Martin Clunes stars in US remake of Doc Martin
On March 6, 2026, Martin Clunes made headlines with his role in the US remake of the beloved British series Doc Martin, titled Best Medicine. Clunes portrays Dr. Robert Best, the father of the lead character, in a show that has already sparked interest among fans of the original series.
Best Medicine premiered earlier this year in the United States and has received positive feedback from audiences. Clunes describes his character as ‘horrible’, which adds a layer of complexity to the role. This portrayal is expected to resonate with viewers familiar with the original Doc Martin, which debuted in 2004 and concluded with a Christmas special in 2022.
The show features notable locations, including the Drovers Arms pub, inspired by the Fleur de Lys pub in Norton St Philip. The George Inn, a historic 14th-century Grade I listed Tudor inn, is also showcased in the series. The Fleur de Lys has garnered a 4.2 rating from 192 reviews on Tripadvisor, while the George Inn boasts a similar rating from 948 reviews and was awarded The AA Inn of the Year 2024.
Clunes’ involvement in Best Medicine has been positively received by his co-stars. Abigail Spencer expressed her excitement on social media, stating, “How lucky are we? Tonight on #BestMedicineFOX with the OG!” Meanwhile, Josh Charles remarked, “Having Martin Clunes is a great bridge for the lovers of the original show,” highlighting Clunes’ significance in connecting the two versions.
In addition to his role in Best Medicine, Clunes is set to portray Huw Edwards in an upcoming Channel 5 drama titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. This drama will explore the fallout from Edwards’ guilty plea in July 2024 for making indecent images of children, which abruptly ended his career following a major BBC scandal. The show is anticipated to air soon on Channel 5.
Ben Frow, a key figure behind the drama, described it as “an important and shocking story of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status.” This new role marks a significant shift for Clunes, who is known for his comedic and dramatic performances.
As the premiere of Best Medicine continues to unfold, fans of Martin Clunes and the original Doc Martin are eager to see how this new adaptation will develop. The blend of familiar characters and new storylines promises to create a unique viewing experience that pays homage to its predecessor while carving out its own identity.