| Doctor Odyssey | |
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| Genre | Medical drama |
| Created by | Ryan Murphy &Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Julia Newman |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producers |
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| Cinematography |
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| Running time | 41–43 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | September 26, 2024 (2024-9-26) – present |
| Related | |
Doctor Odyssey is an Americanmedical drama television series created byRyan Murphy,Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken forABC.[1] It starsJoshua Jackson,Phillipa Soo,Don Johnson, andSean Teale.[2] The show premiered on September 26, 2024.[3]
Max, a new doctor on board a luxury cruise ship, and his small but capable team handle unique medical cases (and each other) far away from the nearest shore.[4]
| No. | Title [8] | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [8] | Prod. code | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pilot" | Paris Barclay | Ryan Murphy &Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken | September 26, 2024 (2024-9-26) | 1LGV01 | 4.23[9] |
After the previous head medic was fired for a negligent bacterial outbreak onboard theOdyssey, the new doctor Dr. Max Bankman meets nurse practitioner Avery Morgan and nurse Tristan Silva. Tristan reveals his love for Avery to Max while they and the ship's crew party on land. To make Tristan jealous, Max dances with Avery and they kiss, and nearly have sex but realise it's unprofessional. Max reveals to Avery that he was the first case ofCOVID-19 in the US and nearly died from the virus, which made him realize he needed to enjoy life. Max and Tristan make peace. Emergencies include the team treating a man with iodide poisoning and later a dislocated shoulder, performing surgery a man with a penile fracture, and a man who goes overboard. | ||||||
| 2 | "Singles Week" | Paris Barclay | Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken | October 3, 2024 (2024-10-3) | 1LGV02 | 3.86[10] |
Tristan and Kelly, a young single woman, nearly have sex before Kelly collapses. The ship's Captain, Robert Massey, has dinner with a widow but has a heart attack. The crew discovers a life raft on the radar and divert to it and rescue a woman. Avery discovers Kelly's collapse was caused by her taking Thiazide. Tristan and Avery kiss while Max watches on. Sam, a promiscuous man, catches syphilis and writes down the names of his many sexual contacts onboard. Avery gets a scholarship for herMD from theOdyssey cruise line and to be the ship's doctor after three years ofresidency. | ||||||
| 3 | "Plastic Surgery Week" | Bradley Buecker | Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken | October 10, 2024 (2024-10-10) | 1LGV03 | 3.76[11] |
Lenore Laurent, the wife of the ship's owner, who also owns many plastic surgery clinics, books the ship out for their clients. Tristan's mother arrives unannounced with a facelift. Avery feuds with Lenore, while Lenore flirts with the Captain. Max is fascinated with Ken (Justin Jedlica) and they do cryotherapy together. Lenore's assistant gets frostbite on her breast. Avery mocks Lenore and Lenore fires her. A woman snorts cocaine and her nose falls off. Ken dies in his sleep and Max unsuccessfully tries CPR. Tristan expresses his anger to his mother for her absence in his youth before she collapses. She is diagnosed with Huntington's disease. Max and Avery have sex. Lenore's assistant implant becomes infected. Avery suggests surgery and it's successful. Tristan's mother leaves the ship at port but doesn't return. Tristan tells Max he is no longer interested in Avery. Lenore gives Avery her recommendation for the scholarship. | ||||||
| 4 | "Wellness Week" | John J. Gray | Joe Baken & Byron Crawford | October 17, 2024 (2024-10-17) | 1LGV04 | 2.78[12] |
| 5 | "Halloween Week" | Tessa Blake | Joe Baken & Byron Crawford | October 24, 2024 (2024-10-24) | 1LGV05 | 2.60[13] |
| 6 | "I Always Cry At Weddings" | Paris Barclay | Ryan Murphy & Joe Baken | November 7, 2024 (2024-11-7) | 1LGV06 | 2.78[14] |
| 7 | "Oh, Daddy!" | Crystle Roberson Dorsey | Joe Baken & Byron Crawford | November 14, 2024 (2024-11-14) | 1LGV07 | 2.60[15] |
| 8 | "Quackers" | Maggie Kiley | Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz | November 21, 2024 (2024-11-21) | 1LGV08 | 3.09[16] |
| 9 | "Shark Attack!" | Millicent Shelton | Mike Schaub &Liz Friedman | March 6, 2025 (2025-3-6) | 1LGV13 | 3.00[17] |
| 10 | "Shark Attack! Part 2: Orca!" | Michael Medico | Russel Friend & Jamie Pachino | March 13, 2025 (2025-3-13) | 1LGV14 | 2.66[18] |
| 11 | "Casino Week" | Jennifer Lynch | Teleplay by : Tracy Taylor & Jessica Grasl Story by : Mike Schaub & Tracy Taylor | March 20, 2025 (2025-3-20) | 1LGV15 | 3.56[19] |
This episode concludes a crossover event that begins on9-1-1 season 8 episode 11. | ||||||
| 12 | "Sophisticated Ladies Week" | Crystle Roberson Dorsey | Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken | March 27, 2025 (2025-3-27) | TBA | 3.46[20] |
| 13 | "Spring Break" | Steven Canals | Ryan Murphy & Liz Friedman | April 3, 2025 (2025-4-3) | TBA | 2.92[21] |
| 14 | "Hot Tub Week" | TBA | TBA | April 10, 2025 (2025-4-10) | TBA | TBD |
| 15 | "Crew Week" | TBA | TBA | April 17, 2025 (2025-4-17) | TBA | TBD |
On March 20, 2024,Doctor Odyssey was given a straight-to-series order byABC. The series is created byRyan Murphy,Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken who are expected to executive produce alongsideJoshua Jackson,Paris Barclay, Eric Paquette,Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, and Nissa Diederich. Production companies involved with the series are20th Television and Ryan Murphy Television.[22]
Upon the straight-to-series order announcement, Jackson was cast to star.[22] In April 2024,Don Johnson andPhillipa Soo joined the main cast in undisclosed roles.[23][24] On May 2, 2024,Sean Teale was cast in an undisclosed starring role.[25] In August 2024, a trailer for the series revealedShania Twain making a guest appearance.[26] The full official trailer was released in September 2024 and revealed additional guest stars that would be appearing throughout the series, including John Stamos and Kelsea Ballerini.[27]
Filming was expected to have begun in Los Angeles in July 2024.[28] First look images from the set were released to the press in August 2024.[4] Some filming occurs at Rye Canyon Studios in Santa Clarita, California, with more filming occurring in Fillmore, California.
Doctor Odyssey premiered onABC on September 26, 2024.[29] It was later made available to stream onHulu.[30] In Canada, the series airs onCTV andCTV Drama Channel, and is available to stream onCrave andDisney+ viaStar.[31]
Thereview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes reported a 63% approval rating with an average rating of 5.2/10, based on 8 critic reviews.[32]Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 66 out of 100 based on 5 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[33]
Matthew Creith ofTheWrap found Joshua Jackson's portrayal of Dr. Max Bankman as an easygoing and charming doctor engaging and relatable, particularly as he adjusts to his new environment post-COVID. He praised the chemistry between Jackson and his co-star Phillipa Soo, saying it adds depth to their characters while navigating both medical emergencies and personal interactions. Creith noted that while the series starts strong, it trends toward a more surface-level exploration of the glamorous cruise lifestyle, prompting curiosity about how the show will develop throughout the season.[34] Craig Mathieson ofThe Age gaveDoctor Odyssey a score of three out of four stars, complimenting the show for its engaging blend of humor and drama, and likening it toGrey's Anatomy set on a cruise ship. He found the series to have a silly yet enjoyable tone, attributing this to the chemistry between the characters and the light-hearted storytelling. Mathieson said Jackson brings a charming presence to the role, showcasing both authority and a laid-back attitude. He also praised the creative team behind the show, noting that their collaboration results in a unique mix of influences, from comedic medical situations to a nostalgic nod toThe Love Boat.[35]
Joel Keller ofDecider said thatDoctor Odyssey aims to extend the formula of Murphy's9-1-1 franchise to a medical drama set on the high seas. He praised the show's entertainment value, likening it toThe Love Boat with its mix of guest stars, outrageous medical cases, and romantic tension among the characters. Keller praised the performances, particularly those of Jackson and Soo, noting their strong chemistry and Soo's confident portrayal of her character. However, he found some moments in the first episode, such as a lengthy monologue about COVID and a dramatic rescue scene, to be over-the-top.[36] Joly Herman ofCommon Sense Media ratedDoctor Odyssey three out of five stars, describing it as a soapy yet entertaining medical drama. She praised the series for its positive messages, pointing out the importance of integrity, teamwork, and understanding others' perspectives. Herman highlighted the strong characters who advocate for their principles and responsibilities. Despite its light-hearted approach, she found that the show effectively focuses on serious values, encouraging viewers to enjoy life while striving to be good people.[37] ColumnistMaurice Tougas dismissed the series as being "so ludicrous that it's almost watchable," finding the plots repetitive.[38]
Doctor Odyssey became ABC's most-watched drama debut in four years, drawing 7.59 million total viewers in live plus three-day viewing and securing a 0.38 rating in the 18–49 demo. It retained 87% of its lead-in audience and held the No. 1 spot onHulu's "Top 15 Today" list for three consecutive days, remaining in that position as of September 30, 2024.[39] The series later attracted 13.6 million cross-platform viewers in its first week, representing a 230% increase over its live + same-day audience of 4.13 million.[40]
| No. | Title | Air date | Rating/share (18–49) | Viewers (millions) | DVR (18–49) | DVR viewers (millions) | Total (18–49) | Total viewers (millions) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Pilot" | September 26, 2024 | 0.4/4 | 4.23 | — | — | — | — | [9] |
| 2 | "Singles Week" | October 3, 2024 | 0.3/3 | 3.86 | — | — | — | — | [10] |
| 3 | "Plastic Surgery Week" | October 10, 2024 | 0.4/4 | 3.76 | — | — | — | — | [11] |
| 4 | "Wellness Week" | October 17, 2024 | 0.3/3 | 2.78 | 0.2 | 1.85 | 0.4 | 4.62 | [12] |
| 5 | "Halloween Week" | October 24, 2024 | 0.2/2 | 2.60 | 0.2 | 1.76 | 0.4 | 4.36 | [13] |
| 6 | "I Always Cry at Weddings" | November 7, 2024 | 0.3/3 | 2.78 | 0.2 | 1.80 | 0.5 | 4.59 | [14] |
| 7 | "Oh, Daddy!" | November 14, 2024 | 0.2/2 | 2.60 | 0.2 | 1.63 | 0.4 | 4.23 | [15] |
| 8 | "Quackers" | November 21, 2024 | 0.3/3 | 3.08 | 0.2 | 1.60 | 0.4 | 4.70 | [16] |
| 9 | "Shark Attack!" | March 6, 2025 | 0.3/4 | 3.00 | 0.2 | 1.58 | 0.4 | 4.59 | [17] |
| 10 | "Shark Attack! Part 2: Orca!" | March 13, 2025 | 0.3/3 | 2.66 | 0.2 | 1.60 | 0.4 | 4.25 | [18] |
| 11 | "Casino Week" | March 20, 2025 | 0.2/3 | 3.56 | 0.2 | 1.63 | 0.4 | 5.19 | [19] |
| 12 | "Sophisticated Ladies Week" | March 27, 2025 | 0.3/3 | 3.46 | — | — | — | — | [20] |
| 13 | "Spring Break" | April 3, 2025 | 0.2/3 | 3.92 | — | — | — | — | [21] |
Doctor Odyssey was nominated for Best Contemporary Makeup—Television Series, Limited Series or Miniseries, or Movie for Television at the 2025Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards.[41][42]
