Amid Strong Ratings
The news of Underwood’s casting comes on the heels of Fox officially renewing Doc for a third season. The network announced the pickup on March 9, confirming that the new season will consist of 22 episodes and air during the 2026-2027 television season . This marks the second straight season with an expanded episode order, following a 10-episode first season.
Fox Television Network President Michael Thorn praised the show’s performance in a statement, calling it a “true breakout” for the network . He noted that Doc has delivered the network’s largest scripted multi-platform audience of the season, building significant momentum across Fox, Hulu, Netflix, and internationally . Katherine Pope, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, also expressed enthusiasm about continuing the partnership with Fox and praised the show’s compelling storytelling and standout performances .
A Character Built for Conflict
Dr. Ben Grant is not just another doctor walking the halls of Westside Hospital. He is a surgeon who doesn’t just save lives—he owns the operating room . His character is designed to be magnetic, confident, and used to being in control. That confidence will be put to the test the moment he meets Dr. Amy Larsen.
The collision between these two strong personalities is expected to be a central focus of Season 3. With both being top notch in their fields, their professional rivalry could spark unexpected results, both in and out of the operating room. The show’s writers have crafted a character that seems tailor-made to challenge Larsen as she continues to rebuild her life and career after the car accident that erased eight years of her memories .
What to Expect in the Season 2 Finale
Before Underwood becomes a regular, viewers can catch him in the Season 2 finale on April 14. The two-hour event will serve as the introduction for Dr. Ben Grant . It will likely set up the dynamics that will play out throughout Season 3, giving fans a taste of the friction between Grant and Larsen.
The Season 2 finale airs at 8 p.m. ET on Fox . New episodes of Doc currently air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET .
Underwood’s Illustrious Career
Blair Underwood brings decades of experience to the role. He currently stars in Youngblood, a reimagining of the 1980s hockey film . His recent television credits include a memorable guest spot as a murderous tennis coach on Elsbeth, as well as roles in Three Women, Impeachment: American Crime Story, Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker, and When They See Us . His role in Self Made earned him an NAACP Image Award .
Longtime television viewers will remember him from regular roles on Quantico, Dirty Sexy Money, The New Adventures of Old Christine, The Event, and the classic series L.A. Law . His film work includes Longlegs, Origin, Deep Impact, Set It Off, and Rules of Engagement . Underwood has also won an Emmy for the Saturday morning series Give and a Grammy for co-narrating the audiobook of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.
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The Cast and Creative Team
Doc stars Molly Parker as Dr. Amy Larsen, the hard-charging physician at the center of the story . The ensemble cast includes Omar Metwally as Dr. Michael Hamda, Amirah Vann as Dr. Gina Walker, Jon Ecker as Dr. Jake Heller, Anya Banerjee as Dr. Sonya Maitra, Patrick Walker as Dr. TJ Coleman, and Charlotte Fountain-Jardim as Katie Hamda . Felicity Huffman joined in Season 2 as Dr. Joan Ridley, and Scott Wolf recurs as Dr. Richard Miller .
The series is inspired by a true story and based on the hit Italian drama format Doc – Nelle tue mani . Barbie Kligman and Hank Steinberg serve as co-showrunners and executive producers . The executive producing team also includes Erwin Stoff, Russell Fine, John Weber, Frank Siracusa, Carol Barbee, and David Foster .
With the Season 2 finale approaching and a full 22-episode third season already confirmed, Doc continues to build momentum. The addition of Blair Underwood adds another layer of star power and dramatic tension to a show that has clearly resonated with audiences across multiple platforms.
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Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on your favorite shows and casting news as the 2026-2027 television season takes shape.
