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Martin Clunes takes center stage tonight when he guest stars on Fox‘s Best Medicine as the original Doc Martin himself. The British TV legend plays Dr. Robert Best, father of Josh Charles‘ character. What begins as a routine family visit becomes explosive drama when Robert hides a serious secret.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Air Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 8p.m. ET on Fox
- Episode Title: “Doc Martin,” Season 1, Episode 9
- Role: Martin Clunes plays Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s estranged father
- Storyline: Martin suspects his father’s visit masks a devastating health issue
The Original Doc Meets the American Remake
In a perfect full-circle moment, Martin Clunes himself appears on the American adaptation of the beloved British series that made him famous. According to TV Insider, Clunes describes his character as absolutely “horrible” and “blunt”. Josh Charles, who stars as Dr. Martin Best, calls Robert a “mean, rude” force to be reckoned with on the small screen.
For Charles, having Clunes make this guest appearance is a great bridge between the original Doc Martin fanbase and the new Fox series. The moment feels surreal to Clunes himself, who notes he never expected to read Best Medicine scripts without his character Martin being the focus.
Martin Clunes makes guest appearance on Best Medicine tonight
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Father-and-Son Medical Mayhem Unfolds Tonight
Tonight’s episode sends Dr. Martin Best into crisis when his parents arrive unannounced in Port Wenn, Maine. His mother Vanessa is played by Judith Ivey, and she brings infuriating news to Martin’s sister Sarah, played by Annie Potts. But the real tension centers on Robert’s mysterious behavior.
In an exclusive sneak peek, Martin confronts his father during a morning walk, catching him in a lie about his whereabouts the previous night. Robert claims he was lost, but Martin spotted him getting into a car. The father-son dynamic crackles with tension and conflict, showcasing the generational gap and medical philosophy divide between the two doctors.
How Best Medicine Mirrors Its British Predecessor
| Element | Doc Martin (UK Original) | Best Medicine (US Remake) |
| Setting | Port Isaac, Cornwall | Port Wenn, Maine (filmed in NY) |
| Lead Character | Dr. Martin Ellingham | Dr. Martin Best |
| Central Conflict | Haemophobia, rural isolation | Blood phobia, small-town culture clash |
| Romance Interest | Louisa Wilson | Louisa Gavin |
Best Medicine premiered on January 4, 2026, six months after Clunes took his final bow on the original Doc Martin. The Fox series transplants the beloved format to an American coastal Maine setting, yet maintains the core DNA of quirky medical cases mixed with emotional family drama.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Josh, to see him facing the things that I faced. It’s surreal to read scripts and not have Martin referring to himself.”
— Martin Clunes, on guest starring alongside Josh Charles
A Dream Casting That Rewards Dedicated Fans
Best Medicine was renewed for Season 2 yesterday by Fox, cementing the show’s success during its freshman run. The Hudson Valley production films across Orange County, New York, transforming the picturesque landscape into a convincing Maine fishing village. Clunes‘ appearance adds major star power and continuity to what many feared would be a forgettable American knockoff.
The casting proves brilliant for multiple reasons. Doc Martin fans instantly recognize Clunes in the role of father. His character’s gruff, blunt manner mirrors the original Martin Ellingham’s personality, creating a narrative explanation for Josh Charles‘ character’s own cold bedside manner and social awkwardness. The episode becomes a bridge project connecting two television universes.
Will Tonight’s Episode Change Everything for Martin Best?
Based on the sneak peek footage, tonight’s episode titled “Doc Martin” pivots from weekly medical cases to deeper family secrets. Martin’s suspicion that his father is hiding a serious health condition could shift the entire emotional trajectory of Season 1. Meanwhile, schoolteacher Louisa Gavin, played by Abigail Spencer, must navigate the school’s annual Spirit Week while serving as acting principal.
The father-son dynamic escalates when Martin and Robert must work together to operate on Sheriff Mark Mylow, portrayed by Josh Segarra. This creates surgical tension and professional conflict at the hospital, raising stakes for the entire Port Wenn community. Fans should prepare for tear-jerking moments and shocking revelations that could redefine the series moving forward.
Watch the Sneak Peek
Sources
- TV Insider – Exclusive sneak peek and Josh Charles/Martin Clunes interviews about the guest spot
- Deadline – Best Medicine renewed for Season 2 at Fox with updated casting information
- TV Series Finale – Martin Clunes guest appearance details and episode preview
