Netflix’s ‘Pulse’ Sparks AI Nostalgia Debate

In early April 2025, Netflix released Pulse, its first English-language medical procedural drama. Developed by Zoe Robyn—who previously worked on network hits like Hawaii Five-0 and The Equalizer—and executive produced by Lost‘s Carlton Cuse, the series is part of Netflix’s broader strategy to tap into high-engagement television genres.

Set in Miami, Pulse follows Dr. Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), a surgical resident with a complicated past and a stormy professional and romantic life. Her trajectory, as well as those of many supporting characters, mirrors familiar arcs from Shonda Rhimes’ Grey’s Anatomy, which is still running strong in its 21st season.

Plot and Character Parallels: A Genre or a Copy?

While medical procedurals inherently share genre conventions—emergency surgeries, complicated ethical decisions, and romance under pressure—Pulse’s creative choices have drawn pointed critiques for their overt resemblance to Grey’s Anatomy. Multiple characters in Pulse exhibit near one-to-one parallels:

Even emotionally pivotal lines, such as a nurse encouraging the protagonist that she is “the light,” closely mimic legacy dialogues from Grey’s, raising concerns about narrative authenticity.

Surface-Level Updates Mask Deeper Similarities

Netflix attempted to modernize the familiar formula. The rain-soaked backdrop of Seattle is swapped for Miami’s sun-drenched hospital, and the original soundtrack (known for alt-rock anthems) is replaced by chart-topping contemporary hits like Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things.

However, these cosmetic changes don’t fully disguise the show’s foundational reliance on Grey’s-esque themes. As a result, critics argue that Pulse offers little innovation—only a repackaging designed to trigger nostalgia and satisfy content algorithms.

The Rise of Algorithmically Engineered Content

Pulse’s arrival reflects a growing pattern among streaming platforms: replicating successful content formulas to minimize production risk.

With Netflix reportedly still seeing over 200,000 monthly streams of the original Grey’s Anatomy pilot, there is clear data-driven incentive to produce something “new” that feels old.

However, the approach has sparked debate. Industry experts point out that nostalgia, while powerful, isn’t a guaranteed replacement for originality. In 2024, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes commented on this industry pattern:

Rhimes’ perspective underscores the limits of creative imitation. Even if the algorithm predicts success, lightning-in-a-bottle storytelling rarely strikes twice in the same place.

Content Fatigue and Viewer Response

Early viewership metrics for Pulse have not yet been disclosed by Netflix. However, viewer response online has been mixed. Some audiences welcome the familiarity, praising its melodramatic storylines and binge-ready pacing.

Others criticize it as a soulless attempt to ride the coattails of a cultural phenomenon without earning its place.

Streaming platforms walk a fine line between delivering what data suggests viewers want and risking content fatigue. The challenge lies in producing stories that are both reliable in structure and distinct in voice.

Legal Precedents and Broader Industry Trends

The release of Pulse also comes amidst heightened scrutiny in the medical drama space. In 2024, the estate of ER creator Michael Crichton filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros.

Discovery, alleging that Max’s The Pitt was an unauthorized reboot. While the legal merits are still being debated, the case has cast a spotlight on how closely new shows can emulate their predecessors before infringing on intellectual property.

Although no such action has been taken against Pulse, its case illustrates a broader industry question: when does inspiration become imitation?

Pulse may find its audience among those seeking familiar, emotionally driven medical drama. It’s technically polished, narratively competent, and easy to consume.

But as the entertainment industry continues to wrestle with the algorithmic model of content creation, the show also represents a cautionary tale.

Viewers may tune in for comfort, but enduring success in this space still demands a unique voice. Until then, Pulse serves as a litmus test for just how much imitation audiences—and creators—are willing to tolerate.

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