Netflix has officially entered the high-stakes world of hospital drama with Pulse, a 10-episode adrenaline rush that blends ER urgency, emotionally tangled relationships, and a looming hurricane to set itself apart from traditional medical series. Created by Zoe Robyn (The Equalizer) and produced by Carlton Cuse (Lost, Jack Ryan), the show leans heavily into romantic drama and character depth while delivering pulse-pounding moments in the trauma bay.
What Is Pulse About?
At the heart of Pulse is Dr. Danielle “Danny” Simms, a third-year resident suddenly thrust into the role of chief resident after her mentor—and secret lover—Dr. Xander Phillips is suspended. Played by Willa Fitzgerald, Danny finds herself navigating ER politics, personal grief, and the fallout from her now-public workplace romance, all while preparing for a hurricane threatening to tear Miami apart.
The hospital, Maguire Medical Center, becomes ground zero for not just patient crises, but a storm of emotional, ethical, and professional conflicts.
Meet the Cast of Pulse
Pulse boasts a diverse, ensemble cast that reflects the rich cultural backdrop of Miami:
- Willa Fitzgerald as Dr. Danny Simms
- Colin Woodell as Dr. Xander Phillips
- Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Jessy Yates, and Justina Machado round out the ER squad.
- Néstor Carbonell, Jessica Rothe, and J.R. Ramirez deliver standout performances in supporting roles.
From fresh interns to seasoned veterans, every character in Pulse feels fleshed out, vulnerable, and vital to the chaos that unfolds.
Filming Locations: Miami Meets Albuquerque
Though set in Miami, Pulse was filmed across both Miami and Albuquerque, giving it a blend of coastal heat and logistical flexibility. The creators wanted to authentically capture the body heat, tension, and cultural texture of South Florida, using the setting as a mirror for the characters’ internal storms.
What Sets Pulse Apart?
Unlike its network predecessors, Pulse isn’t trying to make its doctors superheroes. “These are real people with real weaknesses,” says showrunner Zoe Robyn. “They’re fighting to save lives—but also fighting not to lose their own in the process.”
Themes of burnout, mentorship, gender politics, identity, and especially romantic fallout in professional spaces are central to the narrative. At its core is Danny and Xander’s love story, which is as risky emotionally as any cardiac arrest they treat.
Pulse Soundtrack: Latin Beats & Emotional Ballads
Curated by Emmy-nominated music supervisor Janet Lopez, the Pulse soundtrack is both explosive and intimate, blending Miami’s multicultural heartbeat with genre-crossing hits.
Featured Tracks Include:
- “I Like It” – Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin
- “Despechá” – Rosalía
- “Lose Control” – Teddy Swims
- “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” – Karol G
- “Danny’s Song” – Loggins & Messina
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
- “Tutu (Remix)” – Camilo & Pedro Capo ft. Shakira
Each track is carefully placed to amplify mood, tension, or connection—making music a key narrative tool.
Where and When to Watch Pulse
All 10 episodes of Pulse Season 1 are now streaming globally on Netflix. It’s the first major English-language medical procedural developed by Netflix and is already generating strong buzz among fans of Grey’s Anatomy, New Amsterdam, and The Resident.
Final Verdict: Is Pulse Worth Watching?
Absolutely. With standout performances—especially from Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell—plus sharp writing, sleek direction, and a premise that escalates personal stakes into full-blown crisis, Pulse is the kind of medical drama that gets under your skin in the best way.
Directed in part by Kate Dennis (The Handmaid’s Tale), and crafted with both heart and adrenaline, Pulse is setting a new bar for Netflix originals in the genre.
