Nip/Tuck

About Nip/Tuck

Nip/Tuck is an American medical drama television series created by Ryan Murphy for FX. It premiered on July 22, 2003 and ran for six seasons until March 2010. The show follows the lives of Dr. Sean McNamara and Dr. Christian Troy, two plastic surgeons and best friends who run a practice in Miami, Florida. The series notably highlights dark and controversial aspects of society placed within the context of their careers and personal lives. Complexity surfaces from the dichotomy of their characters - Sean being the essentially moral and stable family man and Christian being the outgoing, superficial and promiscuous counterpart.

Making / Production

The series was created by Ryan Murphy, who also served as executive producer alongside Greer Shephard and Michael M. Robin. The show was filmed in Los Angeles, California. It was produced by The Shephard/Robin Company in association with Warner Bros. Television. The medical scenes were created with the consultation of actual plastic surgeons, contributing to authenticity.

Actors

• Dylan Walsh as Dr. Sean McNamara: A plastic surgeon and family man, Walsh's portrayal offered a deep sense of authenticity to his moral and earnest character.
• Julian McMahon as Dr. Christian Troy: McMahon effectively played the charismatic and womanizing counterpart to Sean, giving the character an enigmatic aura.
• Roma Maffia as Liz Cruz: Playing the anesthesiologist of McNamara/Troy, Maffia gave a strong, pragmatic performance, often acting as the moral compass of the show.
• John Hensley as Matt McNamara: As Sean's troubled son, Hensley delivered a compelling performance showcasing the complexities of a teenager searching for identity in a complicated world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series got its name "Nip/Tuck" from a phrase plastic surgeons use. "Nip" refers to making incisions and "Tuck" denotes tightening up sagging skin.
• Ryan Murphy initially pitched the series as a "medical show meets a soap opera," with a unique focus on plastic surgery.
• "Nip/Tuck" was noted for rotating its main settings, transitioning from Miami to Los Angeles from the fourth season.

Awards

Nip/Tuck has bagged numerous awards throughout its run. In 2005, the series won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama, and Julian McMahon received a nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama. Nip/Tuck also garnered multiple nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards, including a win for Outstanding Makeup for a Series (Non-Prosthetic) in 2004.

Quotes

• "Tell me what you don't like about yourself." - The show's signature line, usually spoken by Dr. Troy before a consultation.
• "We don't consult the mirror to seek our reflection. We consult it to affirm it." - Dr. Sean McNamara
• "But perfection is not just about control. It's also about letting go." - Dr. Christian Troy

Music, Soundtrack

• The signature song for the show is "A Perfect Lie" by The Engine Room, serving as the main theme tune.
• The series featured a diverse soundtrack, including artists such as Elton John, Nina Simone, The Rolling Stones, and more.
• The music of Philip Glass was often used in the series, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.