PULSE

Pulse (2025): A Turbulent ER Drama with Emotional Depth

Pulse is a gripping medical drama series created by Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse, marking Netflix’s bold step into English-language ER television. Set in a high-pressure trauma center at Maguire Hospital in Miami, the show launched in April 2025 and ran for one season with ten emotionally charged episodes. Combining the chaos of a natural disaster with the internal turmoil of hospital politics, Pulse offers a unique fusion of procedural medicine and character-driven drama.

At the center of the story is Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms, played by Willa Fitzgerald. A brilliant but impulsive third-year emergency medicine resident, Danny finds herself thrust into the role of interim chief resident after filing a sexual harassment complaint against her superior and ex-boyfriend, Dr. Xander Phillips, portrayed by Colin Woodell. Their unresolved emotional entanglement and shifting power dynamics become the emotional core of the series, complicating both their professional duties and personal paths.

As Hurricane Wesley bears down on Miami, the ER staff must brace for both literal and emotional storms. Each episode blends high-stakes medical cases—ranging from mass-casualty events to intimate traumas—with themes of trust, power, and redemption. The hospital itself becomes a pressure cooker, exposing fractures in relationships and testing the boundaries of loyalty and ambition.

Willa Fitzgerald delivers a strong performance as Danny, balancing confidence with vulnerability. Colin Woodell brings complexity to Xander, painting him as both a once-respected leader and a man trying to repair a tarnished legacy. The ensemble cast includes Justina Machado as the seasoned Dr. Natalie Cruz, along with standout supporting roles from Jessie T. Usher, Jack Bannon, Daniela Nieves, Chelsea Muirhead, Jessy Yates, Jessica Rothe, and Néstor Carbonell.

Visually, the series uses a gritty, urgent style with rapid cuts, dim hospital lighting, and immersive sound design to mirror the chaos and intensity of trauma medicine. The series’ pacing is fast, often jumping from one high-octane emergency to another with little room for breath—mirroring the emotional and physical exhaustion of the characters themselves.

While Pulse received praise for its performances and the chemistry among its cast, critical response was mixed. Some reviewers praised its raw emotional energy and authentic portrayal of hospital stress, while others criticized its underdeveloped handling of the #MeToo storyline. Many felt the show touched on serious topics but failed to explore them with the necessary depth and nuance.

Audience response was more forgiving. Viewers were drawn to the show's messy realism, cliffhanger moments, and emotionally complicated leads. The tension between Danny and Xander, in particular, proved to be a polarizing but compelling focus for fans.

Despite building a modest but dedicated following, Netflix canceled Pulse after one season. The series finale left several character arcs unresolved, prompting discussion about its premature ending and potential for continuation.

In summary, Pulse is a dramatic, fast-paced medical series that blends classic ER intensity with contemporary themes. While it may not redefine the genre, its ambition, strong cast, and emotional stakes make it a worthy watch for fans of hospital dramas looking for something modern, messy, and heartfelt.