For fans of medical dramas that blend dark humor with poignant realities, This Is Going to Hurt is a must-watch. Arriving on Netflix in the United States on November 19, 2025, this British drama based on Adam Kay’s real-life experiences working as a junior doctor in obstetrics and gynecology offers a fresh and brutally honest perspective on the healthcare system.
Having originally aired on the BBC in the UK and later picked up by AMC in the US, This Is Going to Hurt follows the life of Adam Kay as he navigates the overwhelming pressures of working in the NHS (National Health Service). From long shifts and overwhelming responsibilities to personal sacrifices and emotional exhaustion, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of being a doctor.
Overview of This Is Going to Hurt
The series is adapted from Adam Kay’s bestselling memoir This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor. It delves into the personal and professional life of Kay, who is trying to balance his demanding career with his fragile personal life. The show brings to light the heart-wrenching and often funny moments that define the life of a junior doctor, offering a glimpse into the chaotic nature of the NHS.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Title | This Is Going to Hurt |
| Release Date | November 19, 2025 (on Netflix US) |
| Based On | This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay |
| Lead Actor | Ben Whishaw |
| Genre | Medical Drama, Dark Comedy |
| Episodes | 1 Season (Limited Series) |
| Original Network | BBC (UK), AMC (US) |
What Is This Is Going to Hurt About?
This Is Going to Hurt paints a raw and often darkly comedic portrait of life as a junior doctor in the NHS. Adam Kay, played by Ben Whishaw, navigates a high-pressure environment where the stakes are literally life and death. His journey is marked by the crushing weight of his professional duties, the toll it takes on his personal life, and the ever-present reality of working in a medical system stretched to its breaking point.
Plot Summary:
Adam’s life as a junior doctor is filled with long shifts, high-stakes decisions, and the emotional fallout of watching patients suffer. The show highlights the emotional and physical toll the job takes on him—his strained relationships, the isolation, and the near-constant exhaustion. While the show balances this heavy material with humor, it never loses sight of the sacrifices that Adam and his colleagues make on a daily basis.
“I wrote this story as a single, self-contained piece because I wanted to honor the reality of what junior doctors go through. It’s a beginning, middle, and end without stretching it into something it wasn’t meant to be.” — Adam Kay, Creator and Writer
Cast and Characters: A Standout Performance by Ben Whishaw
The cast of This Is Going to Hurt brings the story’s poignant themes to life. At the heart of the drama is Ben Whishaw, known for his role in Black Doves, who delivers a standout performance as Adam Kay. Whishaw’s portrayal captures the complexities of Adam’s character—his wit, vulnerability, and dedication to his patients.
Main Cast:
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Adam Kay | Ben Whishaw |
| Terri | [Character Actor] |
| Harry | [Character Actor] |
| Amanda | [Character Actor] |
Additional Characters:
While Adam Kay is the central character, the supporting cast adds depth to the narrative. From Kay’s colleagues to his patients, each character is brought to life by a talented ensemble cast, portraying the diverse challenges of working in the NHS.
The Heart of the Show: Humor Amidst Tragedy
One of the standout qualities of This Is Going to Hurt is its ability to blend humor with the grim realities of working in a hospital. While there are moments of lightness and laughter, the show doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of Kay’s life as a junior doctor. The humor often comes from the absurdity of the situations he finds himself in, as well as the camaraderie between the doctors who share these exhausting experiences.
“The humor is necessary. You can’t survive in this world without finding a laugh even in the most difficult moments. But it’s also about showing the emotional scars that come with this work.” — Ben Whishaw, Actor (Adam Kay)
Why This Is Going to Hurt Is a Must-Watch?
This Is Going to Hurt offers more than just medical drama. It is a heartfelt and often gut-wrenching portrayal of the human side of healthcare. For viewers who enjoy medical dramas that show both the clinical and emotional sides of the job, this series is a must-watch. The raw honesty of Kay’s diaries provides a unique lens through which we see the dedication of the medical profession.
Themes the Show Explores:
- Work-Life Balance: The impact of long shifts and emotionally taxing work on personal life.
- NHS Reality: A close look at the everyday struggles of the NHS and its staff.
- Obligation and Compassion: The moral and ethical dilemmas faced by doctors working in high-pressure environments.
- Mental Health: The mental toll of working in a medical system that is often underfunded and overwhelmed.
Recent Updates
Release on Netflix:
After its success on BBC and AMC, This Is Going to Hurt is finally making its way to Netflix in the United States. It will be available to stream starting November 19, 2025, giving American audiences a chance to experience this compelling and emotionally powerful show.
Limited Series Announcement:
As mentioned, the series was always intended as a limited series, and there will be no second season. The creator, Adam Kay, has been vocal about the decision to not extend the series, ensuring that it remains true to its original vision.
Why It Matters?
This Is Going to Hurt stands out in the crowded medical drama genre by providing an honest, often heartbreaking depiction of the pressures faced by junior doctors. The show not only highlights the difficulties of working in the NHS but also underscores the human aspect of medicine—the compassion, the personal sacrifices, and the toll that it takes on those who choose to dedicate themselves to helping others.
For viewers, this show provides an important perspective on healthcare, one that acknowledges the imperfections of the system while celebrating the dedication and humanity of those who work within it.
FAQs
This Is Going to Hurt is a medical drama based on Adam Kay’s real diaries about his time as a junior doctor in obstetrics and gynecology. It depicts the emotional and professional challenges of working in the NHS.
The series will be available to stream on Netflix starting November 19, 2025.
No, This Is Going to Hurt was always envisioned as a single limited series, and there will be no second season.
Yes, the show is adapted from Adam Kay’s bestselling memoir This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor.
The lead role of Adam Kay is played by Ben Whishaw, with a talented supporting cast portraying other key characters.
