 Ultimately medical dramas are so popular because they keep the viewers interested by somewhat incorporating controversial issues into the episodes but never solve or take a position on the issue.

 Why do medical dramas distract viewers from cultural issues they hint at?  How are medical dramas able to do this?  Why do viewers find medical dramas so appealing?

 Controversy leads to more ratings  Not too much controversy  Corporations  Shows that address political forces behind medicine › Medical Story (1975)

 Distract viewers › Images of medical visuals › Ethical dilemmas › State of the art technology › Focus on doctor/medical staff’s interactions › Incorporate touchy issues

 Medicine always mentioned in the news—dramas give a more concrete image  Create a more perfect world › Show how health care should be delivered › Typically save all patient’s lives: drug and technology  Confusing situations keep the viewer interested