An engrossing, emotional drama full of intriguing characters. [15 Sep 1994]

Intelligent, fleet, emotionally complex and lightly dusted with Kelley's celebrated sense of the absurd, this is the best hospital show since St. Elsewhere.

By telling one or two stories well, from beginning to end, "Chicago Hope" gets a tighter grip on the viewer's emotions [than "ER"]. [22 Sep 1994]

Bristling with promise. [17 Sep 1994]

Down deep, however, this is the old, highly workable stuff, tidily refurbished. [12 Sep 1994]

Very slick and very shiny, full of impassioned confrontations and noble utterances. [17 Sep 1994]

Somber and uncompromising. ... Despite its high-powered actors (Adam Arkin and Hector Elizondo also work at this hospital) and highfalutin executive producer, David E. Kelley (Picket Fences, L.A. Law), the show's a storehouse of cliches. [15 Sep 1994]