Movies That Should Be Shows Pt 1: Patch Adams

Blasts from the past are becoming more popular with streaming. This nostalgia tour is in full effect. More and more pieces of work are being remade. Rarely are movies turned into newer movies for streaming. The trend now is taking old classic movies and turning them into television offerings for long-term viewing and increased subscriptions. Looking back in the vault, there are plenty of movies that would work as television shows so let’s dive into the nostalgia with our first pick, Patch Adams (1998)

Via Google:

After struggling with depression in a mental hospital, Hunter “Patch” Adams (Robin Williams) decides he wants to become a doctor. He enrolls at Virginia Medical University but is disillusioned by the school’s clinical perspective on patient care. With the aid of a wealthy friend, Adams opens his own medical clinic for those without insurance. He forms a deep bond with fellow medical student Carin Fisher (Monica Potter) before a tragedy causes Adams to re-evaluate his approach.

Why would this dramedy make for good television? Simple, people love medical shows. More often than not, shows like ER, House M.D., and Grey’s Anatomy have at least 5+ seasons on network television alone. Turning this 1998 Robin Williams classic into a series wouldn’t take too much creativity.

More Entertainment: Best of 2023 .. So Far

A simple dual-timeline series showing Patch’s character struggling with uniformity throughout medical school paired with a future showing his post-education success while struggling to keep his work going could work. It wouldn’t be hard to turn a college rival into the one going after Patch Adams for years after they graduate.

The hook would be how he learned from his past mistakes in school to treat his future patients. Another doctor handled a situation wrong causing him to learn a life lesson. The ability to adapt from his failures and save lives would be the driving plot.

Despite what the ever-cynical reviewers over at Rotten Tomatoes may think, Patch Adams was a comedy with heart. Pair that with a signature style of humor with a good lead, and people’s love for hospital and rescue shows, and there’s no reason Patch Adams couldn’t be a hit TV series for any streamer.