Perhaps nothing can replace Grey’s Anatomy, but many great medical dramas still exist, and a 2025 Netflix show is perfect for those waiting for the ABC series’ new episodes. Grey’s Anatomy is in the midst of airing its 21st season, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. The renowned, widely popular medical drama is one of the longest-running scripted prime time American TV series (regarding total seasons), with only The Simpsons, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order, Family Guy, and NCIS surpassing it. Now that ABC has greenlit Grey’s Anatomy season 22, fans should prepare for more waiting in the future.
Of course, fans re-watch old episodes of Grey’s Anatomy to pass the time in between new airings of season 21 and beyond. Or they can check out a fresh series that’s akin to season 1 of the ABC medical drama. The good news is that Netflix just released a TV show that will appeal to those who love Grey’s Anatomy (especially the early seasons).
Netflix’s Pulse Is Very Similar To Grey’s Anatomy’s Original Setup
Netflix released all 10 episodes of Pulse on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and Grey’s Anatomy fans must tune in to the new medical drama. The original series’ cast is led by Willa Fitzgerald’s Dr. Danny Simms, a third-year medical resident at Maguire Medical Center in Miami, Florida. Pulse follows Danny and her complex relationships with other doctors at the hospital, especially Dr. Xander Phillips. Although the Powers That Be wanted to distinguish Pulse from Grey’s Anatomy (per TV Guide), it’s easy to see the similarities.
Danny is seemingly Pulse’s version of Grey’s Anatomy’s Meredith Grey. The two characters don’t act the same or have identical personalities, but they hold the same role in the world of their respective TV shows. Danny and Xander’s romance in the Netflix series also mirrors Meredith and Derek Shepherd’s in the ABC medical drama as it’s full of scandal, heat, and intrigue. Ultimately, Pulse contains all the qualities that one can find in Grey’s Anatomy season 1 — messy relationships, love triangles, high-stakes situations (like a hurricane), and frustrating hospital politics.
Pulse’s Cast Features Some Grey’s Anatomy Alums
Another thing that Pulse has in common with Grey’s Anatomy is its cast. Three of the Netflix medical drama’s stars also appeared in the ABC show, all of them making guest appearances. Justina Machado (Natalie Cruz, Chair of Surgery and Emergency Medicine, in Pulse) starred as Anna Nyles in season 3, episode 4, “Oh, the Guilt.” Kathryn Smith-McGlynn (Shannon Kincaid in the Netflix series) portrayed April’s lawyer in season 12, episode 11, “Unbreak My Heart.” Finally, Santiago Segura (Gabriel Moreno in Pulse) played Chad in Grey’s Anatomy season 14, episode 10, “Personal Jesus.”
