Netflix’s new medical drama, Pulse, premiered on April 3, 2025, and has quickly become a topic of discussion among viewers, though not for the reasons the creators might have hoped. The show, which follows the tumultuous lives of doctors and staff at Miami’s Maguire Medical Center, has drawn comparisons to HBO’s acclaimed series The Pitt, but many fans feel it falls short of expectations.
At the heart of Pulse is the story of third-year resident Dr. Danny Simms, played by Willa Fitzgerald. When the beloved Chief Resident, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell), is suspended, Danny is unexpectedly thrust into the role of chief resident just as a hurricane approaches the hospital. The storm forces the hospital into lockdown, leaving Danny and Xander to navigate their personal and professional challenges amid life-or-death situations.
According to Netflix, the series aims to depict the intense environment of a trauma center, where the stakes are high, and the pressure is unrelenting. The official synopsis states: “As a hurricane barrels towards Miami’s busiest Level 1 Trauma Center, third-year resident Dr. Danny Simms is unexpectedly thrust into a promotion when beloved Chief Resident Dr. Xander Phillips is suspended. Amid the worsening storm and an onslaught of trauma cases, the hospital goes into lockdown, and Danny and Phillips must find a way to work together – even as the bombshell details of a complicated and illicit romance between them begin to spill out.”
However, viewer reactions have been mixed. Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with one user stating: “Reviews are saying #Pulse is DOA and they’re not wrong! It’s a bit embarrassing to release such a lifeless medical drama within just a few months of The Pitt and The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call. Both of them prove what Pulse doesn’t, that the genre is still alive and well.” Another viewer lamented the timing of the release, noting, “I don't think #pulse could've premiered at a worse time. Because what do you mean there's a new medical drama at the same time as #thepitt?? It feels like night and day watching the two, it's not even fair to compare them, because one is realistic and the other… not.”
The series features a vibrant cast, including Justina Machado as Dr. Natalie Cruz, the chair of surgery and emergency medicine. Other cast members include Jessie T. Usher as Dr. Sam Elijah, Jessy Yates as Dr. Harper Simms (Danny’s younger sister), Néstor Carbonell as Dr. Ruben Soriano, Jack Bannon as Dr. Tom Cole, Chelsea Muirhead as Dr. Sophie Chan, Daniela Nieves as Camila Perez, Arturo Del Puerto as Luis Dominguez, Jessica Rothe as Cass Himmelstein, Santiago Segura as Gabriel Moreno, and Ash Santos as Nia Washington.
Fitzgerald, known for her role as Emma in MTV’s Scream, brings a depth to the character of Danny, who is portrayed as empathetic yet sometimes self-sabotaging. Colin Woodell, recognized for his performances in The Flight Attendant and The Originals, plays Xander, a confident doctor navigating his personal and professional life amidst the chaos of the hospital.
Justina Machado, who has previously starred in Six Feet Under, ER, and One Day at a Time, adds a strong presence as Dr. Cruz, a mother fiercely protective of her daughter while managing the demands of a high-pressure environment. Usher, known for his role as A-Train in The Boys, portrays a competitive resident, adding another layer of complexity to the ensemble.
Despite the star-studded cast and high-stakes premise, critics have pointed out that the show lacks the chemistry and engagement that viewers expect from a medical drama. As one viewer noted, the show feels “lifeless” compared to its contemporaries. The comparisons to The Pitt have been particularly harsh, with many suggesting that while The Pitt successfully captures the intensity and realism of medical emergencies, Pulse struggles to find its footing.
In response to the criticism, Netflix may need to consider how to enhance the character dynamics and plot development to keep audiences engaged. The challenge for Pulse will be to carve out its own identity in a crowded genre filled with established shows that have set a high bar.
As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether Pulse can turn around its initial reception. With a hurricane threatening the hospital, the stakes are literally and figuratively high for the characters, and viewers will be watching closely to see if the series can weather the storm of criticism it has faced so far.
With the medical drama genre being a staple of television, Pulse joins a competitive lineup that includes NBC’s St. Denis Medical, Fox’s Doc, and ABC’s Doctor Odyssey. The success of these shows highlights the audience’s appetite for compelling storytelling, complex characters, and realistic portrayals of the medical profession.
In conclusion, while Pulse has the potential to engage viewers with its dramatic premise and talented cast, it will need to address the concerns raised by critics and fans alike. The series is now streaming on Netflix, and audiences will be keen to see if it can evolve and establish itself as a worthy contender in the realm of medical dramas.
