As a videophile, I love finding series like this gem. When I tuned in to the first episode on Netflix, I turned it off after about 15 minutes when I was introduced to the disrespectful, incompetent receptionist "Elaine." Fortunately, she was replaced with a much more competent and likable/lovable receptionist "Pauline" in the second season. This series like many of the British productions I have reviewed provides engaging entertainment with a minimum of salacious material and scenes.Dr. Martin's aunt "Joan" seems to be there to provide the "warm" grandmotherly presence in the series, but instead is portrayed as a selfish and profane woman of life-long loose morals. The series largely avoids sex scenes (which I appreciate) but the writers thought it convenient to include a gross episode of "Aunt Joan" satisfying her base and selfish instincts with a younger man. Yuk and totally off-putting. Thankfully her character is replaced with "Aunt Ruth," who appears (so far) to be much more palatable as an aunt with some reasonable basis from which to provide guidance to the doctor.The character of Louisa is captivating. She is beautiful and one wonders why still single in her mid 30s. However, she provides a blessing to Doc Martin and their evolving relationship keeps one coming back, cheering for a good outcome. Louisa is absolutely stunning as a bride. Doc Martin definitely got the best part of that bargain!Bert and his son Al are lovable sad sack characters, who always seem to mean well, yet never quite make it to their goals in life. However, they are "there" for just about anyone in need, making them a source of stability for the series.It is always entertaining to watch as the town pharmacist Mrs.Tishell melts and snaps to every time the doctor comes into the shop . . . somewhat like a lieutenant admiring the general every time he enters the room.The only character that is not believable is "PC Joe Penhale." His character is a comical caricature and certainly not a person any town would continue to employ as a peace officer. Not sure why the writers went this way with his character. It is like juxtaposing an otherwise believable clannish town with the antics of the Keystone Kops. Would never happen in real life.I would give this series a 10 for the dramatic interplay of Louisa and Martin alone. But I must subtract a point for dirty "Aunt Joan" and bumbling "PC Penhale."

I loved the series 1-5. It was so funny, so sunny and optimistic. So much humor. I was looking forward to the next season, and what a disappointment it was - as of a totally different person wrote the script and directed. And that was what happened. I tried to watch series 5, 6, 7, and nothing but the feelings of irritation, fear for the characters, amusement at not funny jokes came along. The show lost it all for me. For the last couple years I just couldn't watch this show until now. Now,I will carefully watch only seasons 1-5. Dominic Minghella and the original producers, cast director and actors were superb in my humble opinion.

I love British shows, but the characters have been done to death in the usual village scene with quirky personalities. I just don't find the characters realistic and I don't believe anyone with that personality would be interested in entering a field where you have to navigate people and interact with them, and I can't imagine villagers putting up with him. I think all the actors and actress are fine and play their parts as scripted. I haven't seen Martin Clune in anything else,so have nothing to compare him to, but given his character, and what he is, he portrays him well and does not veer off course where his personality is concerned. I have seem much better British shows and I think it is just a matter of personal preference and what you consider funny or good.

Typical of so many TV series in this present age, it seems the producers, writers & actors are there to take the mickey out of the audience! 'Let's see how much nonsense we can pile into a programme & how much the infantile public lap it up, ho ho ho.' As with so many medical, police crime & other dramas, it bears no relation to real life. If this social misfit, hemophobic doctor were in the real world he would never have passed any one of the dozens of exams in order to qualify! Absurd, a hemophobic GP who is so anti-social, so rude to people. Weak scripts, weak acting, weak drama. One episode of the three I watched springs to mind. His girlfriend is having his baby. Whilst she is pregnant he decides to return to London. She is actually having the baby when he then decides to stay & be with her & baby! I rest my case!