First, I'll start with the the annoying blatant copying of medical issues from Grey's Anatomy... I mean, in a creepy way. But, I prefer this show A LOT. And that's saying a lot.
The casting is better, more realistic choices of actors for the characters. The actors are also more realistic, more believable.
I appreciate that Transplant isn't laden with a constant whirlwind of romance, but just the right (small) amount. It doesn't outweigh the overall premise of the show being about medical situations, stresses with treatment, and the rounded lives of patients and medical staff.
When relationship topics are scripted, they are exceptionally realistic; a husband struggling to see his family enough while working too much, there are two employee pairings- kind of, but they don't run around the hospital having sex in corners like other shows.
What I like most is the main protagonist being a Syrian man who was a doctor in his country but struggled to get a job in Canada. Obviously he receives a medical job in Canada. There are SO MANY immigrants that I've met who have told me that they work in "such a such" field where they are from but their educational credentials aren't recognized in Canada. From brain surgeons to hair dressers and everything in between. It's a real problem, and I appreciate someone bringing this to light, even if it is just a TV show.
I checked the background of all the actors, and nearly everyone is Canadian. Too often I've checked a "Canadian film" actor's backgrounds and not only is 99.9% of them not Canadian, but they are usually produced predominantly (or completely) outside of Canada.
This film IS a true Canadian film, and a lovely representation of.