"Doctor Odyssey" Review: Joshua Jackson Brings Sexy Drama Back to Network TV
ABC’s new drama Doctor Odyssey made waves with its exciting premiere, offering viewers a fast-paced, glamorous medical procedural set aboard a luxury cruise ship. Led by the charismatic Joshua Jackson, the show feels like a blend of Grey’s Anatomy and The Love Boat, with a dash of classic Ryan Murphy drama. Fans of network TV will find themselves immersed in high-stakes medical cases, sizzling romances, and mysterious backstories.
The show’s central character, Dr. Max Bankman (Jackson), is a hot-shot doctor who joins the cruise after a traumatic past in a traditional hospital setting. He quickly encounters the crew, including nurses Avery (Phillipa Soo) and Tristan (Sean Teale), both vying for his attention in more ways than one. Within the first episode, Doctor Odyssey teases a love triangle, with Avery and Max sharing undeniable chemistry that leads to a steamy yet ethically questionable hookup.
The series doesn’t just focus on romance, though. It’s packed with intriguing medical cases, from iodine poisoning to more outrageous injuries, keeping the audience on their toes. Guest stars, like Rachel Dratch in the premiere, promise to add fun and unpredictability to each episode, giving the show an element of surprise.
The pilot, while overstuffed with multiple medical cases, successfully establishes the core dynamics between characters, particularly Max’s mysterious past and the playful rivalry between him and Avery. With Don Johnson as Captain Massey, Doctor Odyssey also taps into the nostalgia of older TV dramas, making it a perfect companion to shows like Grey’s Anatomy.
While the pacing is fast, and the dialogue sometimes heavy-handed, Doctor Odyssey promises to be a wild, entertaining ride that’s bound to become a weekly favorite. Sexy network TV is officially back, and Doctor Odyssey is leading the charge.
Catch Doctor Odyssey Thursdays at 9 PM on ABC or stream it next day on Hulu.
