Starring Jason Isaacs and Sophia Bush, Good Sam delves into the strenuous father-daughter relationship between Dr. Sam Griffith and Dr. Rob Griffith. Tensions increase as the duo also happen to work in the same hospital.
Good Sam serves as an interesting watch for medical drama fans. So, it is natural for audiences to also check out other genre classics like Grey’s Anatomy and contemporary shows like The Good Doctor. At the same time, Good Sam’s complex family dynamics imply that viewers can also binge their way through some acclaimed “dysfunctional family dramas”.
The Good Doctor (2017-)
Stream On Hulu
ABC's The Good Doctor's main character Shaun Murphy is a brilliant surgeon who relocates to a prestigious California hospital. Along with saving patient lives, he struggles to get over his troubled past and to counter his social insecurities. The show benefits greatly from Freddie Highmore’s committed performance as he emulates the optimistic nature of the lead character.
Fans of Good Sam must check out The Good Doctor for it shows how a doctor’s psyche can influence the operation. Even though Sam is still in her good-natured self, Rob is shown as a talented yet hot-headed surgeon. On the other hand, there is Shaun from The Good Doctor who tries to be as calm as he can be during operations.
Your Honor (2020-)
Stream On Showtime
The iconic Bryan Cranston’s post-Breaking Bad roles include a stint as a top-shot judge in Your Honor. As his son gets embroiled in a hit-and-run accident, it is up to Judge Michael Desiato to protect him at all costs. Your Honor delves into the morality of law and the lawmakers behind it.
Even though Desiato commits his life to deliver justice, he himself is making his son run away from it. Such moral conflicts in this father-son relationship will pique the interest of those who enjoy the drama in the Griffiths’ bond in Good Sam.
Grey's Anatomy (2005-)
Stream On Netflix
Currently in its 18th season, Grey’s Anatomy needs no introduction for fans of medical drama. Apart from the titular character’s individual arc, the show focuses on the lives of doctors and surgical interns as all of them get influenced by the cases they encounter. The episodes of Grey’s Anatomy can range from hopeful to heart-wrenching just like the diverse cases in a hospital.
If Good Sam interests viewers in knowing more about doctors and how the cases affect them mentally, then Grey’s Anatomy seems like the perfect pick to start with. At the same time, the show can also lighten things up with a healthy dose of workplace romance and friendships.
Cobra Kai (2018-)
Stream On Netflix
Inspired by the Karate Kid movies, Cobra Kai reunites the Karate champions Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. However, the stakes are high now as both of their children also get involved in martial arts tournaments. Just like their opposite karate styles, both men seem to have different approaches to parenting that are reflected in their children’s actions.
This is how Cobra Kai feels thematically similar to The Good Sam. Sam wishes to walk in the professional footsteps of her father even though he has his own fallacies. How she seeks to reinvent herself in this context is what adds more substance to the premise.
Succession (2018-)
Stream On HBO Max
A satire on the ultra-rich sections of American society, Succession deals with the internal conflicts of the Roy family. As the family's aging patriarch continues to thrive with an iron fist, his children devise to take the reins of his empire. Each of the main characters on Succession is delightfully selfish in their own ways. The result of their actions is a family drama of Shakespearean proportions.
If people think Sam Griffith is a harsh dad, they should watch Logan Roy's outbursts at his children in Succession. The latter can be equally hot-headed and scheming, making Succession a treat for fans of well-written family dramas.
House (2004-2012)
Stream On Peacock & Amazon Prime
While medical dramas seem to brim with positivity, House sets itself apart with its protagonist's brand of cynicism. The notorious and anti-social Dr. Gregory House is proficient in his job but he comes up with controversial methods to save his patients. A case of alcoholism and professional clashes with his peers further add to the red flags.
In this way, Gregory House is a perfect parallel to Rob Griffith in Good Sam. Both are hot-headed medical professionals who might get the job done but are despised by the people around them.
Yellowstone (2018-)
Stream On Peacock
Set in the largest contiguous ranch in present-day America, Yellowstone revolves around the everyday misadventures of the ranch's owner John Dutton. The episodes of Yellowstone present diverse challenges that can put the rancher's ownership at risk. But Dutton and his family still manage to drive away from corrupt bureaucrats and encroachers.
Yellowstone would excite fans of Good Sam as both shows end up showing the difference in the work ethic that arises when both parent and child share the same profession. John Dutton's way of doing business might not always sit well with his children and such ideological conflicts add more drama to the premise.
Scrubs (2001-2010)
Stream On Hulu & Amazon Prime
Scrubs takes a look at the lighter aspects of hospital life with most of its narrative coming from an intern's daydreams. Love, friendships, and other generic sitcom tropes are explored in a creative fashion in its medical setting. With Zach Braff's role as JD in the show drawing a cult fanbase, Scrubs had a successful 9 season run.
Barring the physical environment, Scrubs might not have much in common with Good Sam. But if viewers need a break from the usual sentimentality of the medical drama genre, they must check out a medical comedy of which a prime example is Scrubs.
Flowers (2016-2018)
Stream On Netflix
The Flowers family is an odd lot with unresolved issues. As each member's mental exhaustion and social insecurities start coming out in the open, a familial fallout is inevitable. Even though Flowers is filled with memorable scenes of dark humor, the show has its fair share of heartbreaking outbursts that might prompt viewers to go for the tissues.
Much like the central relationship in Good Sam, Flowers shows how unresolved emotional conflicts can affect a family. Sam and Rob can resolve their issues if they didn't have much emotional baggage in the first place.
New Amsterdam (2018-)
Stream On Peacock
The titular hospital in New Amsterdam is a legendary institution but it also suffers from outdated facilities. With the arrival of a young and passionate medical director, the hospital's fate seems to change.
Medical reform is necessary for any such institution given the transient nature of the profession. In his pursuit to reform the hospital, Dr. Max Goodwin must definitely be at loggerheads with older doctors and bureaucrats. A similar clash of ideals can be seen between the Griffiths in Good Sam as both have different approaches to the same work.