Critic Reviews

The show isn’t even close to fully formed yet--the relationships between characters are mere sketches, and the mélange of patients, interpersonal moments, and hospital politics is a bit of a jumble--but the foundation feels solid enough to hint that while this might not be the next ER, it’s certainly something that could grow into a fully realized, enjoyable show.

There is NO new ground broken here. And yet, like “Chicago Fire,” there’s something that works.... The cast here is better than average for the modern medical drama. Platt and Merkerson are the two veterans who ground the piece, while the new young cast, especially DaCosta, DeVito and Donnell have breakout potential.

Viewers looking for the best new medical drama of this still young season can find it in Chicago Med. Then again, there are only two of them so far.

The tired nature of the material suggests this could be one of those TV operations that’s hard to deem a complete success even if the patient lives.

Chicago Med is so exactly what you expect it to be that there’s practically no point describing it, a bad thing if you like your shows innovative and unpredictable, but a good thing if you can’t get enough trauma room gore and dramatics.

What’s odd here is that even with the influx of injured, Chicago Med never builds any dramatic heat.

The heart-tugging medical stories and conflicts all feel familiar, none of them delivered with anything that approaches a fresh twist.

A familiar, by-the-numbers procedural, where grave medical conditions bring out the best in people--and the emergency room pandemonium rolls off everyone’s back. It’s the anti-“Grey’s Anatomy” doctor show.

In a medium where drama junkies increasingly seem to need recaps to confirm (or explain) what they've seen, there's a place for a relatively old-fashioned medical show, especially one with a cast this appealing.

The writers fill Chicago Med with just enough character work to make the players interesting.