“Doc Martin” Series Begins January 12

Martin Clunes stars as Dr. Martin Ellingham

Martin Clunes stars in the British comedy-drama Doc Martin, as a doctor whose tactless manner causes mayhem in a small Cornish community. Martin plays surgeon Martin Ellingham, whose glittering career comes crashing down around him when he develops a phobia to blood which prevents him from conducting operations. He makes a life-changing decision to retrain as a General Practitioner, and applies for a vacant post in the sleepy Cornish hamlet of Portwenn, where he spent childhood holidays.

If the patients are expecting tea and sympathy from their curmudgeonly G.P. they are going to be disappointed. Despite his surgical brilliance, he has no personal skills, and his understanding of humans is practically non existent. Deep down Doc Martin is a gentle, generous soul. The trouble is that no one ever sees that side of him.

Martin is joined by a prestigious cast which includes Stephanie Cole as his Aunt Joan, who provides him with emotional support in the face of the disquiet among the villagers. Caroline Catz plays primary school teacher Louisa Glasson. Doc Martin is attracted to her, but he is hopeless at personal relationships.

In the first episode, “Going Bodmin,” Doc Martin makes his arrival in the Cornish hamlet to take over the local doctor’s office.

Doc Martin begins Thursday, January 12 at 9:00 p.m. on WCVE PBS/WHTJ PBS and repeats on WCVW PBS Friday, January 13 at 9:00 p.m.

You can also follow Doc Martin as a new addition to our British Comedy lineup Saturday nights at 10:00 p.m. on WCVE PBS/WHTJ PBS.