User reviews

Joshua Jackson does george clooney in the E/R on a boat. That seems to be the concept of this series. Joshua Jackson got the greyish hair, the george clooney voice and charm, heck he is a spitting image of george clooney, its quite amazing actually.

The other lead actors are miami vices Don Johnson and fresh face actors Phillipa Soo and Sean Teale. Acting is overall good, but the story has so far not made any room for anything challenging. Its been very simple, quick and superficial.

The story is as mentioned quite uncomplicated. Its slightly sitcom-ish and surrounds the emergency medical staff on a cruise ship.

The good of this series is its freshness and elegance. Its easy to digest.

The bad is that its too simple, too lighthearted. The characters are very much caricatyrs and not acting like real people. I for one prefer realness above actingness. This production also comes with 'the message'. Its everything from pro covid propaganda to, trans and other stuff.

Oh yeah, since the story takes place on a boat mostly at sea, the storyline is somewhat limited and most of the photage never give away that its played on a boat and it gets kinda stuffed and closed in.

6/10.

I don't think this show would win a lot of points for accuracy or realism, but I am really enjoying the escapism it provides me so far - go out weekly on a gorgeous looking boat with beautiful people shot in bright colors practicing impossible medicine? - why not..

The 3 main actors are well known and deserving of their street cred, they mesh well together, sometimes making you forget that they are supposed to not know each other, and I always find it refreshing when a show tackles interpersonal issues head on instead of forcing it (through lazy writing) into a conflict for the sake of drama - normal people talk to one another!

There are some continuity issues with the personalities of the characters, it feels like they haven't yet fully got it down, but I'm rooting for them - I'm having a great time so far.

The Bacchanalia were Roman festivals of Bacchus, the Greco-Roman god of wine, freedom, intoxication and ecstasy. With this series, that's what to expect.

I like the setting and the cast. The guest stars are awesome. The production is excellent. The handful of episodes I've seen so far... they've been interesting enough. A few good stories. The views are pretty (although the outside of the ship is pretty "meh" in the long shots).

But honestly - there's just too much debauchery and too many intimately contracted diseases being dealt with (eeew, right?). The stories could be played out without so many icky symptoms among the guests. I'll keep watching but I hope this series can find a way to tell fun stories without the ick factor.

This is definitely The Love Boat meets House series. Caught my attention when I learned Don Johnson was back in a series. I had also just watched an Australian series that featured several of the Fringe actors. Made me wonder what dreamboat Pacie from Dawson's Creek was up to these days. Then just like that he shows up in this new series as the head doctor.

So far there has not been enough of Don Jonson. Hope there will be more of the Captain in the future. Joshua Jackson has the major role so far. Not sure I like him jumping into bed with a cremate so quickly, thou.

Hard to believe all the medical equipment they have available on this one cruise ship, though. I can't get this kind of care in one medical clinic in my state. In just these couple early episodes, they have handled conditions that, perhaps, these passengers should have not been traveling with and should have stayed home..

I mean, I ll be honest. I like Joshua a lot. I watched Fringe 4 or 5 times. I loved the show, that is where I discovered him. He has talent and potential.

This series is.... nothing. I waited for something interesting to happen. NOTHING DID! I mean: what is the main idea of the show? The actors and cute and hot. And? What next?

I really expected a nice plot, some intrigue, a reason to look forward to the next episode. A reason to ge back for more. And yet... I see luxury, hot people and no depth. Beyond the surface there is no beauty, there is nothing hidden. Such as shame....

Sorry, I do not recommend. I will go watch Fringe again.

So I'm rooting for this show because I adore Joshua Jackson. Mighty Ducks, Dawson's Creek, Fringe. I've been a fan for awhile. With that said, this show has potential, but it needs some major work. I like that Dr. Bankman seems teachable and is quick to humble himself. His backstory however, just lazy. Seriously, that's what they came up with. The whole patient zero thing, earned an eye roll. The situation with, Avery was cringey and forced. I'm glad of how it went but did the first episode really need it. Then the supposed tension with Tristian, again was forced and unnecessary. For this to be a major network show, the writing seems amateur.

As far as the technical stuff, I've never been on a cruise so I just take it for what it is. However, the whole 3 hours from land, but no medevac helicopter, has me questioning what the writers really thinks of their intended audience. I may not know much about ships, helicopters and medicine, but even that seemed far fetched.

I'm really hoping this gets better fast. Otherwise, it won't last.

This can't have been written by actual humans. The dialogue and scenes are wooden and lack any grasp of reality - as though they were created through a computer study that forgot to include facts. The characters are unlikeable, the scenes are ridiculous- but not in a funny way, and sometimes just plain gross (eg Plastic surgery episode). The relationships between crew and passengers depicted would result in instant termination on any cruise line. The ship's medical facility is utterly ridiculous - on one hand, having equipment that would be unheard of, while at the same time lacking the basic features like safety rails on beds to stop passengers falling out of them (they are at sea!!). You can't order genetic testing or a slew of blood tests at sea - especially when you don't have a lab or lab technicians. An MRI and CT scan, and surgery too? And the only doctor is drinking? This would all be forgivable if it was funny (for example, Giligan's Island was supposed to be a 3-hour-tour yet the passengers had a crazy amount of stuff with them) but this show isn't funny or even interesting. Complete and utter rubbish!

I can understand other reviewers issues with the show but aren't we forgetting this is TV and not reality? The show takes place on a cruise ship and it's a medial drama, two unusual things to mash up. I think it's great that they're trying to make tv fun in a lately overly serious time.

Never really watched Greys Anatomy but House was really interesting albeit off the wall. House would have been fired every week IRL. The Love Boat was off the wall but at the end of the show always ended on a high note. There's opportunity for this show to go in a lot of different directions, I'm gonna give it a shot. I enjoyed what I saw so far.

Don't expect a serious medical drama here or a laugh out loud comedy.

It's light-hearted. A balancing act with the cruise theme with related-medical situation(s) of the week and the dynamics of the different characters.

The characters are all fairly likeable and with enough diversity for a 30+ audience demographics.

As another reviewer wrote Joshua Jackson in the lead does his best "Clooney" and is charming. With Jackson and Johnson, they got the Baby Boomer, and Gen X covered. The new faces Soo, and Teale covers Millennials and Gen Z.

The ultimate question is given the demographic coverage, can the characters make meaning connections to the audience based on the story and their performance to keep the show going.

I personally enjoy it as a nice distraction from reality shows, and serialized drama that takes themselves too seriously.

I do not normally watch medical dramas, but this one caught my attention with the added element of it being on a cruise ship. And it is just that, a medical drama on a cruise ship. Which made it stupidly awesome. Certain things are made better with an added element of cheese, like the Golden Bachelor/Bachelorette. This show is so cheesy and stupid that I will probably keep watching it anyway. It's a perfect, ridiculous, brain cell killing, destress show. Overused jokes? Check. Major plot holes? Check. Nonsensical storytelling? Check. It's basically perfect, if you can handle cringing for an hour.

I watch programs to be entertained. I was entertained. This show might not be realistic, but it's entertaining. From Don Johnson to the nurses It was much better than I expected, Ryan Murphy knows how to entertain. I loved Nip Tuck. I will watch this show. It's a great escape from the political stories in the news and for 42 minutes, I forget about all that stuff.

Maybe the writing isn't great, but I didn't notice. The ship is mesmerizing with its unbelievable beauty and decadence. Cruises aren't really like that unless you're a billionaire. I like Joshua Jackson in this role and Don Johnson in his.

This is a great show to escape with so far. Until it stops. I'll keep watching.

Is it another medically inaccurate over the top drama where every rare and less rare disease and illness comes up? Yes, it absolutely is.

BUT it's good entertainment and I actually love the human interactions and conversations the people have with each other. Suspend reality and just enjoy it for what it is. A dramatic, cheesy yet sometimes heartwarming TV show.

I wasn't sure about the role Joshua was going to play but his character is well thought out and portrayed. I a actually quite like all of the main characters.

The sunglasses annoy me from time to time. I like to see people's eyes,but that might just be me.

This is actually terrible.

3 stars for the all-in game ness of the players, despite a script that should be pulped for recycled toilet paper.

Near the beginning of episode one, the new doctor onboard tours the Odyssey, a lavish 5 star cruise liner. We tour right along with him. It's a sumptuous, fantasy of a ship. At one point, the doctor is led down a hall of burnished walnut, walking in a kind of formation and I thought "Bones!!!?!'" . And 'oh, wouldn't it be wonderful if this show took a turn toward Star Trek or even The Orville?'.

Not only did Doctor Odyssey choose the path more commonly taken, the single first script was packed with every cliche, trope and bit of bad dialog it could scrape from the bottom of Ryan Murphy's shoe.

Ugh.

I watched the entire first episode and I promise you, it just gets worse and worse.

I feel badly for the talent caught up in this mess.

I've been watching it weekly and I don't know why (well, probably Don Johnson). It's too...everything: pretty, perfect, overly produced, ham-handedly directed, resolved with neat bows.

Each week has a different theme (plastic surgery, Halloween, huge wedding, gay men) and there are always 3 health crises that are resolved. Hire a B, C or D list celebrity and a bunch of extras and have them cavort around in character/theme.

Everyone (except Don Johnson) is just too pretty abd rather amoral. Recently the medical team explored a menage à troi and most of the passengers are airheads and/or icky.

Example: the hugely pregnant couple who booked the gay cruise thinking it was something else. WTF!? Not buying it - for one, what kind of morons go on a cruise with birth imminent? Yes, she did give birth on the ship.

I'll probably watch until the season ends but I'll be shocked if it's renewed. It's pretty lame.

I am VERY well versed in medical/procedural shows, name one i have probably watched it. If i had to rank this show so far it wouldn't be very high up.

Imo, max is annoying- i can't stand him, so that is a reason it isn't very high. Another reason is it is very very cheesy, i love a bit of cringe now and then but when i have to pause multiple times during an episode just to get through it is a bit much.

The acting isnt the best apart from phillipa soo and whoever plays the tristan guy, however it is watchable. I also wouldn't give it many points for accuracy, however thats just run of the mil in these types of dramas.

But i do enjoy the episode structures, a new theme each week, and i also enjoy the storylines. The love triangle is a bit cliche, and not my favourite but i am excited to get into these characters backstories as it has already been touched on for a few of them.

I do hope however it doesn't repeat the same situation that 9-1-1 lonestar fell into, where they focused too much on rob lowe as he the starring actor even though it was an ensemble show. Too many of the storylines focused on him and it hindered the other characters storylines. I hope it isnt the case with this show.

I see this being my guilty pleasure show.

Would I go out of my way to recommend this show to friends and family? Probably not. Would I find myself curling up in a blanket to guiltily binge a few episodes, yes.

Don't you hire a doctor and nurse to help you with the medical issues - it looks like you are making them up!!!

Cardiac Catheterization at sea - I don't think so!! A heart monitor showing flatline they are calling V-tach!!! No!!!

Please hire a doctor who knows ships doctor's protocols and a nurse who understands nursing!!!

Also a doctor on a ship - who is the only doctor would never be drinking!!!!

How about real beds with linen for our patients who just coded!!

I'm sorry - is this the future? Did I miss that part of the story?

I hate to say it but Bernie Kopell from the Live Boat was more realistic!!

A typical network show out of a brainstorming session. What would happen if we mix elements of real romance, spicy sexyness/voyeurship à la Baywatch, but in 2024, and medical drama? That is Doctor Odyssey.

And since ABC is a Disney Company, why not promote our cruizeship business badly hurt by the COVID pandemic. Mister Iger will love it.

It results in a moderately entertaining watch thanks to the cast charisma, especially Don Johnston as the ship captain. The medical team actors are new to me but clearaly invested in their characters. And the formula allows for interesting Cameos like Shanya Twain in episode 2.

How does a show this bad make it to broadcast?

I made myself sit through the first episode in hopes that it just needed to work through the initial set up and then it would find its' feet. Unfortunately no. The writing is lame and the dialogue stilted. The acting is wooden and stiff and just uncomfortable. You know how sometimes a show is so bad that it draws you in - not this one. It is just plain bad. Save yourself from loosing time that you can never get back. Go outside and watch the grass grow or paint a wall and watch the paint dry. Pretty much anything you could do would be a better use of time.

I rated this show 8 for its entertainment value for me. It is a series that's easy to watch with a good cast. Actors we know. It's a medical show regarding illnesses, accidents that could happen on a cruise ship, it gets a little intense but obviously not like an ER in Chicago. They have a well-equipped medical facility. There's quirky guests. Some romance. Fun activities going on. Like a dance party and day drinking on the beach. I would recommend watching it when you are in the mood for something that's not dark but more fun. There's chemistry between the cast. There's humor but some serious stuff too. I liked it.

The whole medical setup is total fantasy, the treatment beds are more like a spa than any medical setting let alone a clinic on a ship that could be dealing with heavy seas. If there's any waves the patients would be on the floor within seconds. That's only the most obvious glaring invention not to mention all the weird allowed behaviour of the crew. It all looks very luxurious and slick, even the medical equipment has gold trim?! Or perhaps it's brass as a nod towards nautical tradition. It's a decent cast and some of the medical incidents are undoubtedly based on things that have happened on cruise ships it's the details that are unrealistic.

So many ridiculous errors here. The Captain, on a formal nite, isn't in uniform and dines only with similarly attired staff. The Captain teaches a crew member how to fold towels. The Doc lives in a palatial stateroom. The ship is "60 miles from land," which is purportedly too far for a medivac chopper. The vessel has only one MD, whereas even a smaller cruise ship carries two. The sets are totally wrong for a vessel of this size. The ship shares a name with a real luxe cruise ship (familiar to us) but bears no resemblance to it. The crew is ashore on a sort of booze-fueled beach party when she's in port. Utter nonsense all 'round, me hearties!

Enjoyable and entertaining, easy to watch. I like the characters and approach, it's reminiscent of the Love Boat. It may not be 100% accurate or authentic with cruising and medical procedures, but isn't that why we watch TV - escapism? My field is neither hospitality nor medical, so I don't know the inside baseball, but I suspect most viewers are like me. It's not a documentary, just a fun, light show with Don Johnson, who I've always liked. Besides, just one episode in, give it more time; I think many are being a bit harsh their reviews. It seems different than other shows in recent years and I look forward to more episodes.

First of all, I did rate this show a 7/10. It was way worse than I thought it would be but it was also much better in some unexpected ways.

Way worse:

• this show has nothing to do with the Odyssey, Greek mythology, etc. The only reference to Greek mythology seems to be when the 3 swinging doctors and a Miami Vice retiree dress up in white and stand in front of a white-lit background on the ship balcony. They look down upon the little people and then jump into their lives. Nifty.

• there is no plot. Like actually no plot. This is the actual opposite of the Odyssey if you happen to read it someday.

• the acting is beyond bad... but so bad that it becomes funny.

• I am so embarrassed for Shania Twain that I don't know what to do with myself.

• there is literally no purpose to this show.

Better than expected:

• this show is purposeful purposeless. It is actually quite incredible how a group of writers and actors can purposefully create something so stupid. Once you start seeing the show as a satire instead of a drama or mystery requiring any level of IQ, you can enjoy the comedy. For example, how many times must these doctors undergo life and death surgery on a cruise ship, meanwhile shaming the holistic medicine passengers (btw sponsored by big pharmaceutical on Disney+). The subtext is so obvious that I wonder if the writers were enlightened or on drugs.

• For some reason, this show was extremely easy to binge watch. Whether by intention or accident, I found myself so relaxed watching this show as opposed to thinking about any of the realities of 2024 on the planet earth. It was a mental vacation for me and my wife. Whether you miss a scene or an episode... it doesn't matter! None of the show matters, and they have (in my opinion) written it that way on purpose.

• this show is so good at injecting stereotypes that it is almost like being a Greek god looking down upon the personality disorders of the planet earth. Each person on the show is such a caricature of someone that you know or someone that you are that you can easily see yourself or your friends or your colleagues in any of these characters. For example, the scene with the narcissistic mother was so over-the-top that it was like the writer's are trying to beat us over the head with the concept of narcissistic moms because we are all too dumb to actually understand what's happening to us. I didn't find this to be insulting... rather, I found it to be reassuring that I'm not the only person who views others in such instant categorization.

• There is subtext in this show that reflects the nature of our society that I think is actually quite profound but will probably be lost by anyone other than a few people who have studied film and literature and art. The show is reflecting our society back at us right in our faces. It is literally shaming us for being a fallen and stupid society, full of narcissistic, shallow, self-consumed individuals. The show basically attempts to tell us our existence is as pointless as their television show. I actually see this show as a dystopian art form and critique on our society which was quite interesting.

Overall I think I will continue watching the show someday... but probably in a binge because it's just too ridiculous to watch on a weekly basis. Best to watch, laugh, speculate, wonder, reflect, and move on.

And btw Disney+ nice try trying to take the name Odyssey away from me. I'm not remotely intimated. 🤙

Wow, I thought this would be a good show, but it is boring as heck!!!

Don't bother wasting your time....

Only made it through the first episode and that was a major challenge!

I'm not really sure what the point of this show is??

Like someone else said, they started watching it, just waiting for something exciting to happen, annnnnd nothing did.....

The cruise ship was incredibly beautiful. The actors and actresses were fine.

So to conclude, I don't recommend this show to anybody. Seems like being a medical team on a cruise ship would be more exciting. I only watched the first episode, but once I was done, I did a thumbs down and can't bring myself to watch any more.