The 25 most memorable fictional hospitals

Det. Nordberg (O.J. Simpson) endured plenty of physical damage during this classic 1988 farse. When he took a hail of bullets down on the docks, Nordberg landed in the Intensive Care Unit at Our Lady of the Worthless Miracle. Thankfully, the bullets missed all his vital organs, but the care at this particular hospital is questionable. Also, the beds don't seem that sturdy, too.

Now, the legendary Dr. Marcus Welby (Robert Young) made a name for himself with his private practice, but he was associated with Lang Memorial Hospital. Where there were several instances of drama that took place over the run of the popular series from 1969-1976. Dr. Welby also endured some intense interactions there with Dr. Steven Kiley (played by a young James Brolin).

This medical drama ran through the first half of the 1960s and featured Dr. Ben Casey (Vince Edwards), who roamed the halls of County General. A brilliant and talented neurosurgeon, Ben Casey is almost too into his job. It also doesn't hurt that Dr. Casey is handsome. Though the hospital is essentially a background piece, it's Ben's haven and the place where he feels most comfortable. Perhaps the most memorable episode of the series came was 1963's  "For Jimmy, the Best  of Everything," guest starred Sammy Davis Jr., as a popular baseball who suffered a serious eye injury.

The primary oasis for care in Quahog, R.I. One won't recommend anyone -- real or fictional -- be admitted or cared for at this incompetent hospital. Dr. Elmer Hartman tends to be the most prominent staff member at Quahog Hospital, and the is primary care physician for most of the Griffin family. Dr. Hartman seems more concerned with doing his comedy schtick than responsibly practicing medicine. He once got sued -- and not the only time -- for giving Peter Griffin a prostate exam that the latter took for rape. Oh yeah, Dr. Hartman is also an alcoholic.

Like the aforementioned Quahog Hospital, Springfield General is the main care facility for those in the fictional realm of The Simpsons. However, it seems to be larger and offers more levels of extensive care than its fictional counterpart. That said, there are some shady elements within the walls of Springfield General. In addition to some questionable doctors, it might not be the most sanitary hospital around, and administrators have been known to resort to bribery to pass inspections. We are fans of The Three Stooges-themed children's ward, however.

Dr. Mark Sloan (Dick Van Dyke) is Chief of Internal Medicine at Community General from this 1990s drama (that dragged into the 2000s). But not only is he one of the world's finest physicians, but also has a knack for solving crimes. As hospitals go, Community General has it all, and patients are well taken care of by a highly professional staff. Or at least Dr. Sloan makes sure they are, for the most part. However, that doesn't stop trouble from brewing in its hallways. Medical examiner Dr. Amanda Bentley (Victoria Rowell) is not only good at her job at the hospital, but also helping Dr. Sloan with his crime-solving gig.

Part of the Dick Wolf universe of "Chicago" dramas, and the first of a few hospitals on this list that are fictionally set in Chicago. This particular medical drama follows the happenings within the emergency room at Gaffney, which is also bustling and visited by characters from Chicago Fire  and Chicago P.D. For most of the series' run, which began in 2015, Gaffney was a not-for-profit facility, then most recently was bought by entrepreneur Jack Dayton, whose greed essentially runs his life. 

The professional home of the extremely talented Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), the autistic surgical resident and star of this popular series that wrapped in May 2024. This Northern California hospital was founded by the grandfather of in-house attorney Jessica Preston (Beau Garrett). One of the modern and state-of-the-art hospitals on this list, and a place that makes its patients, and their loved ones, truly feel safe, respected and, most importantly, hopeful. 

There are many who probably forgot about this ABC soap opera that ran from 1963-1982. For those who do remember, The Doctors was a little edgier than other daytime options at the time. The doctors at Hope Memorial were serious about their jobs, but also highly competitive. It wasn't a surprise to see doctors get into heated arguments or even get physical over the daily grind. That said, there was also an element of camp to the drama. When it comes to underrated hospital programming or soap operas in general, The Doctors is high on the list.

Nurse Jackie Peyton (Edie Falco), the drug-addicted ER employee, is not the only entertaining character at All Saints. What about Zoey (Merritt Wever) or Dr. O'Hara (Eve Best)? It's essentially a cesspool of difunctional professionalism, if that makes any sense. Because, like most other hospitals on the list, and especially in emergency room settings, it's someone who is committed (meaning focused) to succeed and deal with all the stress and pressure. No matter what means are needed to survive. It was on display at All Saints and this special Showtime series. 

A charitable hospital that featured some of the most talented fictional doctors to ever grace the small screen. Like other medical dramas on this list, and those set in Chicago, the cast drove the show, which ran from 1994-2000. But, there is a sense of love and devotion for the physical structure, in this case, that is Chicago Hope. Neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Shutt (Alan Arkin), heart surgeon Jeffrey Geiger (Mandy Patinkin), Chief of Staff Dr. Phillip Watters (Hector Elizando), and, of course, fellow surgeon Dr. Kate Austin (Christine Lahti) stood out among a rotating cast of veteran Hollywood talent. 

Who would have thought that an established, well-respected metropolitan hospital like Boston Memorial would be a front for an international human organ ring that can make a killing (literally) on the black market? However, Dr. Susan Wheeler (Geneviève Bujold), a promising resident at the hospital, knew something was up when young, healthy patients were purposely placed into comas and eventually murdered for their organs. This thrilling 1978 drama , directed by Michael Crichton, also stars Michael Douglas and young Tom Selleck.

Nobody ran a tighter and more efficient professional emergency room than Dr. Kelly Brackett (Robert Fuller), head nurse Dixie McCall (Julie London), and neurosurgeon Dr. Joe Early (Bobby Troup). Even when under the gun, these three usually delivered amid the pressure. Also, this particular staff of Rampart also happened to be quite likable. Plus, the banter with local Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters/paramedics John Gage (Randolph Mantooth) and Roy DeSoto (Kevin Tighe) was always good for a few laughs every episode.

Nearly 30 years after Dr. "Trapper" John McIntyre (Pernell Roberts) was discharged from the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (more on that later) in the Korean War, he became Chief of Surgery at San Francisco Memorial Hospital. "Trapper" John runs a tight ship at this bustling hospital, where pretty much action happened during this popular CBS drama's run (1979-'86). He's compassionate, does what it takes to save lives and is also a mentor of sorts to the likes of young doctors "Gonzo" Gates (Gregory Harrison) and "Jackpot" Jackson (Brian Stokes Mitchell). 

Not many hospitals would take a chance and hire a teenage medical genius. But this Los Angeles facility did, and it became one of the most popular shows from the late 1980s and into the '90s. Dr. Douglas "Doogie" Howser (Neil Patrick Harris), who at age 14 became the youngest licensed doctor in America, is one fine surgeon. But, Doogie needs to handle the mental pressure that comes with such an intense adult job. He has a solid support system at Eastman, certainly helps make a difficult job a little easier.

One of the more creative and innovative programs on this list, Childrens Hospital (titled for the facility named after Dr. Arthur Childrens). It started as an internet and then found a television home through Adult Swim. Actor/comedian Rob Corddry stars Dr. Blake Downs, who wears clown make-up during his shifts, and Lake Bell as Dr. Cat Black, who provides narration during the early life of the show. Childrens Hospital, which ran from 2010-'16- mocks some of the most popular medical dramas of the 1990s and early 2000s. Most of which are on this list.  

Filmed at New York City's Metropolitan Hospital Center, Manhattan Medical was a once, great-respected place of care and teaching institution. Now, it's seemingly struggling to stay afloat. The hospital's issues tend to coincide with the struggles and issues of the suicidal Chief of Medicine, Dr. Herbert Bock, played by George C. Scott, who was nominated for an Academy Award in this satirical, black comedy from 1971. The late great Nancy Marchand, head nurse, Mrs. Christie also leads a stellar supporting cast of hospital employees.

This NBC drama enjoyed a rather impressive 89-episode run from 2018-2023. And was a show where the actual facility is one of the main characters. Built in 1760, this New York City medical haven is one of the oldest -- and largest -- public hospitals built in the United States. While it's celebrated for its dedicated staff and the fact it offers plenty of pro bono treatments, it's obviously an aging facility that needs some work. Which getting it done is not always easy. Yet, it in terms of fictional hospitals, it's worth celebrating.

Located in New Jersey, PPTH is a renowned teaching hospital, which trains medical students. Though it's never really established throughout the run (2004-'12) of the acclaimed and popular drama if there is any association with Princeton University (which does not have a medical school). Anyway, PPTH is home to Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), the extremely intelligent, yet volatile, confrontational and controversial head of diagnosticians. Though a teaching facility, the hospital is one-stop shopping for overall care, and being cared for by Dr. House would be highly entertaining. 

Decaying and old, drafty and somewhat dingy. Yet, in the realm of fictional hospitals, there might not be a more beloved medical facility than that of Boston's aging St. Eligius. There was always an urban feel to the place, and plenty of talented medical professionals -- Dr. Donald Westphall (Ed Flanders), Dr. Mark Craig (William Daniels), Dr. Victor Ehrlich (Ed Begley Jr.), Dr. Wayne Fiscus (Howie Mandel), Dr. Phillip Chandler (Denzel Washington), Nurse Helen Rosenthal (Christiana Pickles) -- who could have thrived in more spacious and modern facilities, but found something special about the place. But who would have thought it would all be the product of an autistic boy's imagination?

Whether we're talking about the classic black comedy film from 1970 or the iconic CBS series that some critics believes is the greatest sitcom of all time, the "M*A*S*H" unit from Korean War has been a staple of pop culture entertainment. "Hawkeye," "Trapper" John, "Hot Lips." A war-time hospital that featured some of the most talented, determined and highly entertaining medical professionals the fictional world has ever seen. While both casts made the war seem like a good time, it certainly affected them all. Which eventually came through on camera.

The best part about Sacred Heart is the staff. From the fun-loving banter between buddy doctors J.D. (Zach Braff) and Turk (Donald Faison), and the former's sexual tension with Elliot (Sarah Chalke) to his hilariously tense relationship with Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley). Not to mention that nosey, comically creepy janitor (Neil Flynn). While it's safe to say that Scrubs is one of the great comedies of the 21st century, it's also one of the most endearing. There's not a more complete hospital staff than the folks at Sacred Heart.

The original Seattle Grace, established in 1947, was considered one of the world's best hospitals. And featuring some of the most brilliantly skilled and talented doctors in the business. Like Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), the daughter of renowned surgeon Ellis Grey. Meredith rose from surgical intern, to resident, then attending and eventually Chief of General Surgery. Grey was there when Seattle Grace merged with Mercy West (and then became Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital), which made sense since the former was showing its age (including a massive flood) and needed a way to maintain its exemplary status. Of course, what makes both facilities truly special is the emotion that has been exuded by the doctors, nurses and staff inside those walls.

Yes, County General is a fictional version of the real-life Cook County Hospital on Chicago's West Side, but it's also one of the most dangerous emergency rooms in the world. And not just because of the volume of patients, but the level of trauma and all the side effects that come with working in an inner city setting. Come on, doctors Lucy Knight (Kellie Martin) and Robert Romano died on the job . Sure, some of the biggest names in Hollywood -- George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Noah Wylie, Eric La Salle, Julianna Margulies and Ming-Na -- became superstars and household names from the show. But the intense drama, seemingly in every episode, is what was a consistent factor in ER's success. 

This classic, beloved soap opera debuted in 1963, and is still going strong today. Sure, GH has never delivered the intense and over-the-top drama like most other shows on this list. But when it comes to hospital-related programming, it should begin and end with this legendary Port Charles institution. And just think of the iconic characters that have roamed the halls of General Hospital: Dr. Steve Hardy (John Beradino), dependable nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin), hooker-turned-nurse Bobbie Spencer (Jacklyn Zeman) and the husband-wife doctor team of Alan (Stuart Damon) and Monica (Leslie Charleson) Quartermaine. The fact the soap is still running, and popular, is a testament to its greatness.