Patients (Television Series)

Patients is an American drama series created by Ifan Barber that premiered on September 19th 2017. It features an ensemble cast led by Richard Madden as therapist Josh Woodbury. It follows a therapy group consisting of cancer survivors and their families as they deal with life after, and sometimes during the return of, the illness.

Plot
At a community centre in suburban Philadelphia, Josh Woodbury forms a cancer support group after losing his mother to breast cancer months earlier. The group becomes popular and Josh, a professional therapist, becomes the natural leader of the group. They each become involved in each other's lives and support each other through life's trials and tribulations, including the return of cancer to some members.

Production
After the huge commercial and critical success of This is Us the previous season, NBC pitched a similar project to Ifan Barber. Ifan returned with a script, and brought Plan B Entertainment, with Brad Pitt, and Flower Films, with Drew Barrymore, on board to produce alongside This is Us' Dan Fogelman and OWN's Oprah Winfrey as well as Ellen DeGeneres.

NBC greenlit the series for 15 episodes, and made a back-order of 8 additional episodes on September 20th 2017 after the initial critical acclaim of the premiere episode. After 6 episodes, NBC officially ordered a second and third season of 22 episodes. During the back half of season 3, the show was renewed through to its sixth season. Midway through season 4, NBC ordered an additional 2 seasons, bringing the total to eight.

As season 8 of Patients came to a close, rumours surfaced that NBC were considering cancelling the series or moving it to sister network USA. However, NBC counteracted the claims by renewing the show for a 22-episode 9th season. Midway through season 9, Ifan Barber signed a three-year contract with NBC, renewing Patients through to its 12th season.

After the conclusion of season 11 in spring 2029, it was officially announced by Ifan Barber that they would not be seeking further renewal, and season 12 would be the show's last. Patients ended on May 23rd 2030 with a two hour finale, followed by a retrospective documentary special with the cast and crew.

Season 1
After the death of his mother, Josh Woodbury, with the help of his wife Kim, set up a Cancer Support Group in their local suburban community centre.

Spin-off
Prior to the premiere of season 5, NBC confirmed that a companion series, 'Doctors', featuring the medical staff at 'Patients' hospital, St. Andrew's. Mark Harmon, of NCIS, was cast as the lead, Dr. Matthew Tennison. It premiered mid-season on January 13th 2023 and ran for 8 seasons.