One of the world’s most popular television shows will kickoff season nine Thursday on Acorn TV with the return of Doc Martin. The show debuts tonight on ITV in the U.K. and then less than 24 hours later here in the U.S. we get to see episode one of season nine on Acorn TV.
Kudos to Acorn TV and ITV for giving Doc Martin fans on both sides of the pond a chance to see their favorite show in almost real time. Acorn continues to lead the industry in getting shows from around the world directly to the U.S. market as fast as possible.
We begin series nine as our hero Doc Martin’s career is in jeopardy as he is in hot water with General Medical Council for — you guessed it — the way he treats his patients in the way that only the good doctor can. As for the love of his life, none other than Louisa (Caroline Catz, Murder in Suburbia) has ditched school and has sought out a new career as a child counselor.
Meanwhile, James is no longer a baby, he is three years old and very much a chip off the old block which has Louisa more than a bit concerned that he, is becoming too much like his dad.
Without question, Doc Martin is one of the most charming and entertaining shows on television. The cast, the writing and the beautiful backdrop of the Cornish fishing village where the show is filmed all help to make Doc Martin a must-see show that fans simply can’t get enough of and it is why they are so happy season nine is finally here.
The interaction between Louisa and Martin as husband and wife is priceless. The relationship is a sweet and as quirky as the show itself, but somehow they make it work.
Series nine will see the old gang back again with starting with Dame Eileen Atkins (Aunt Ruth), Ian McNeice (Bert Large), John Marquez (PC Joe Penhale) and Jessica Ransom (Martin’s receptionist Morwenna Newcross).
So what can the many fans of Doc Martin expect? Well, I spoke recently to Clunes who was at home in London and during our chat for Stream On with Jim Williams he gave me some fun things to look for starting in episode one.
Check out my complete conversation with Clunes on this week’s Stream On with Jim Williams podcast. Powered by Mint Mobile the official wireless carrier of Stream On.
Listen to “Martin Clunes is back and we talk about Doc Martin series nine that debuts Thursday on Acorn TV” on Spreaker.Here are a few topics we talked about.
Williams: Well we have waited a long time for series nine to arrive. So what are a few of the changes fans should know about?
Clunes: We are all very excited, the scripts are very good and when you have such a wonderful cast and crew then it seems to bring the best out in all of us. As for the changes in season nine, begins with Louisa starting a new career as a child counselor. Martin is quite supportive of the move and thinks it is a step in the right direction.
Williams: You know if Louisa had a Facebook Page under the relationship tab it would likely read “Married but it’s complicated. How has the relationship between Martin and Louisa changed in series nine?
Clunes: (Laughs) Yes, Martin would not have a Facebook Page but Louisa would no doubt. Well, I think that things are better between them, it is far less confrontational and much more centered on the family.
Williams: So then son James has become a major factor in the dynamic that is Martin and Louisa?
Clunes: Well yes, Louisa seems to think that James has taken on more of my personality. I think the writer were thinking about creating a mini-me. He does not seem keen on playing with other children and that does concern, Louisa.
Williams: One never knows if you do or don’t have a hit TV show when you first start out. But that being said did you in your wildest dreams ever think that Doc Martin would be such a worldwide success?
Clunes: The short answer is no. Never did I ever think that we would have such a wonderful following outside of the U.K. But we are all so very pleased that people around the world enjoy the show.
Be sure to listen to the entire interview Stream On with Jim Williams below and subscribe to the podcast.
Also, be sure to check out a few of our other favorite on Acorn TV including Manhunt which stars Martin Clunes, produced by his wife Philippa Braithwaite who is a producer on Doc Martin. Plus, Keeping Faith and coming soon series three of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
