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Netflix's 'Pulse' Debuts With Mixed Reception, Highlighting Workplace Harassment and Power Dynamics

The medical drama, set in a Miami trauma center during a hurricane, explores complex relationships but faces criticism for lack of originality and uneven character development.

Jessica Rothe as Cass Himmelstein, Jack Bannon as Dr. Tom Cole, Jessy Yates as Harper, Jessie T. Usher as Sam Elijah, and Willa Fitzgerald as Danny in Episode 101 of Pulse
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Willa Fitzgerald in the key art for Pulse
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Overview

  • 'Pulse,' Netflix's first English-language medical drama, premiered on April 3, 2025, with all 10 episodes available for streaming.
  • The series focuses on Dr. Danny Simms, a third-year resident promoted to chief after filing a harassment complaint against her boss, Dr. Xander Phillips, with whom she had a prior romantic relationship.
  • Set against the backdrop of a hurricane and hospital lockdown, the show blends high-stakes medical emergencies with interpersonal and workplace conflicts.
  • While praised for its nuanced exploration of workplace harassment and bilingual representation reflective of Miami's diverse communities, critics have noted its reliance on familiar medical drama tropes.
  • The show's reception remains mixed, with some reviewers appreciating its complex themes and others criticizing its pacing, character development, and lack of originality.