St. Elsewhere

“St. Elsewhere” is an American medical drama series that aired on NBC from October 26, 1982, to May 25, 1988. The show featured Ed Flanders, Norman Lloyd, and William Daniels as teaching physicians at a modestly esteemed Boston hospital, where they guided interns in making pivotal medical and life choices. Produced by MTM Enterprises, the series shared similarities with another NBC hit, the police drama “Hill Street Blues,” particularly in its use of ensemble casts and interwoven serialized narratives. Filming took place at CBS/MTM Studios, which was known as CBS/Fox Studios at the time; interestingly, 20th Century Fox later acquired the series rights when it purchased MTM Enterprises in the 1990s.

Renowned for its blend of gritty realism and dark humor, “St. Elsewhere” developed a dedicated fan base over its six-season, 137-episode run. It also resonated strongly with the 18-49 age demographic, a key audience for advertisers. The series received critical acclaim, winning 13 Emmy Awards for its writing, acting, and directing. In 2002, TV Guide ranked it #20 on its list of “The 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time,” and in a 1993 issue, the magazine named it the best drama series of the 1980s.