Staffel
Episode
Player-Server
ER
19948
Drama
Veröffentlicht
19. Sept. 1994
Land
Vereinigte Staaten
Produktionen
Hands Down EntertainmentConstant c ProductionsJohn Wells ProductionsAmblin EntertainmentWarner Bros. TelevisionAmblin Television
ER untersucht die inneren Abläufe eines städtischen Lehrkrankenhauses und die kritischen Probleme, mit denen die engagierten Ärzte und das Personal der überlasteten Notaufnahme konfrontiert sind.
About
Quick guide
Long-running medical drama that follows the frantic world of an inner-city emergency department.
Set in Chicago’s fictional Cook County General Hospital, ER chronicles the high‑stakes lives of the doctors, nurses and staff who battle trauma, ethical dilemmas and personal crises in the ER’s 24‑hour grind. Over fifteen seasons the series blended tight medical storytelling with character‑driven arcs, earning a reputation for realism, emotional depth and sharp dialogue. While the show covers a wide spectrum of health and social issues, it avoids excessive gore and keeps its tone largely grounded in the harsh realities of emergency medicine. The finale in 2009 wrapped up the series without dramatic twists, leaving fans to reflect on the long‑lasting impact of its characters and stories.
What to know
- 15 seasons, 331 episodes, 45‑minute runtime per episode.
- Created by Michael Crichton, produced by John Wells and others.
- Set in a Chicago hospital, filmed on both a Los Angeles set and on‑location in Chicago.
- Known for realistic medical scenes and deep character development.
- Featured live broadcast episodes such as the 1996 ‘Ambush’ season premiere.
- Addressed social topics including HIV, organ transplants, and mental health.
- Won 128 industry awards, including a Peabody and 5 Primetime Emmys.
- Main cast included Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Sherry Stringfield, and Noah Wyle.
Watch if
You enjoy character‑rich dramas that combine medical accuracy with human stories, appreciate strong dialogue and an urban setting, and can handle the occasional intense moments and mature themes that define a long‑running emergency‑room series.
Skip if
You prefer light‑hearted sitcoms, low‑stakes procedural dramas, or shows that avoid serious medical and ethical issues.
dark tonedialogue heavyintense actionpolitical themespsychological elementssad tonesome goresuspensefulmature themes
Premise and Setting
ER takes place in Cook County General Hospital, a fictional Chicago institution that mirrors real‑life Cook County Hospital. The series follows the high‑pressure environment of its emergency department, where physicians, nurses and support staff confront complex medical cases alongside personal conflicts. The show’s setting is integral to its gritty realism and character development.
Creation and Production
Created by medical‑writer Michael Crichton, the pilot was developed into a 45‑minute series with a single‑camera setup. Production combined studio sets in Burbank with on‑location shots in Chicago, giving the show a palpable sense of place. The showrunner John Wells helped shape its long‑term narrative arc.
Cast and Characters
The original ensemble starred Anthony Edwards (Mark Greene), George Clooney (Doug Ross), Sherry Stringfield (Susan Lewis), Noah Wyle (John Carter), and Eriq La Salle (Peter Benton). Over the series’ run, actors such as Julianna Margulies, Gregory, and many others joined, bringing depth to the hospital’s workforce.
Broadcast and Episodes
ER aired on NBC from September 1994 to April 2009, totaling 15 seasons and 331 episodes. Episodes ranged from 45 minutes to special two‑hour finales. The series also produced a live broadcast episode in 1996, adding a unique production element.
Critical Themes
The show tackles real medical conditions, social topics like HIV and organ donation, and personal struggles such as addiction and mental illness. Its storytelling balances professional duty with human vulnerability, offering both intense action and reflective moments.
Legacy and Influence
ER is one of the longest‑running primetime medical dramas, influencing subsequent shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Chicago Hope. Its realistic approach to medical storytelling and character complexity set a benchmark for future television dramas.
Similar vibes
5 Titel
The Good Doctor
Centers on medical practice and personal challenges in a hospital setting.
Film
★6/10
St. Elsewhere
Influenced ER’s realistic treatment of medical and social issues.
Serie
★6/10
Grey's Anatomy
Both are long‑running, Chicago‑set medical dramas focusing on complex character relationships.
Serie
★8/10
Chicago Hope
Produced simultaneously, it shares the same time slot and a similar Chicago setting.
Serie
★7/10
Nurse Jackie
Explores the personal lives of ER staff with dark humor and mature themes.
Serie
★7/10
FAQ
40 Q&A
When did ER start?
ER began on September 19, 1994.
Who dies in ER?
Many characters die throughout ER's run, including Dr. Mark Greene, Dr. Robert Romano, and Nurse Chuny Marquez.
What was the inspiration for ER?
ER was inspired by an article by Michael Crichton and the experiences of executive producer John Wells.
How realistic was ER?
ER was known for its realistic portrayal of emergency room medicine, though some medical inaccuracies occurred.
What kind of hospital is County General?
County General is a busy public hospital in Chicago that serves a diverse and often underserved population.
What is ER about?
ER is a medical drama that follows the lives of doctors and nurses working in a chaotic emergency room.
Where does ER take place?
ER is set in the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.
What happens in the first episode of ER?
The first episode introduces the ER staff and their daily challenges, including a mass casualty incident.
What are some famous ER episodes?
Famous episodes include 'Love's Labor Lost', 'All in the Family', and 'The Storm: Part 1'.
What happens to Dr. Greene at the end of ER?
Dr. Mark Greene dies from a brain tumor in the final season.
Did ER win any awards?
ER won numerous awards, including 23 Emmy Awards.
Who played Elizabeth Corday?
Elizabeth Corday was played by actress Alex Kingston.
What is the final scene of ER?
The final scene shows the new interns arriving at the ER, symbolizing the continuation of medical care.
What happened to Carol Hathaway?
Carol Hathaway survived an attempted suicide in the first episode and returned later in the series.
Who is the creator of ER?
ER was created by Michael Crichton.
Who plays Dr. Carol Hathaway?
Dr. Carol Hathaway was played by actress Julianna Margulies.
Why did ER end?
ER ended after 15 seasons because the producers felt it was time to conclude the series.
Who plays Mark Greene?
Dr. Mark Greene was played by actor Anthony Edwards.
How many seasons of ER are there?
There are 15 seasons of ER.
What are some of the biggest storylines in ER?
Major storylines include the personal and professional lives of the doctors, medical crises, and ethical dilemmas.
Who plays Dr. Doug Ross?
Dr. Doug Ross was played by actor George Clooney.
What is the most emotional episode of ER?
Many episodes are considered emotional, but the death of Dr. Mark Greene is often cited as particularly moving.
How does the show ER end?
The show ends with a look towards the future of the hospital and its staff, with a new generation of doctors.
Who are the main characters in ER?
Main characters include Dr. Mark Greene, Dr. Doug Ross, Nurse Carol Hathaway, and Dr. Kerry Weaver.
Does Dr. Ross come back to ER?
Yes, Dr. Doug Ross returned for the series finale.
Did any real doctors work on ER?
Yes, ER had real doctors who helped make the show. They made sure the medical stuff looked real and accurate.
What are some shows like ER?
Some shows that are like ER are Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Med, and The Good Doctor. They also show doctors and nurses working in hospitals.
How did ER influence other medical shows?
ER changed how medical shows were made. It showed things in a more real and fast way, like a real emergency room.
Who was the first patient on ER?
The first patient on ER was a young boy named Peter. He was brought to the emergency room after a car accident.
How did the filming of ER work?
ER was filmed to look like a real hospital. They used a lot of quick shots and a shaky camera to make it feel exciting and real.
Is ER still streaming anywhere?
Yes, ER is available to watch on streaming services. You can find it on Hulu.
What are some memorable ER moments?
Some memorable moments include major accidents, emotional goodbyes, and when doctors had to make tough choices. The show had many exciting and sad parts.
What is the legacy of ER?
ER's legacy is that it made medical shows more popular and realistic. It showed the hard work and feelings of the people who work in hospitals.
What was the casting process for ER like?
The casting process for ER looked for actors who could play doctors and nurses well. They wanted people who could show a lot of different emotions.
What were the challenges of making ER?
Making ER was hard because they had to show a lot of medical things correctly. It was also challenging to make each episode feel new and exciting.
Where can I watch ER online?
You can watch ER online on Hulu. It's a place where you can stream many TV shows.
What are some behind-the-scenes facts about ER?
Some behind-the-scenes facts are that real medical tools were sometimes used. The actors also trained a bit to look like they knew what they were doing.
What were the best medical dramas before ER?
Before ER, popular medical dramas included Marcus Welby, M.D. and St. Elsewhere. These shows also told stories about doctors and patients.
What do people miss most about ER?
People miss the real feeling of ER and the strong characters. They liked how the show showed both the good and bad parts of working in a hospital.
What is the hardest episode of ER to watch?
Many people find episodes where main characters die or face very sad events hard to watch. These episodes often show the difficult emotional side of hospital work.
