The Knick

The Knick is set in New York City's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early part of the twentieth century. The series primarily focuses on the staff of surgeons, nurses, and other personnel, facing a series of medical challenges and dramatic personal battles. Clive Owen's performance as the brilliant but drug-addicted Dr. John Thackery is a standout, treading the fine line between genius and madness.

The whole production is shot with a specific tone that communicates the time period with both grit and grandeur. The vivid portrayal of the brutal conditions of early medicine, coupled with the score by Cliff Martinez, adds an almost horror-like feel to the surgical scenes. What may not land for everyone, is the show's intense graphic content and the sprawling ensemble cast, making it occasionally challenging to keep track of all storylines.

However, if you're a fan of history and medical dramas with rich character development and you can stomach some graphic scenes, The Knick is a hidden gem that may have flown under your radar. It's a sharp, smart series that tackles many serious issues of its time, including racism and addiction, with surprising insight.