Doctor At Sea

Watch Doctor At Sea

  • 1974
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (75)

Doctor At Sea is a British television series that was first broadcasted in the 1970s. The series is a medical comedy-drama that revolves around the life of Dr. Simon Sparrow, played by Robin Nedwell, a newly qualified doctor who is sent on a voyage on a cruise ship after completing his training at St. Swithin's Hospital in London.

The show is a part of the "Doctor" series, which started with the 1954 film Doctor in the House, which was based on the book of the same name by Richard Gordon. The success of the original film led to several sequels, and the Doctor At Sea was one of them.

The show is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and the first season follows Simon Sparrow's journey as he embarks on his first adventure as a ship's doctor. The show is primarily about the comical situations that Simon finds himself in on board the ship, from treating seasick passengers to navigating the complicated romantic entanglements of the ship's crew. The passengers on board the ship also provide a colorful array of characters that Simon interacts with, such as a retired army officer, a rich businessman, and a flirtatious young woman.

The show's humor is very much in line with the British comedy of the time, with dry wit and clever wordplay being the order of the day. The show does not shy away from the more risqué aspects of life on a cruise ship, with Simon often finding himself in compromising situations with young women or dealing with the consequences of too much alcohol. However, the show never loses its overall lighthearted tone and remains family-friendly.

In addition to the comedy, the show also features several dramatic storylines. Simon is forced to deal with medical emergencies that arise on board the ship, from heart attacks to broken limbs, and he often has to rely on his wits and limited resources to save lives. These segments of the show are more serious and provide a welcome change of pace from the comedy, showcasing Robin Nedwell's acting range as he shifts from joking around to a more serious tone.

The show's production is impressive, given the limitations of technology at the time. The show is shot on location on a real ship, with the production crew making the most of the picturesque coastal locations that the ship visits. The sets and costumes are also well-designed, and the attention to detail adds to the show's overall authenticity.

Doctor At Sea proved to be very popular with audiences, and the show ran for two seasons from 1974 to 1975. Although the show ended over 40 years ago, it remains a cult classic and is a testament to the enduring appeal of British comedy. The show's legacy continues through its influence on later medical comedies such as Scrubs and Green Wing.

In conclusion, Doctor At Sea is a classic British television show that combines comedy, drama, and medical emergencies to create an entertaining and engaging series. Robin Nedwell's performance as Simon Sparrow is incredibly charming and has contributed to the show's enduring popularity. The show's writing is sharp, witty and clever, and the production values are impressive for a show of its time. If you're a fan of British comedy, then Doctor At Sea is a must-watch.

Doctor At Sea is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on April 21, 1974.

Doctor At Sea
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Seasons
But It's So Much Nicer To Come Home
13. But It's So Much Nicer To Come Home
July 14, 1974
The cruise is over at last, and both Waring and Stuart-Clark resign their posts. Returning to St Swithin's, they realise that everything has changed there, and decide to try to get their jobs back on the cruise liner. To do so, though, they are going to have to use a little old-fashioned skull-duggery!
Murder! He Said
12. Murder! He Said
July 7, 1974
After a furious row with the Purser, Waring suggests that he should be killed. And when, while investigating Waring's dodgy dealings in the kitchens, the Purser goes missing, Waring is placed upon suspicion of murder.
A Wolf In Ship's Clothing
11. A Wolf In Ship's Clothing
June 30, 1974
Poor old Waring! With three women vying for his attentions at a ship's party, he can't satisfy all of them and keep Captain Loftus happy.
Physician Heal Thyself
10. Physician Heal Thyself
June 23, 1974
The battle of the Doctors continues, but this time, Waring has to face up to the terrifying prospect of Stuart-Clark operating on him! Suffering from acute appendicitis, Waring finds another medic onboard - a veterinarian, but when the operation is over, is becomes clear that he only had food poisoning!
In A Little Spanish Town
9. In A Little Spanish Town
June 16, 1974
Ashore in a village in Spain, Waring saves the life of a drowning girl. The villagers fete him - but he is actually being forced into marrying her! Will he be able to extricate himself from this sticky situation with the help of Stuart-Clark and Captain Loftus?
The V.I.P.
8. The V.I.P.
June 9, 1974
Waring's public relations skills go awry when he is rude to a gentleman passenger. In a comic mix-up, he assumes that the man is an important journalist - when in fact the writer is Polly Roberts - whom he also goes on to upset!
Goodbye, Mr. Ships!
7. Goodbye, Mr. Ships!
June 2, 1974
Waring and Stuart-Clark are in trouble again. Having missed the departure of the cruise from Madeira, they decide to hire a motorboat to try to catch up. And when the engine runs out of fuel, they're certainly all at sea!
Floating Profits
6. Floating Profits
May 26, 1974
Stuart-Clark is burning the candle at both ends - and it's starting to affect his work. At the Captain's morning conference he collapses, and has to persuade a reluctant Waring to look after all his money-making schemes aboard ship. What effect will this have on the senior doctor?
Go Away, Stowaway!
5. Go Away, Stowaway!
May 19, 1974
Waring and Stuart-Clark are helping someone out for a change. Manuel Sanchez has stowed aboard the Bristol, trying to return home to Tenerife for his wedding. But the Purser and the Captain are hot on his trail.
The Senior Officer's Perks
4. The Senior Officer's Perks
May 12, 1974
There's a beautiful passenger on board! Waring and Stuart-Clark begin vying for Helga's attentions - but following a beauty contest - it's the Captain who prevails.
A Healthy Ship Is A Happy Ship
3. A Healthy Ship Is A Happy Ship
May 5, 1974
The MS Bristol is in trouble: many of the staff and crew are off sick, and Captain Loftus warns the Doctors that they are handing out too many sick leave chitties. Understandably outraged by this, Dr Waring decides to champion the ill people, and threatens to lead a mutiny. But is he being led up the garden path?
Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seasick
2. Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seasick
April 28, 1974
It's the first day at sea, and Waring's seasick! But tonight is the first party of the cruise - all the senior staff are obliged to be there - and the Captain doesn't approve of seasick people!
Sir John And Baby Doc
1. Sir John And Baby Doc
April 21, 1974
Loftus decides to sack Dick from the Hospital, and Duncan threatens to resign in protest. He is shocked when Loftus calmly accepts his resignation. Dick and Duncan sign up as ship's doctors on board a luxury cruise liner called the MS Begonia. However, it is not the luxury life they expected especially when the captain turns out to be Loftus' brother.
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Where to Watch Doctor At Sea
Doctor At Sea is available for streaming on the ITV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Doctor At Sea on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    April 21, 1974
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (75)