Get ready for ‘Pulse,’ Netflix’s first medical drama
Get ready for ‘Pulse,’ Netflix’s first medical drama
Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell lead a drama where work gets personal.
Netflix is scrubbing in for its first-ever English-language medical procedural, and “Pulse” is bringing more than just high-stakes ER drama—it’s got romance, tension, and plenty of heart-racing moments (literally). And since I’m a sucker for a love story, this one’s already got my attention. The show follows Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), a rising star at Miami’s Maguire Medical Center who suddenly finds herself promoted to chief resident when Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) is suspended. The catch? Xander isn’t just her boss - he’s also her ex, and as their messy past starts to spill into the ER, a hurricane barrels toward the city, trapping them inside the hospital together. With life-and-death stakes inside and out, “Pulse” looks like it’s serving up the perfect mix of drama, disaster, and workplace romance. The series premieres on Netflix on Thursday, April 3. Here’s everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know about ‘Pulse’:
What is ‘Pulse’ about?
At its core, “Pulse” is a high-stakes medical drama that isn’t just about life-or-death moments in the ER - it’s also about the messy, complicated relationships that form when your job basically becomes your entire life. Danny Simms is a third-year resident at Miami’s Maguire Medical Center, and she’s on the fast track to a promising career. But when her boss (and ex), Xander, gets suspended, she’s suddenly thrown into the role of chief resident - whether she’s ready for it or not. As if that wasn’t enough pressure, a hurricane is bearing down on Miami, the hospital goes into lockdown, and tensions - both medical and romantic - hit a breaking point.
Now, I love a good medical drama, but what really has me hooked on “Pulse” is the romance at the center of it. Workplace relationships are already complicated, but throw in hospital politics, high-stakes surgeries, and the fact that Danny and Xander have history? Yes please. Their connection isn’t some casual flirtation - it’s the “we have unfinished business, and it’s about to spill over in the middle of an emergency” kind of thing. And that means plenty of longing looks across the trauma bay, heated arguments in supply closets, and - if the show does it right - a few emotionally charged, we shouldn’t but we’re totally about to moments.
But “Pulse” isn’t just about one complicated romance - it’s got a whole ensemble of doctors, nurses, and residents, each dealing with their own personal and professional chaos. From the ambitious young surgeon looking to prove themselves to the ER veteran who’s seen it all, this hospital is packed with personalities that are bound to clash, connect, and keep us invested. And with the added chaos of a natural disaster, everything gets turned up to eleven. If you love shows where the characters are just as unpredictable as the medical cases they’re handling, “Pulse” is definitely one to watch when it drops.
When will episodes of ‘Pulse’ come out on Netflix?
“Pulse” is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, April 3 at 3 a.m. ET. All 10 episodes of this medical drama will be streaming on that date, so you don’t have to worry about waiting weekly for more eps—binge away!
Netflix
Netflix is a leading subscription-based video streaming service that offers on-demand access to an extensive library of over 3,000 movies, 2,000+ TV shows, and a growing collection of acclaimed Netflix originals. Renowned for producing groundbreaking content, Netflix has become a cultural powerhouse with hit originals like “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Squid Game,” “The Crown,” “Tiger King,” “Bridgerton,” “The Witcher,” and “Black Mirror.”
Who are the main characters of ‘Pulse’?
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Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) – A rising star in emergency medicine who’s suddenly promoted to chief resident after her ex (and boss) is suspended. Brilliant, brash, and deeply empathetic, Danny thrives under pressure - but her personal life is another story.
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Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) – The charismatic, highly respected chief resident who gets suspended. Coming from a powerful medical family, Xander is used to being in control - except when it comes to Danny, whose presence in the ER makes everything more complicated.
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Dr. Tom Cole (Jack Bannon) - A charming British surgical resident who came to Miami for the elite trauma program (and maybe the nightlife). Smart, quick-witted, and a little reckless, Tom is always up for a challenge - on and off the clock.
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Dr. Sam Elijah (Jessie T. Usher) – A third-year emergency medicine resident with a calm, collected presence… until competition pushes him to the edge. Born and raised in the Florida Panhandle, Sam has a deep sense of duty but isn’t afraid to fight for what he wants.
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Dr. Sophie Chen (Chelsea Muirhead) – A surgical intern determined to prove herself, no matter how brutal the hours. Smart, ambitious, and willing to push through any obstacle, Sophie is laser-focused on her career - whether that’s healthy or not.
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Dr. Camila Perez (Daniela Nieves) – A third-year medical student who somehow manages to stay optimistic despite the nonstop grind. Hardworking and hopeful, Camila is the heart of the team - reminding everyone why they got into medicine in the first place.
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Dr. Harper Simms (Jessy Yates) – Danny’s younger sibling and a second-year emergency medicine resident. A wheelchair user with a sharp mind and dry wit, Harper is introspective and self-assured, even when navigating the chaos of the ER (and their sister’s drama).
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Dr. Natalie Cruz (Justina Machado) – The chair of surgery and emergency medicine, Natalie runs Maguire Medical Center with a mix of brilliance and political savvy. She knows how to handle a crisis - and when to let her staff figure it out the hard way.
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Gabriel Moreno (Santiago Segura) – A seasoned ER nurse who’s seen it all and isn’t easily impressed. He keeps the team grounded, but when things get messy, he’s the one you want in your corner.
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Cass Himmelstein (Jessica Rothe) – A senior ER nurse who’s equal parts charming and no-nonsense. Cass has a plan for her life and career, and she’s not letting anything—or anyone—throw her off course.
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Dr. Ruben Soriano (Néstor Carbonell) – A highly respected and sometimes feared senior surgeon who prioritizes work above all else. Demanding, passionate, and unrelenting, Soriano expects the best from his residents - because he gives nothing less himself.
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Luis Dominguez (Arturo Del Puerto) – The ER’s charge nurse who keeps things running smoothly. Unflappable in a crisis and quick with a joke, Luis is the glue that holds the team together.
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Nia Washington (Ash Santos) – A tough and resourceful Miami-Dade County EMT who comes from a big, tight-knit family. She knows how to handle pressure, but the ER doctors have a way of making things even more complicated.
Who is the creator of ‘Pulse’?
“Pulse” comes from Zoe Robyn, a rising TV writer making her debut as a creator, alongside veteran showrunner Carlton Cuse. Robyn, who’s worked on “The Equalizer,” brings a fresh perspective to the medical drama world, while Cuse is no stranger to high-stakes storytelling — he’s the mastermind behind hits like “Lost” and “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.” Together, they’re crafting a medical series that isn’t just about saving lives but navigating the messy personal entanglements that come with working in a high-pressure ER.
With director Kate Dennis (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) helming the first two episodes, “Pulse” is shaping up to be a gripping blend of romance, workplace drama, and edge-of-your-seat medical emergencies.
PULSE
A group of ER residents navigate medical crises and personal drama amid a divisive allegation at their Miami hospital.