The new Netflix series Pulse (2025) aims high, trying to fuse emotional storytelling with the pressure-cooker intensity of a hospital drama. From the moment it dropped, it sparked comparisons to Grey’s Anatomy and The Resident. That said, buzz doesn’t always translate to brilliance.
To figure out if Pulse delivers real drama or just puts viewers to sleep, we looked closely at what critics have to say. The reviews reveal a series divided—some praise its sharp performances, while others call it thin and tired.
Let’s break it down.
The Good Stuff: 3 Positives That Keep the Heart Beating
Some elements of Pulse pulse with life. Here’s what critics liked:
- Strong Lead Performance: Willa Fitzgerald, who plays Dr. Danny Simms, grabs attention. She delivers a layered, often volatile character. Her presence gives the show its spine, even in weaker scenes. Glamour praised her depth and unpredictability.
- Binge-Ready Plotlines: Once you’re in, it’s easy to keep going. RogerEbert.com noted the show builds momentum with intense relationships and hospital crises. It doesn’t always hit hard, but the pace rarely stalls.
- Topical Themes: The creators try to tackle issues like workplace harassment and power imbalance. While not always handled with finesse, it’s clear the intent was to reflect current social tensions. Time.com recognized this effort, even while criticizing execution.
The Bad Medicine: 3 Critical Weak Spots
Not all of Pulse’s choices land well. In fact, some may put viewers off entirely:
- Painfully Familiar Formula: Vanity Fair slammed it for feeling like an AI-generated version of Grey’s Anatomy. Too many scenes echo older medical dramas. The tone, rhythm, and plot twists often feel recycled.
- Thin Character Arcs: Despite a charismatic lead, other characters don’t evolve. Vulture pointed out that many of the cast feel like sketches, not real people. Viewers may struggle to care about their fates.
- Shaky Handling of Heavy Topics: The show bites off more than it can chew. Critics especially took issue with how it portrays sensitive issues. Time warned that certain portrayals, especially those related to sexual misconduct, risk trivializing serious concerns.
Verdict: Pulse (2025) BRNG?
So, is Pulse boring? Not completely. It’s not lifeless—but it often plays it too safe. Familiar beats and clunky storytelling drag down the better moments. There’s some dramatic spark here, but too often it flickers out before it really catches fire.
Fans of hospital dramas might find enough to keep watching, especially if they’re not hunting for originality. But if you’re hoping for something bold or genuinely fresh, this series might leave you cold.
Final Rating: 4.9/10.
That lands it in the “somewhat boring” range. Not a total flatline—but not a strong pulse either.
