Dr. Kildare (1961)

The classic NBC medical drama that launched Richard Chamberlain to stardom, following an idealistic young intern through the demanding world of hospital medicine.

Dr. Kildare - Series Information

  • Original Title: Dr. Kildare
  • First Air Year: 1961
  • Last Air Year: 1966
  • Created by: James Komack
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 5
  • Number of Episodes: 191
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Networks: NBC
  • Production Companies: MGM Television, Arena Productions

Dr. Kildare - Plot

The story of a young intern in a large metropolitan hospital trying to learn his profession, deal with the problems of his patients, and win the respect of the senior doctor in his specialty, internal medicine.

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Dr. Kildare - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • James Komack

Main Cast

  • Raymond Massey
  • Cynthia Stone
  • Eddie Ryder
  • Jud Taylor
  • Ken Berry
  • Jean Inness
  • Jack Nicholson
  • Margaret Leighton
  • Richard Chamberlain
  • Donna Loren

Writers

  • Jerry McNeely
  • John Furia, Jr.
  • E. Jack Neuman
  • Max Hodge
  • Louis S. Peterson

Executive Producers

  • Norman Felton

Dr. Kildare - FAQs

Who played Dr. James Kildare in the series?

Richard Chamberlain played the title role of Dr. James Kildare throughout the series. His portrayal of the idealistic young intern made him a major television star in the early 1960s and launched his career as a prominent leading man in Hollywood.

Where can you stream Dr. Kildare online?

Streaming availability for Dr. Kildare varies by region and platform. You can check the most current viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or purchase options available in your area, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information across multiple platforms.

Is Dr. Kildare based on a true story?

Dr. Kildare is not based on a true story. The character originated in a series of novels by Max Brand in the 1930s and was later adapted into films and radio programs before the 1961 NBC television series. The stories are fictional, though they reflect realistic medical and ethical scenarios.

How many seasons and episodes does Dr. Kildare have?

Dr. Kildare ran for five seasons on NBC, comprising a total of 191 episodes. Season 1 had 33 episodes, Season 2 had 34, Season 3 had 34, Season 4 had 32, and Season 5 had 58 episodes, making it one of the more prolific medical dramas of its era.

Who are the main actors in Dr. Kildare?

The series stars Richard Chamberlain as Dr. James Kildare and Raymond Massey as his mentor Dr. Leonard Gillespie. The supporting cast includes Cynthia Stone, Eddie Ryder, Jud Taylor, Ken Berry, Jean Inness, Jack Nicholson, Margaret Leighton, and Donna Loren.

When did Dr. Kildare first air on television?

Dr. Kildare premiered on NBC in 1961 and ran until 1966, spanning five seasons. The show aired during a golden era of American television drama and helped establish the medical procedural as a staple of prime-time programming in the United States.

What is Dr. Kildare about?

Dr. Kildare follows a young intern at a large metropolitan hospital as he navigates the challenges of medical training, complex patient cases, and the pursuit of professional respect under the watchful eye of the experienced Dr. Gillespie. The series blends human drama with medical ethics and mentorship.

Did Dr. Kildare win any awards or critical recognition?

Dr. Kildare received strong critical and popular recognition during its run. Richard Chamberlain earned Golden Globe nominations for his performance, and the series was praised for its thoughtful handling of medical and social issues. It is widely credited with reviving the medical drama genre on American television.

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