The writers clearly did their homework. Every absurd "quack" remedy—from tobacco smoke enemas to drilling holes in skulls to release "demons"—was a real practice in 1847. The comedy comes not from exaggeration but from simple presentation of fact. You will laugh, then you will Google it, then you will be horrified that it was real.
Unfortunately, despite its critical acclaim and loyal fanbase, Quacks was cancelled by Netflix after just one season. The show's creators had planned to explore more storylines and characters in future seasons, including a potential romance between Struan and Evie and a deeper exploration of the hospital's administrative politics. While the cancellation was a disappointment to fans, it's clear that Quacks - Season 1 has left a lasting impact on the world of television. Quacks - Season 1
Gull invents a terrifying new instrument to look inside the bladder. The test subject? A terrified John Thackery. This episode features a cringe-comedy sequence rivaling the "dinner party" from The Office as Thackery is strapped down while Lessing critiques the "unpleasant visuals." The writers clearly did their homework
Quacks arrived in the shadow of The Knick (Cinemax, 2014–15), a serious drama about the same era. Audences expecting Downton Abbey got arterial spray. The BBC didn’t know whether to market it as Upstart Crow (historical sitcom) or Inside No. 9 (dark horror). You will laugh, then you will Google it,
Quacks - Season 1 follows the lives of four young doctors working in the emergency department of St. Luke's Hospital in London. The show centers around Struan (played by Jon Hamm), a charismatic American doctor who becomes the de facto leader of the group; Evie (played by Vicky Pattison), a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed junior doctor trying to make a name for herself; Rob (played by Richard Ayoade), a quixotic and lovable doctor who's always coming up with hare-brained schemes; and Sridhar (played by Sanjeev Bhaskar), a seasoned doctor with a dry sense of humor and a penchant for telling it like it is.
Quacks - Season 1 received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the show's unique tone, strong performances, and thoughtful exploration of the medical profession. The show holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its originality, wit, and heart. On IMDB, the show has a rating of 7.4/10, with fans praising its humor, characters, and authenticity.
Analysis of (Season 1) is a Victorian-era medical sitcom that premiered on BBC Two in 2017. Set in the 1840s, the series satirizes the "heroic age" of medicine—a time before germ theory or reliable anesthetics, where surgery was a bloody public spectacle and experimental treatments were often as dangerous as the ailments themselves. Narrative Structure and Character Dynamics