The Waiting Game: Why 'Best Medicine' Season 2 Matters More Than You Think
There’s something oddly comforting about waiting for a new season of a show you love. It’s like anticipating a reunion with an old friend—you know it’s coming, but the build-up is part of the thrill. And when it comes to Best Medicine, the wait for Season 2 feels particularly charged. Personally, I think this isn’t just about the show itself; it’s about what it represents in today’s fragmented TV landscape.
Let’s start with the basics: Best Medicine Season 2 is set to premiere on September 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. But here’s the thing—this isn’t just another network show returning after a hiatus. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it’s navigating the divide between traditional TV and streaming. In an era where Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ dominate, Best Medicine is playing both sides of the fence. Its first season is coming to Netflix on August 4, a move that feels like a strategic play to capture a broader audience.
From my perspective, this dual approach is a smart one. Network TV still has its loyalists, but streaming is where the future lies. By airing on FOX and then landing on Netflix, Best Medicine is hedging its bets. It’s a show that understands its audience isn’t just one thing—it’s both the folks who tune in live and those who binge-watch on demand.
But let’s dig deeper. The show itself is a fish-out-of-water story, starring Josh Charles as a top surgeon who becomes a small-town doctor in Port Wenn, Maine. On the surface, it’s a charming, feel-good premise. Yet, what many people don’t realize is how this setup mirrors the show’s own position in the industry. Best Medicine is a bit of a fish out of water itself—a network show thriving in a streaming-dominated world.
This raises a deeper question: Can network TV still produce shows that feel fresh and relevant? In my opinion, Best Medicine is proof that it can. The show’s quirky tone and strong cast (Annie Potts, Josh Segarra, Cree, and Abigail Spencer) give it a unique flavor that stands out in a sea of streaming originals. It’s not trying to be the next Stranger Things or The Crown—it’s doing its own thing, and that’s what makes it compelling.
One thing that immediately stands out is the timing of its Netflix debut. August 4 is a strategic choice. It’s just a month before Season 2 premieres on FOX, giving new viewers a chance to catch up before the new episodes air. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a masterclass in cross-platform promotion. It’s not just about streaming; it’s about using streaming to drive viewership back to linear TV.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the show’s pricing on Hulu and Disney+. Hulu’s basic plan with ads is $10.99/month, while the ad-free version is $18.99/month. But here’s the kicker: Disney+ bundles, which include Hulu, start at $12.99/month. What this really suggests is that the industry is pushing viewers toward bundles, making it harder to subscribe to just one service. It’s a subtle but significant shift in how we consume content.
Now, let’s talk about the broader implications. The return of Best Medicine comes at a time when network TV is fighting to stay relevant. With streaming giants dropping new shows every week, traditional networks are struggling to keep up. But Best Medicine is a reminder that network TV still has a role to play. It’s not just about the content—it’s about the experience. There’s something special about tuning in live, knowing millions of others are watching at the same time.
In my opinion, this is where network TV can thrive: by leaning into its strengths. Live events, shared viewing experiences, and shows that feel like they’re part of the cultural conversation. Best Medicine isn’t just a show; it’s an event. And that’s something streaming can’t always replicate.
As we wait for September 22, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for shows like this. Will network TV continue to adapt, or will it eventually be swallowed by streaming? Personally, I think there’s room for both. The key is for networks to embrace change while staying true to what makes them unique.
So, is Best Medicine Season 2 just another show returning after a hiatus? Absolutely not. It’s a testament to the resilience of network TV, a strategic player in the streaming wars, and a reminder that sometimes, the best medicine is a good story.
