Netflix's New Hit Was Supposed to Replace The Pitt, but It Became a Disaster With 45% on RT

Medical dramas are slowly migrating to streaming. Following HBO's surprise hit The Pitt earlier this year, Netflix has released Pulse, the platform's first hospital-based drama.

While The Pitt's signature concept was its near-real-time action (each of the 15 episodes is one hour of a 15-hour shift at the hospital), Pulse confronts the vagaries of nature.

The show had a promising concept and plenty of examples of successful, gripping and suspenseful medical dramas, but Pulse turned out to be a disappointment.

What Is Pulse About?

The series is set in the emergency room of Maguire Hospital, where the most difficult patients are saved every day.

When a hurricane hits the city, the doctors are in the thick of it, forced to work around the clock to help the victims. Among them is ER doctor Danny Simms, who unexpectedly gets a promotion after her former boss is fired for sexual harassment.

And with her new position comes additional challenges and pressures, such as dealing with tired colleagues and frightened patients.

Pulse Doesn't Even Try to Be Realistic and Accurate

A great medical drama relies on authenticity, however, Pulse often sacrifices medical credibility for melodrama. Scenes that should feel tense and precise instead come off as rushed or exaggerated, with medical language feeling forced rather than natural.

Worst of all, Pulse is so inaccurate that it literally jumps out at you, spoiling the experience not only for those familiar with healthcare, but even for the average viewer.

Pulse Is Full of One-Dimensional and Unlikable Characters

Compelling medical dramas invest in their characters, giving them rich backstories and arcs. Pulse, on the other hand, introduces a large ensemble cast but fails to develop them beyond superficial traits.

With the exception of the main character, Danny, but in that case, a well-developed arc is more of a problem. Good luck finding a positive review for this character. It's been a long time since viewers were so unanimous in their dislike of the main protagonist.

Reddit user PsychSwap wrote:

“Not the actors fault but why they make the main character Danny the most unlikable person she's the true villain. I can't believe they thought a horrid narcissist who falsely accused someone of harassment would make a good main character.”

It turns out that if you make the main character mean and arrogant, viewers generally don't like it. What a surprise.

Pulse Can't Compete With Modern Medical Dramas Like The Pitt

Pulse isn't unwatchable, but it doesn't stand out in the medical genre. Without strong and likable characters or engaging writing, it feels like a throwaway copy of better shows.

For medical drama fans, there are far better options – Pulse simply lacks the necessary heartbeat to survive. Please, just watch The Pitt if you haven't already.