Watch A Young Doctor's Notebook

A Young Doctor's Notebook is a British comedy-drama based on a collection of short stories by Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov. It is set during the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war, and follows the story of a young doctor who is sent to a remote hospital in the country to practice medicine.

The show stars Daniel Radcliffe as the young doctor, known only as "the doctor," and Jon Hamm as his older self, who serves as the narrator. The two versions of the character interact throughout the show, with the older doctor sharing his wisdom and reflections on the events of his past with the younger version.

The show is structured as a series of vignettes, each focusing on a different patient or medical case that the doctor encounters. These cases range from the mundane (such as dealing with a patient who refuses to take his medicine) to the more dramatic (such as a woman who has been injured in a train accident).

The show is notable for its blend of comedy and drama, as well as its surreal and fantastical elements. It often uses humor to lighten the mood in otherwise bleak situations, such as when the doctor must amputate a patient's leg without adequate anesthesia. At the same time, it also delves into darker themes such as drug addiction and mental illness.

Throughout the series, the doctor grapples with his own anxieties and self-doubts, as well as the pressures of working in a war-torn country where medical supplies are scarce and patients are skeptical of Western medicine. He must also navigate his relationships with the other hospital staff, including the head nurse (played by Vicki Pepperdine) and the hospital director (played by Adam Godley).

Despite its relatively short run (only two seasons), A Young Doctor's Notebook garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Critics praised the show's performances, particularly the chemistry between Radcliffe and Hamm, as well as its unique blend of humor and pathos. Some compared it favorably to other shows with similar themes, such as M*A*S*H and ER.

In addition to its strong acting and storytelling, the show is also notable for its strong aesthetic. The production design captures the bleakness and desolation of rural Russia during this time period, while also incorporating elements of surrealism and absurdism. The show's use of color and light is also noteworthy, with certain scenes bathed in a sickly green or blue hue to heighten the tension and sense of foreboding.

Overall, A Young Doctor's Notebook is a unique and compelling television series that blends comedy, drama, and surrealism in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With strong performances from its two leads and a talented supporting cast, the show is a must-watch for fans of offbeat medical dramas and period pieces alike.

A Young Doctor's Notebook is a series that ran for 2 seasons (8 episodes) between December 6, 2012 and on Sky Arts