Pulse, the Netflix series that has been likened to Grey’s Anatomy, has landed mixed reviews after being branded “dull” and “shoddy” by critics.
The 10-part medical drama tells the stories of emergencies, hospital lockdowns and workplace romances as the staff of a Miami-based trauma centre attempt to balance both their professional and personal lives.
Starring Willa Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell and Jessie T Usher, the show premiered on the streaming service earlier this week (April 3), with the cast of characters also having to contend with some extreme weather in addition to their other responsibilities.
Despite a vast cast and myriad plotlines, Pulse hasn’t exactly struck a chord with critics thus far, landing a middling approval rating of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes from its first 19 reviews, with the general consensus noting the show’s failure to balance various elements.
You can read a selection of reviews below:
Related: Grey's Anatomy and Bridgerton creator describes her biggest career hurdle
What to Read Next
Digital Spy
“The relationships and the central people should be at the heart of the show, and it feels as though Pulse forgets this... Pulse does a somewhat solid job, even if it's not perfect, ultimately landing in a satisfying place that neither fixes nor can fix those wounds.”
The Wall Street Journal
“Like trying to perform three organ transplants during halftime at a Heat game, Pulse takes on more than a little too much.”
Vulture
“It’s not anything, really, except a frustrating mishmash of many better shows crammed into a blender and pulsed until any specific flavour or texture has been pulverized beyond recognition.”
The Hollywood Reporter
“[Resembles Grey's Anatomy] with its mix of medical drama and soap operatics... And seen that way, it’s not half bad - entertaining enough to scratch the same itch, if not yet satisfying enough to claim its own place in the pantheon of hospital shows.”
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
TIME Magazine
“It might’ve been possible to extract a fun procedural from this setup, but with Pulse, the execution is even shoddier than the premise.”
The Chicago Tribune
“The show’s not just dull. It’s visually dull.”
Variety
“Despite the sound acting, a poorly formatted narrative, an appalling depiction of sexual harassment and a few insufferable characters don’t exactly make for a pleasurable watch.”
The Globe and Mail
“It’s soapy and enjoyable if you’re okay with ridiculous flirting over or with bleeding accident victims.”
Pulse is streaming now on Netflix.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
