Fox’s Best Medicine: Everything You Need to Know About Doc Martin Cameos and Release Date

Fox is venturing into the medical genre with its upcoming comedy drama Best Medicine, inspired by the beloved show Doc Martin.

Prior to launching Best Medicine, Fox achieved notable success with The Resident, which concluded after six seasons in 2023. The network subsequently ordered Doc to series, continuing its successful streak in the medical drama realm.

In May 2025, Fox announced the development of Best Medicine, featuring Josh Charles in the lead role.

“We view comedy not as a single genre. It’s not merely half-hour live-action,” stated Fox Television Network President Michael Thorn to reporters. “We see it in various forms including animation, and even in one-hour comedies like Best Medicine. Our game shows, like The 1% Club, are approached as comedies primarily. Thus, this opportunity felt perfect for us to broaden our reach through humor.”

He elaborated: “We are drawn to this story for its wit, charm, optimism, and edge, alongside its status as a well-established 10-season global hit from the U.K. It has been nearly ten years since we aired a one-hour comedy at Fox. Introducing this distinctive Fox character and his journey is an ideal match for our network. There’s truly nothing like Best Medicine on broadcast TV today.”

Thorn expressed enthusiasm about crafting a more comedic medical series.

“We admire several aspects of the original format that Liz Tuccillo, who is adapting the American version, has captured so effectively. The original features an old, humorous, surprising, flawed character without filters, who is also a brilliant physician. Such complex characters resonate well with our audience,” he stated. “We feel fortunate to have Josh Charles embodying the American version. Moreover, the original’s delightful ensemble of supporting characters is captivating. The blossoming romance and the aspirational small-town backdrop enhance the narrative — all specialties that Liz’s writing truly brings to life.”

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Best Medicine — and its ties to Doc Martin:

When Will ‘Best Medicine’ Premiere on Fox?

The medical comedy is currently in production in upstate New York and is set to premiere in January 2026. Best Medicine comes from writer Liz Tuccillo and has already received a series order from Fox.

What Is the Show About?

Per the official synopsis, Best Medicine follows a doctor who “relocates from Boston, Massachusetts, to a small practice in a quaint fishing village on the east coast where he spent childhood vacations.”

Who Makes Up the Cast?

Leading the cast is Charles as Dr. Martin Best alongside Abigail Spencer, who plays Louisa Glasson, a charming local teacher who “initially clashes with Martin Best but finds herself intrigued by him,” as per the character details.

Furthermore, Josh Segarra takes on the role of Sheriff Mark Mylow, characterized as “a charismatic lawman familiar with every corner of his town. Still recovering from a recent breakup with Louisa, he is eager to form a bond with the new doctor, creating a love triangle as sparks fly between Best and his ex.”

Cree will portray Elaine Denton, an ambitious individual dreaming of escaping the town. Charming but inept in her job, she is overly focused on becoming a YouTube sensation and is oblivious to why Martin is often upset with her.

Completing the cast is Annie Potts as Aunt Joan, “a robust lobster woman who ventures out on her boat daily; it’s advised not to suggest she stop for her own good.”

“She’s the heart of the earth; beneath her tough exterior lies a heart as vast as the ocean. She adores her small Maine town and her cantankerous nephew,” the synopsis adds. “While loyal and stubborn, she’s the sort of woman whose company is cherished and whose disappointment is avoided. However, even Joan harbors a few secrets — including why she lost touch with Martin all those years ago.”

Didi Conn plays councilwoman Geneva Potter, Clea Lewis is pharmacist Sally Mylow, and Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey are the “happily married owners” of The Salty Breeze. Other cast members include Cindy De La Cruz as schoolteacher Jeannie, John DiMaggio as handyman Burt Large, Carter Shimp as Burt’s son Al Large, and a canine character named Wattson, portraying pup Copernicus.

What Is ‘Best Medicine’ Based On?

Fox’s upcoming series draws inspiration from the ITV series Doc Martin, which aired from 2004 to 2022. The show was created by Dominic Minghella, who developed the character of Dr. Martin Bamford from the 2000 film Saving Grace.

Doc Martin featured Martin Clunes, Caroline Catz, Ian McNeice, Joe Absolom, Selina Cadell, John Marquez, Eileen Atkins, and Jessica Ransom.

Are ‘Doc Martin’ Stars on ‘Best Medicine’?

In October 2025, it was revealed that original Doc Martin star Clunes will appear as Martin Best’s father.