This Is Going to Hurt (2022)
A darkly comic and deeply moving portrait of NHS life, adapted from Adam Kay's celebrated memoir by the author himself.
This Is Going to Hurt - Series Information
- Original Title: This Is Going to Hurt
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Adam Kay
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 7
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 8, 2022 (Canada - 18+), February 8, 2022 (United Kingdom - 15), February 8, 2022 (France - 18), February 8, 2022 (Brazil - 14)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: SISTER, Terrible Productions, AMC Studios, BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 忍一忍 (TW), Ça va Faire Mal (FR), ÇA VA FAIRE MAL (CA), 弃业医生日志 (CN)
This Is Going to Hurt - Plot
The unvarnished truth of life as a doctor working in obstetrics and gynaecology.
This Is Going to Hurt - Trailer
See the official trailer and get a sense of what awaits in this unflinching NHS drama.
Where to Watch This Is Going to Hurt
Looking for where to watch This Is Going to Hurt?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
This Is Going to Hurt - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Adam Kay
Main Cast
- Ben Whishaw
- Ambika Mod
- Rory Fleck-Byrne
- Michele Austin
- Alex Jennings
- Tom Durant-Pritchard
- Ashley McGuire
- Harriet Walter
- Kadiff Kirwan
- Hannah Onslow
Executive Producers
- Jane Featherstone
- Naomi de Pear
- Adam Kay
- Mona Qureshi
- Ben Whishaw
This Is Going to Hurt - FAQs
Is This Is Going to Hurt based on a true story?
Absolutely. The series is adapted from Adam Kay's bestselling memoir of the same name, drawn from his diaries as a junior doctor working in obstetrics and gynaecology on the NHS. Kay himself wrote the adaptation, lending the show an authenticity that makes its darkest moments hit especially hard.
Who plays Adam Kay in This Is Going to Hurt?
Ben Whishaw brings the real Adam Kay to life with remarkable depth, capturing both the sardonic wit and the quiet emotional collapse of a doctor stretched far beyond his limits. Whishaw's performance earned widespread critical praise and is widely considered one of the finest British TV performances of 2022.
Where can you stream This Is Going to Hurt?
You can stream This Is Going to Hurt on Netflix, AMC+, Philo, Acorn TV, and Spectrum On Demand. It's also available with ads on The Roku Channel and free via Hoopla. For a full breakdown of viewing options in your region, check JustWatch.
Is This Is Going to Hurt worth watching?
Without question. The series earned a 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and was hailed as one of the best British dramas in years. It's funny, devastating, and deeply human — a rare show that makes you laugh out loud one moment and sit in stunned silence the next.
What is the tone of This Is Going to Hurt?
The series walks a razor-thin line between dark comedy and raw tragedy. It mirrors the gallows humour that NHS staff use to survive impossible conditions, but never lets that humour shield the viewer from the human cost. The result is a show that feels both wildly funny and genuinely heartbreaking.
Did This Is Going to Hurt win any awards?
The series received significant recognition, including BAFTA nominations for Ben Whishaw and Ambika Mod. It was widely featured on critics' best-of-year lists for 2022, with Whishaw's lead performance in particular drawing comparisons to the finest work in prestige British television.
Who composed the music for This Is Going to Hurt?
The score was composed by Serafina Steer and Jarvis Cocker — an unexpected but inspired pairing. Cocker, best known as the frontman of Pulp, brings an offbeat sensibility that perfectly complements the show's blend of wry British humour and emotional gut-punches.
What are similar shows to This Is Going to Hurt?
If This Is Going to Hurt struck a chord, try Green Wing for surreal NHS comedy, Scrubs for a similarly bittersweet hospital experience, or The Resident for grittier medical drama. Casualty and New Amsterdam offer compelling alternatives for viewers drawn to the emotional weight of healthcare storytelling.
More About This Is Going to Hurt
Explore further details about this series on the following platforms.