Flatlining Under Pressure: A Critical Look at Netflix's Pulse (2025)

Netflix’s foray into the English-language medical procedural with Pulse (2025) arrived with the promise of high-stakes medical crises interwoven with the personal dramas of emergency room residents in a bustling Miami Level 1 Trauma Center. Created by Zoe Robyn and executive produced by Carlton Cuse, the ten-episode series attempts to capture the intensity of life-and-death situations while delving into the complex relationships and power dynamics within the hospital walls. However, despite its initial draw and familiar genre tropes, Pulse ultimately struggles to deliver a compelling and nuanced narrative, often feeling more like a collection of rehashed storylines and underdeveloped characters than a fresh take on the medical drama.

A Stormy Backdrop and a Central Scandal

The series kicks off with a literal storm – a hurricane barreling towards Miami, amplifying the already chaotic environment of Maguire Hospital. Amidst this external crisis, an internal one brews following a sexual harassment complaint filed by third-year resident Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) against the Chief Resident, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell), leading to his suspension and Danny’s unexpected promotion. This central conflict forms the initial dramatic thrust of the series, promising to explore themes of power dynamics, workplace romance gone sour, and the complexities of navigating professional and personal boundaries. However, the execution of this storyline has been widely criticized for its “tone-deaf depiction of sexual harassment,” often overshadowing the intended exploration of institutional failures and victim neglect with a focus on the romantic entanglement between Danny and Xander.

Familiar Faces, Underdeveloped Stories

Pulse populates its emergency room with a diverse ensemble cast, including ambitious resident Sam Elijah (Jessie T. Usher), the pragmatic Chair of Surgery Natalia Cruz (Justina Machado), the charming British surgical resident Tom Cole (Jack Bannon), and the optimistic medical student Camila Perez (Daniela Nieves). While the cast is undeniably capable, many of these characters feel archetypal and lack the depth needed to truly resonate with the audience. Subplots involving their personal lives and professional ambitions often feel rushed or underdeveloped, serving more as brief diversions from the central Danny-Xander drama rather than compelling narratives in their own right. For instance, Tom’s womanizing tendencies and Sophie’s (Chelsea Muirhead) quiet determination, while present, don’t evolve significantly throughout the season.

Rehashing Tropes Without Innovation

Comparisons to long-running medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy are inevitable, and Pulse unfortunately doesn’t offer much to distinguish itself within the genre. The blend of high-stakes medical cases with interpersonal relationships, love triangles, and workplace politics feels distinctly familiar, lacking the novelty or unique perspective that could elevate it beyond a standard procedural. While individual medical cases occasionally provide moments of tension, they often serve as a backdrop for the more prominent relationship drama, preventing a deeper exploration of the ethical dilemmas or the emotional toll inherent in emergency medicine.

A Missed Opportunity for Nuance

One of the most significant criticisms leveled against Pulse is its handling of the #MeToo storyline. While the premise held the potential to explore the complexities of power imbalances and the difficult choices faced by those who come forward, many reviewers found the narrative muddled and ultimately unsatisfying. The constant flashbacks attempting to contextualize Danny and Xander’s relationship often muddy the waters, making it difficult to fully grasp the dynamics of their romance and the impact of the alleged harassment. The series seems hesitant to take a clear stance, aiming for a nuanced portrayal that ultimately comes across as confused and lacking in the necessary sensitivity.

A Weak Heartbeat

Despite its appealing premise and the inherent drama of an emergency room setting, Netflix’s Pulse ultimately fails to deliver a truly compelling or innovative medical drama. Plagued by a poorly handled central conflict, underdeveloped characters, and a reliance on familiar tropes without offering a fresh perspective, the series struggles to maintain a strong pulse. While it may offer fleeting moments of engaging medical cases and interpersonal dynamics, Pulse ultimately flatlines, failing to leave a lasting impression or establish itself as a noteworthy addition to the crowded landscape of medical television. For viewers seeking a more nuanced, impactful, or original take on the genre, Pulse may unfortunately leave them feeling rather faint.