Josh Charles Charms as a Cantankerous Small Town Doctor in Fox’s Cutesy ‘Best Medicine’: TV Review

Key Highlights

• In this case, the titular curmudgeon — yes, the name is a pun and the character is called Doctor Best — is played by erstwhile “The Good Wife” star Josh Charles, whose cantankerous charm keeps the sometimes forced-feeling zaniness in check through the first four episodes.
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• (Ironically, this celebration of the country’s quieter corners was developed by Liz Tuccillo, an alumna of the quintessentially urban “Sex and the City” and co-author of the hit self-help book “He’s Just Not That Into You.”) Charles’ Boston heart surgeon used to vacation there as a kid, and returns when a childhood trauma-triggering incident at work gives him an occupationally hazardous fear of blood.
• Conveniently, the town doctor has just passed away, giving Martin — inheriting a first name from his English predecessor — a new job and a chance to work on his abysmal bedside manner.
• Popular on Variety Martin wants nothing more than to diagnose his patients, treat their illnesses and move on with his day.