Medical dramas have long been a cornerstone of television — blending high-stakes emergencies, groundbreaking science, and deeply human stories.

Today, Netflix offers a rich variety of hospital and medical series, spanning everything from heart-pounding thrillers and touching ensemble pieces to real-life documentaries and stylish historical dramas. Whether you're in Switzerland, Germany, or browsing internationally, the platform brings together some of the best-reviewed titles across languages and cultures.

This guide spotlights the top hospital and medical shows on Netflix: acclaimed American staples, standout international hits, and original German productions that offer a fresh, compelling look at medicine and human resilience.

Classic drama series & long-running hits

Grey’s Anatomy (2005–today)

One of the most iconic medical dramas in television history, Grey’s Anatomy chronicles the personal and professional lives of surgical staff at Seattle Grace Hospital. Early seasons earned widespread acclaim for weaving intense medical cases with deeply emotional character arcs. The show won a Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2007 and has earned 38 Emmy nominations.

Availability: New seasons stream on Netflix in many regions (e.g., US), with a library of over 400 episodes.

House, M.D. (2004–2012)

Often described as “Sherlock Holmes in a hospital,” House, M.D. features Hugh Laurie as the brilliant but abrasive Dr. Gregory House. The series was praised for its sharp writing and Laurie's award-winning performance. It achieved a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating in one of its standout seasons.

Availability: A past Netflix highlight; though not available everywhere in 2025, it has been streamed internationally.

Call the Midwife (2012–heute)

This British period drama follows midwives and nuns delivering babies in 1950s–60s East London, portraying the gritty realities of childbirth and women's health. Call the Midwife continues to earn critical praise even after 14 seasons and was voted "best show of the past 25 years" by RadioTimes readers.

Availability: Past seasons have streamed in many Netflix regions.

The Resident (2018–2023)

Focused on the realities and ethical challenges of modern healthcare, The Resident spotlights the medical staff at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital. Praised for its engaging narratives and strong character development.

Availability: Streaming on Netflix in many regions as of 2025.

The Good Doctor (2017–heute)

This global hit follows Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. Based on a Korean drama, it has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity and emotional storytelling.

Availability: Available on Netflix in select countries (e.g., Australia, Portugal, South Korea).

Scrubs (2001–2010)

A beloved blend of comedy and drama, Scrubs offers a heartfelt yet hilarious look at young doctors learning the ropes at a teaching hospital. It won a Peabody Award for its realistic, human portrayal of hospital life through a comedic lens.

Availability: Previously a Netflix favorite; still a top recommendation across platforms

Dark and Mysterious

Nurse Jackie (2009–2015)

A darkly comedic drama centered around an ER nurse battling addiction while excelling professionally. Edie Falco's award-winning performance brought depth and nuance to the show’s depiction of healthcare challenges.

Availability: Previously streamed on Netflix in select regions.

Ratched (2020)

A visually stunning Netflix Original thriller set in a 1940s psychiatric hospital. Ratched serves as a stylish prequel to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, exploring the dark transformation of Nurse Mildred Ratched, played by Sarah Paulson. It earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Series.

Availability: Streaming globally on Netflix.

Docu Series & True Crime

Lenox Hill (2020)

This acclaimed Netflix documentary series offers an unfiltered view into the lives of four doctors at a New York City hospital, balancing personal struggles with high-stakes patient care.

Availability: Streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Diagnosis (2019)

Inspired by Dr. Lisa Sanders’ New York Times column, this docuseries follows patients with rare and mysterious illnesses, crowd-sourcing diagnoses from around the world.

Availability: Streaming globally on Netflix.

Emergency: NYC (2023)

A gripping docuseries diving into the world of New York City’s emergency responders. It provides an intimate look at trauma surgeons, paramedics, and ICU teams battling life-and-death cases daily.

Availability: Streaming on Netflix (8 episodes).

The Surgeon’s Cut (2020)

An inspiring Netflix miniseries that profiles four world-renowned surgeons who push the boundaries of medical science. Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, it celebrates life-changing innovation in medicine.

Availability: Streaming globally on Netflix.

Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife (2023)

A chilling Netflix true-crime docuseries exposing the scandal of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini and his failed artificial organ transplants. It's a gripping mix of medical journalism and crime documentary.

Availability: Streaming worldwide on Netflix.

International Highlights

Hospital Playlist (2020–2021)

A heartwarming Korean drama that follows five lifelong friends working at the same hospital. With its mix of music, friendship, and everyday heroism, Hospital Playlist became one of the highest-rated K-dramas on Netflix.

Availability: Netflix Original available in most regions.

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)

The latest hit Korean medical drama distributed by Netflix, following a genius surgeon who revolutionizes a struggling hospital’s trauma department. Early reviews call it “better than The Good Doctor.”

Availability: Streaming worldwide on Netflix (8 episodes, released January 2025).

Best Original German Hospital and Medical Series

Germany has produced several outstanding hospital dramas — ranging from period masterpieces to heartfelt modern tales. These shows offer a unique lens on medical storytelling and have earned both national and international acclaim. Here are the standout German contributions to the genre:

Charité (2017–2021)

A critically acclaimed period drama set in Berlin’s world-renowned Charité hospital. Spanning several eras — from the medical breakthroughs of the late 19th century to the turbulent years of World War II (Charité at War, Season 2) — the series dramatizes the lives of pioneering doctors like Robert Koch and Emil von Behring. Charité won praise for its rich storytelling, high production values, and strong performances, with lead actress Alicia von Rittberg receiving a prestigious Bambi Award in 2017.

Availability: Originally aired on ARD in Germany and distributed globally via Netflix. (Seasons 1–3 are still available in many regions, though no longer on Netflix US/UK.)

Club der roten Bänder ("Red Bracelets," 2015–2017) 

An emotionally powerful drama about teenage patients who form a deep bond while hospitalized in a pediatric ward. Adapted from a Catalan original, Club der roten Bänder stood out for its authentic performances and heartfelt storytelling. It became a breakout hit in Germany, winning the German Television Award for Best Series and an International Emmy Kids Award in 2018.

Availability: Originally broadcast on VOX. While not a Netflix Original, it remains available on German streaming platforms and has inspired adaptations worldwide.

Doctor’s Diary (2008–2011)

A cult-favorite dramedy often dubbed "Germany’s Scrubs with a romantic twist." Doctor’s Diary follows Dr. Gretchen Haase (played by Diana Amft), a relatable and hilariously flawed surgical resident juggling her career and complicated love life. The series won multiple German Television and Comedy Awards for its witty writing and sharp performances, offering a refreshing take on the medical genre.

Availability: Not currently on Netflix, but highly rated (≈8/10 IMDb) and available on German services like RTL+.

Die Schwarzwaldklinik ("The Black Forest Clinic," 1985–1989)

[Honorable Mention]

A landmark in German television history, Die Schwarzwaldklinik blended hospital melodrama with picturesque Black Forest scenery. Centered on the Brinkmann family and their medical clinic, it was a ratings phenomenon in the 1980s, attracting over 20 million viewers at its peak. While more soap-operatic than modern dramas, it paved the way for later, more realistic German medical series.

Availability: Originally aired on ZDF; still accessible via DVD and German streaming archives.

Beyond the Screen: Where Medical Stories Meet Real-World Impact

From the operating rooms of Seattle to the trauma centers of Seoul, and from Berlin's historic Charité to New York City's emergency squads, Netflix's lineup proves that medical storytelling knows no borders.
Whether you're drawn to character-driven dramas, stylish psychological thrillers, inspiring true stories, or heartfelt ensemble casts, there's a medical series here ready to pull you in — and maybe even make you see healthcare heroes in a whole new light.

And if you’re passionate about medicine beyond the screen, be sure to visit just-medical! — your platform for real-world healthcare insights, professional opportunities, and the latest in the medical field.

Because while great stories entertain us, real healthcare changes lives.