ER

If you want a drama that takes its characters as seriously as its plot, ER is available in Australia on Netflix and HBO Max, and in the US on Hulu and HBO Max Amazon Channel right now. 15 seasons of it means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. 940 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Watch it for Maura Tierney — one of the stronger performances out there right now. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Netflix.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, ER is worth clearing space for. Character-driven storytelling at its most effective — ER earns every emotional beat it goes for. ER explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened emergency room. Maura Tierney and Parminder Nagra lead a cast doing genuinely serious work here. 15 seasons (1994–2009) gave the story room most shows never get. The performances in ER do a lot of work in the silences between the dialogue. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

For anyone looking for storytelling that takes its characters seriously, ER delivers. The tonal similarities to Chicago Med are real, though ER carves out its own identity quickly. The 15-season run rewards the patience it asks of you. Maura Tierney is the centre of it, and it is one of their strongest performances on record. The patience it asks of you early on is paid back with interest.

ER wrapped up in 2009, created by Michael Crichton — and 15 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.