WATERTOWN, NY (December 11, 2023) – A bittersweet ending of the popular series that spans countries and almost two decades worth of television, the tenth and final season of Doc Martin premieres on WPBS-TV Thursdays at 8:00 pm, beginning December 14, 2023. Season 10 is available to stream with WPBS Passport – an added member benefit – at wpbstv.org and with the PBS App.
Season 10 picks up in the fictional Cornish village of Portwenn, a year after Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes), a.k.a Doc Martin, resigns his medical license. Louisa Ellingham (Caroline Catz), Martin’s wife, is now the one seeing patients in her new career as a child counselor while he looks after their two young children. But does the Doc truly never want to practice medicine again?
This nine-episode final season (including a Christmas special series finale) shows the Doc making efforts to confront his phobia and questioning his decision of resigning as Portwenn’s general practitioner, all with the addition of baby daughter Mary Elizabeth to the family and all the excitement a newborn brings. It also features a special Christmas, hour-long episode. All regular cast members reprise their roles, including Dame Eileen Atkins (Cranford) returns as the formidable Aunt Ruth, and Ian McNeice (Doctor Who) is back as Bert Large, with Joe Absolom (A Confession) as his son Al. Guest stars making special appearances to send off the series include Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) and Rupert Graves (Sherlock).
Doc Martin, Season 10 is produced by Buffalo Pictures and distributed to the public television system by American Public Television.
EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS
Episode #1001 – “I Will Survive” (December 14, 2023 at 8:00 pm)
It’s been a year since Martin resigned his medical license, and Louisa is now the one seeing patients out of the surgery for her child counseling practice, while Martin looks after James Henry and four-month-old Mary Elizabeth. When the mother of one of Louisa’s patients presents with serious symptoms but refuses to allow Martin to examine her, he finally admits that he wants to be a doctor again.
Episode #1002 – “One Night Only” (December 21, 2023 at 8:00 pm)
The Portwenn surgery has reopened, but between Martin and Louisa sharing the office and a less-than-competent new receptionist, things aren’t running very smoothly. When Louisa’s childhood dream home goes on the market, she jumps at the chance to look for a larger space. The house’s owner is an accident-prone recent widower who seems haunted by his wife’s death—perhaps literally.
Episode #1003 – “How Long Has This Been Going On?” (December 28, 2023 at 8:00 pm)
While checking on a sick sheep farmer, the Doc runs into Stewart James, a patient who used to suffer from delusions that he lived with a giant squirrel. Stewart is now starting a survival course business, and he invites Al and PC Penhale to join him in the woods for a test run. But when Stewart begins to behave oddly, Al worries he’s having a mental breakdown and must figure out how to get help. Guest starring Ben Miller (Death in Paradise).
Episode #1004 – “Everlasting Love” (January 4, 2024 at 8:00 pm)
When Martin advises a patient suffering from migraines to stop cold-water swimming, Mrs. Tishell’s attempts to help almost lead to disaster. Martin has his own headaches to deal with when an herbalist sets up shop in the village and then an ex-flame arrives on his doorstep, inviting him to speak at a medical conference in London. Meanwhile, Penhale tries to rekindle his romance with Janice. Guest starring Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey).
Episode #1005 – “Fly Me to The Moon” (January 11, 2024 at 8:00 pm)
Louisa is shocked when her father, Terry, makes an unannounced visit. Terry agrees to let Martin examine him—but that backfires on the Doc, who is now bound by the rules of medical confidentiality. Ruth employs an unconventional method to test Martin’s blood phobia, and Bert tries to get a squatter to vacate his trailer park. Guest starring Kenneth Cranham (The Good Karma Hospital).
Episode #1006 – “Return to Sender” (January 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm)
Martin and Louisa travel to London so he can deliver the keynote address at the Imperial College Obstetrics Conference. All does not go smoothly, however, as Martin is accidentally headbutted while saving a choking woman, and then his ex-flame Sophie causes a scene at the cocktail reception. Back in Portwenn, Penhale proves to be both a hindrance and a help to Janice as she babysits the children. Guest starring Hermione Norris (Cold Feet, Luther).
Episode #1007 – “Love Will Set You Free” (January 25, 2024 at 8:00 pm)
The news of Martin’s invitation to be the dean of Imperial College spreads through Portwenn like wildfire, before Martin and Louisa have even decided whether he will take the job. Mrs. Tishell and Penhale are crushed, while Morwenna questions what she wants to do with her life. Can the villagers cope with the Ellinghams’ ultimate choice?
Episode #1008 – “Our Last Summer” (February 1, 2024 at 8:00 pm)
As the Ellinghams prepare to leave for London, Ruth admits to Martin that she’s been writing a paper on his blood phobia, and she thinks he’s been misdiagnosed. Ruth is also counseling Mrs. Tishell on how to overcome her obsession with the Doc, while Penhale anxiously arranges their goodbye party. But when Chicken the dog escapes, Martin has a life-threatening accident trying to catch him. Guest starring Rupert Graves (Sherlock).
Episode #1009 – “Last Christmas in Portwenn” (February 8, 2024 at 8:00 pm)
Please note this Christmas Special Episode runs approximately 65 minutes.
Portwenn is full of festive cheer—until Martin tells Leonard that he needs to stop playing Santa while he awaits the results of his medical tests. Leonard decides to show “Doc the Grinch” the magic of Christmas, with unintended consequences, and Louisa works to arrange a Christmas parade through Portwenn. After a mishap, Martin confronts some of his fears and tries to embrace the holiday spirit.
DOC MARTIN SEASON 10 was acquired by American Public Television from Acorn Media Group, a division of RLJ Entertainment, Inc. for syndication to public television stations nationwide.
About APT
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Live From the Artists Den, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. APT’s newest venture, APT Podcast Studios, presents podcast productions including “If This Food Could Talk,” “Armchair Explorer” and “Gravy.” More information at APTonline.org.
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