Josh Segarra declares Wattson the dog the “best actor” on Best Medicine—but the real magic lies in the cast’s effortless chemistry. From Josh Charles’s leading-man charm to Annie Potts’s maternal warmth, here’s why Fox’s Doc Martin adaptation is poised to win hearts before its Jan. 4 premiere.
The Dog Who Stole the Show
When Josh Segarra names the “best actor” on the set of Fox’s Best Medicine, he isn’t talking about his Sports Night-legend costar Josh Charles or the iconic Annie Potts. Instead, the honor goes to Wattson, the mischievous canine playing Copernicus, the town’s lovable pup. “Best actor on our set right there,” Segarra tells PEOPLE, laughing. “I love that pup. We’ve had a lot of fun.”
The revelation isn’t just a joke—it’s a window into the show’s tone. Best Medicine, a U.S. adaptation of the beloved British series Doc Martin, leans into small-town quirks, where a pig named Sprinkle and a sprinting dog can upstage Emmy-worthy actors. For Segarra, these animal-centric scenes are a reminder of why he fell in love with acting: “It’s wild what we get to do. This is my job—hanging out in a police station with Wattson, calling ‘action,’ and chasing him down the street.”
The Animal Control star’s enthusiasm underscores the show’s secret weapon: authentic joy. In an era of grim prestige TV, Best Medicine bets on warmth, humor, and the kind of on-set camaraderie that translates to the screen. And it starts with a dog who, by all accounts, is giving method-acting levels of commitment.
The Josh Charles Effect: Why a ‘Sports Night’ Legend Is the Perfect Leading Man
Charles, who stars as Dr. Martin Best—a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon fleeing Boston for a quiet coastal town—was Segarra’s primary reason for joining the project. “I’ve been a Sports Night guy forever,” Segarra admits, referencing Charles’ breakout role as Dan Rydell in Aaron Sorkin’s cult-classic series. “I’ve got so much respect for him. Now he’s my bud.”
Their on-screen dynamic is the heart of Best Medicine. Segarra plays Sheriff Mark Mylow, a local lawman who becomes Dr. Best’s unlikely ally. The duo’s chemistry is electric, built on a shared goal: making each other laugh. “We’re always trying to crack each other up between takes,” Segarra says. “He’s the captain of my ship. I’d follow him into battle any day—and so would Sheriff Mark.”
This mutual admiration extends to their characters. Dr. Best’s fish-out-of-water arc (a common trope in Doc Martin adaptations) gains depth through Mylow’s grounded perspective. Where Best sees chaos, Mylow sees community—a theme that resonates with Segarra, who grew up in Florida and understands small-town dynamics. “Sheriff Mark loves this town,” he explains. “He’d do anything for it, and that includes helping a grumpy city doctor find his footing.”
- Why Charles Was the Only Choice for Dr. Best: The role demanded an actor who could balance sharp wit with vulnerability. Charles, known for his roles in The Good Wife and Dead Poets Society, brings a rare mix of intellectual intensity and everyman charm. His casting was a statement: Best Medicine isn’t just a comedy—it’s a character study disguised as a cozy dramedy.
- The Sports Night Connection: Segarra’s fandom isn’t incidental. Both actors thrive in dialogue-heavy, ensemble-driven stories. Their shared history with Sorkin-esque rhythms (Segarra also starred in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) ensures their scenes crackle with the kind of repartee that rewards rewatching.
- Off-Screen Brotherhood: The pair’s bond extends beyond the script. Segarra reveals they’ve developed a shorthand for improvisation, often riffing on lines to keep scenes fresh. “Josh will throw me a curveball, and I’ll volley it back,” he says. “That’s when the magic happens.”
Annie Potts: The Secret Weapon Who Made Segarra Cry
If Charles is the show’s anchor, Annie Potts is its soul. The Ghostbusters and Young Sheldon veteran plays Aunt Sarah, Dr. Best’s free-spirited relative who becomes his emotional compass. For Segarra, working with Potts was a masterclass in warmth. “She’s a legend,” he says. “So cool, so warm. She leads by example.”
Their bond deepened over shared parenthood—both have three sons—and a pivotal scene where their characters reflect on raising children. “We’ve cried together a couple of times,” Segarra admits. “Good tears. There’s an episode where we’re nostalgic about when kids were young, and it hit us both hard. My boys have visited set, and Annie would just light up watching them. She’s family now.”
Potts’ influence extends to the show’s tone. Her ability to toggle between humor and pathos (a skill honed in Designing Women) gives Best Medicine its emotional range. “Annie can make you laugh with a look, then break your heart with a sentence,” Segarra observes. “That’s the kind of acting I aspire to.”
Why ‘Best Medicine’ Could Be the Next Great Comfort Watch
Fox’s adaptation arrives at a perfect moment. With audiences craving escapism and Ted Lasso-style optimism, Best Medicine offers:
- A Proven Formula, Reinvented: Doc Martin’s premise—a curmudgeonly doctor in a quirky town—has worked for 20+ years in the UK. The U.S. version swaps Cornwall for coastal New England, adding a distinctly American flavor (think Northern Exposure meets Hart of Dixie).
- An Ensemble Built for Longevity: Beyond Charles, Potts, and Segarra, the cast includes Abigail Spencer (Timeless) as a love interest, Cree (from Ghosts) as the sharp-tongued receptionist, and Didi Conn (Grease) as a meddling councilwoman. It’s a mix of fan favorites and fresh faces designed to grow together.
- Animal Charisma: Wattson and Sprinkle the pig aren’t just gimmicks—they’re integral to the show’s charm. Segarra notes that animal scenes are often the most technically challenging but rewarding: “You’ve got to be present. They don’t take direction, so you adapt. It keeps you on your toes.”
- Streaming Synergy: Episodes drop on Disney+ and Hulu the day after airing, ensuring accessibility for cord-cutters. Fox’s hybrid release strategy (broadcast + streaming) mirrors the success of Abbott Elementary, which thrived on both linear TV and Max.
What Fans Are Already Buzzing About
Even before its Jan. 4 premiere, Best Medicine has sparked conversations:
- The Abbott Elementary Crossover Potential: Segarra’s Abbott fans are hoping for a cameo from his former costars (imagine Janine Teagues visiting the town!). While nothing’s confirmed, Segarra teases, “Never say never. Quinta [Brunson] and I talk all the time.”
- Dr. Best’s Trauma: The pilot hints at a mysterious event that drove Charles’ character from Boston. Speculation ranges from malpractice to personal loss—Charles’ ability to play quiet devastation (see: The Good Wife’s Will Gardner) suggests it’ll be a slow burn.
- Sheriff Mark’s Backstory: Segarra’s character is a divorced dad navigating small-town politics. Will his arc explore co-parenting or a romance with Spencer’s Louisa? “Mark’s got layers,” Segarra hints. “You’ll see.”
- The Animal Rights Angle: Early scripts include a storyline about Copernicus’ adoption, which has animal welfare groups optimistic. “Wattson’s a rescue,” Segarra confirms. “We’re hoping the show highlights how amazing shelter pets are.”
How to Watch—and Why You Should
Best Medicine premieres Sunday, Jan. 4 on Fox (after football), then moves to its regular slot on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 8/7c. Here’s the viewing roadmap:
- For Traditionalists: Tune in live on Fox for the pilot’s post-football slot—a strategic move to capture NFL audiences.
- For Binge-Watchers: Episodes stream next-day on Disney+ and Hulu, perfect for marathoning.
- For Superfans: Follow #BestMedicine on social media. Segarra and Charles are active on Instagram, often sharing BTS clips (including Wattson’s bloopers).
In a landscape dominated by dark reboots and cynical antiheroes, Best Medicine is a defiant throwback: a show about kindness, community, and the healing power of a good laugh. As Segarra puts it, “We’re making something that feels like a hug. And right now, the world could use more of those.”
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