MD TV: New medical shows debut in fall lineup

Doctors have been playing starring roles in TV shows for decades, and the new fall schedule offers a few shows that networks hope will have a long life.

Zachary Quinto stars in the new NBC medical drama, "Brilliant Minds," one of a few new shows featuring doctors. (NBC/Peter Kramer)

They’ll join a couple of other veteran hospital dramas that have proven to be long-running hits.

Here’s a quick rundown of this season’s medical shows.

Rookies

Brilliant Minds: Zachary Quinto stars in the new NBC drama. He plays a neurologist who wants to experience what his patients are feeling, according to previews. NBC’s preview says his character also suffers from “face blindness,” which makes it difficult to recognize faces or pick up clues.The series is inspired by the life of the late neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks. It premieres Monday night at 10 p.m. Eastern.

Doctor Odyssey: Joshua Jackson stars as a doctor on a luxury cruise ship in this new ABC series, which also features Don Johnson. The show premieres Thursday. It’s part of ABC’s “first responder” Thursday, sandwiched between “9-1-1” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” It’s developed by the prolific Ryan Murphy, who also created the “9-1-1” franchise, and debuts Thursday, Sept. 26.

St. Denis Medical: Unlike the new doctor dramas, this new offering from NBC is a comedy. The network says the program focuses on life at an Oregon hospital that’s lacking in funding. Allison Tolman and David Alan Grier headline the cast of the comedy created by Justin Spitzer (“Superstore” and “American Auto”). You’ll have to wait a bit for St. Denis, which debuts Nov. 12.

Returning shows

Grey’s Anatomy: Few shows have lasted as long as this Seattle-based drama, which returns for its 21st season on ABC. Ellen Pompeo, the longtime star of the series, will be seen a bit more often in the upcoming season, appearing in seven episodes, People reports. Chandra Wilson, a key player since the series began, also returns. The series returns Thursday, Sept. 26.

Chicago Med: It can’t match the longevity of Grey’s Anatomy, but Chicago Med has outlasted many other shows. The NBC series returns for its 10th season as part of the network’s Windy City Wednesday, along with Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. S. Epatha Merkerson, Oliver Platt and Marlyne Barrett are back for the new season, which kicks off Sept. 25.

Reboot?

It’s been more than a decade since the classic comedy “Scrubs” finished its run, but a return could be possible. Series creator Bill Lawrence, who also created “Ted Lasso”, told Variety last month that a reboot could come together. “The business part of it can always get mucked up. But I’m super hopeful,” he says.

Reminiscing

One of the most celebrated TV dramas, “ER.” debuted on NBC 30 years ago. The series, showing life inside a Chicago hospital, lasted 15 seasons and featured a large and brilliant cast, including Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Julianne Margulies, Noah Wyle, Eriq La Salle, and many others.

Fun note: Clooney and Margulies say they sign emails to each other with the names of their ER characters, Doug and Carol, according to People.

If you remember the premiere of ER, it’s probably time for a wellness check with your doctor.