ER (1994)

About ER

The television series "ER" was a ground-breaking medical drama that aired for 15 seasons from 1994 to 2009. Combining intense, fast-paced medical action with deeper personal storylines, the show was famed for its realistic portrayal of the life-and-death struggles faced by the doctors and nurses of County General Hospital in Chicago.

Making / Production

"ER" was produced by Constant C Productions and Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Television. Being set in a chaotic Emergency Room, the series was known for its innovative use of hand-held cameras to create a visceral, hyper-realistic atmosphere, and for its blending of fast-paced medical technical dialogue with complex personal stories.

Actors

• Anthony Edwards as Dr. Mark Greene - Bringing a raw realism to his role, Edwards's Dr. Greene represented the moral centre of the show.
• George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross - Immortalized by Clooney's charismatic performance, Dr. Ross was a dedicated pediatrician with a love for thrills.
• Noah Wyle as Dr. John Carter - Wyle delivered a charming performance as the always-learning, always-struggling Dr. Carter.
• Juliana Margulies as Nurse Carol Hathaway - Margulies brought depth to her role as a dedicated nurse dealing with personal and professional challenges.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• George Clooney's character, Dr. Ross, first appears in the pilot wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey - number 23.
• ER was the first major medical drama to use a two-tiered set for its main stage, with a fully functional second-story balcony and surgical "theatre."
• The show employed real doctors and nurses as technical advisors to maintain realism.

Awards

ER earned numerous awards over its run, including the prestigious Peabody Award, 22 Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Quotes

• "You set the tone, Carter." - Dr. Mark Greene
• "Sometimes the only way you can take a really good look at yourself is through somebody else's eyes." - Dr. Doug Ross
• "There are times when even the best medicine and healthcare is not enough to save a life." - Dr. Susan Lewis

Music, Soundtrack

• The main theme, composed by James Newton Howard, has become one of the most recognizable television themes.
• Soundtracks of the series also included a variety of pop and rock songs, reflecting the diverse and vibrant Chicago setting.