British medical television series by decade

British Medical Television Series by Decade is a comprehensive overview of television series within the United Kingdom that focus on medical themes, including drama, documentary, and educational content. These series have played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of the medical profession, healthcare issues, and have provided entertainment and information to a wide audience. This article categorizes these series by the decades in which they were first broadcast.

1950s

The 1950s marked the beginning of medical television series in the UK, with a focus on both fictional and non-fictional representations of the medical field.

• Emergency – Ward 10 (1957-1967): One of the earliest and most popular medical dramas, focusing on the lives of the staff and patients at Oxbridge General Hospital.

1960s

The 1960s saw a continuation of the medical drama genre, with series becoming more sophisticated in their storytelling and production values.

• Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962-1971): A series based on the stories of A.J. Cronin, depicting the life of a general practitioner in the fictional Scottish town of Tannochbrae during the late 1920s.

1970s

The 1970s introduced more variety in medical television, including series that focused on both the personal and professional lives of medical practitioners.

• Angels (1975-1983): A series that focused on the lives of student nurses, offering a female perspective on the medical profession and highlighting the challenges faced by nursing staff.

1980s

The 1980s saw the emergence of medical series that combined elements of drama and documentary, providing viewers with a more realistic view of the medical world.

• Casualty (1986-present): A groundbreaking series that focuses on the Accident and Emergency department of the fictional Holby City Hospital, known for its realistic portrayal of medical procedures and patient stories.

1990s

The 1990s witnessed the expansion of medical dramas, with series exploring various aspects of the medical field, from surgery to general practice.

• Cardiac Arrest (1994-1996): A critically acclaimed series known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the NHS, seen through the eyes of junior doctors.

2000s

The 2000s introduced a new era of medical dramas and documentaries, with a focus on high-stakes medical procedures and ethical dilemmas.

• Doctors (2000-present): A daytime soap opera focusing on the lives of the staff and patients of a GP surgery in the fictional Midlands town of Letherbridge.

2010s

The 2010s continued the tradition of medical series, with an emphasis on both the personal and professional challenges faced by medical professionals.

• Call the Midwife (2012-present): A period drama series based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, focusing on a group of midwives working in the East End of London in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

2020s

The 2020s have seen the continuation of established medical series and the introduction of new ones, reflecting the ongoing public interest in medical stories and the challenges of modern healthcare.

• Holby City (1999-2022): Although it began in the late 1990s, Holby City remained a significant part of British medical television into the 2020s, offering viewers a detailed look at the lives of hospital staff in a fictional hospital.

This overview highlights the evolution of British medical television series by decade, showcasing the diversity and depth of the genre. From early dramas in the 1950s to the complex and nuanced series of the 2020s, British medical television continues to captivate audiences with its portrayal of the medical profession and its impact on society.