The promotion of Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey to series regulars for the second season of FOX’s hit dramedy, ‘Best Medicine,’ marks a significant development for the show and a notable moment for LGBTQ+ representation in prime-time television. Announced on June 11, 2026, this upgrade for the actors, who portray the beloved married couple Greg Garrison and George Brady, signifies Fox’s commitment to expanding key supporting roles and deepening the narrative fabric of its successful adaptation of the British series ‘Doc Martin.’
Spinella and Veasey, who recurred in the first season, have quickly become fan favorites as the proprietors of The Salty Breeze. Their characters are integral to the quaint Port Wenn setting, offering both comedic relief and heartwarming moments. Showrunner Liz Tuccillo expressed her delight, stating,
“Nothing makes me happier than to make it official with Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey as our beloved Greg and George. To work with two gentlemen who make every scene funnier, warmer, and more surprising, and happen to be wonderful people themselves, is all a showrunner can ever ask for.”
Executive Producer Rodney Ferrell further highlighted the cultural significance of the timing, noting, “welcoming members of the LGBTQ+ community to our permanent family during Pride month is the cherry on top.”
Impact Analysis of Series Regulars Promotion
This decision to elevate Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey to series regulars reflects a strategic move by Fox to capitalize on the show’s burgeoning popularity and its critical reception. ‘Best Medicine’ quickly established itself as a breakout hit, with its series premiere garnering 12.6 million total Multiplatform viewers. It stands among broadcast’s Top 2 highest-rated drama debuts this season among Adults 18-49, alongside Fox’s other new series ‘Memory of a Killer.’ Such strong performance, which led to an early Season 2 renewal on March 2, underscores the network’s confidence in the series’ ability to attract and retain a broad audience.
For the actors, this promotion represents a significant career milestone, guaranteeing increased screen time and potentially more complex storylines for their characters, Greg and George. In an industry increasingly focused on diverse storytelling, expanding the roles of an established LGBTQ+ couple reinforces a commitment to inclusive representation, which can resonate deeply with viewers and critics alike. This move aligns with broader industry trends where networks are recognizing the value of diverse casts and narratives in building loyal viewership and critical acclaim. It also suggests that the showrunners intend to further explore the lives and relationships of the Port Wenn community, moving beyond the central narrative of Dr. Martin Best.
Context & Background: ‘Best Medicine’ Phenomenon
‘Best Medicine,’ an American adaptation of the long-running British hit ‘Doc Martin,’ centers on Josh Charles’ Dr. Martin Best, a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon who relocates from Boston to the charming, fictional seaside town of Port Wenn to become its general practitioner. His debilitating blood phobia complicates his medical practice, adding a unique layer of personal struggle to the character. The series successfully blends sharp humor with genuine heart, a formula that has proven effective with audiences.
The show’s early renewal and its prominent placement on Fox’s 2026-2027 fall schedule, moving from a midseason debut, indicate its importance to the network’s programming strategy. Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network, stated, “‘Best Medicine’ quickly became a breakout for us this season, blending sharp humor with real heart. Liz Tuccillo brings a distinctive creative voice to the series, and Josh Charles leads an exceptional cast that audiences have embraced. We, along with Propogate, are excited to build on that momentum in Season 2.” The upcoming season is slated for 14 episodes, a testament to Fox’s investment in the series as a potentially long-running success. The original Doc Martin himself, Martin Clunes, even made a special guest appearance as Dr. Robert Best, Martin’s father, further bridging the two iterations and delighting fans of the original.
What’s Next for ‘Best Medicine’ Season 2
With Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey joining the main cast, ‘Best Medicine’ Season 2 promises to delve deeper into the lives of Port Wenn’s residents. The new season will pick up five months after the dramatic Season 1 finale, which left several storylines unresolved. Dr. Martin Best faces an investigation by the medical board for allowing his assistant Elaine (Cree) to draw blood due to his phobia. Showrunner Liz Tuccillo hinted at “a new antagonist in town that’s maybe having to watch over him, somebody who has to double-check his work now because they know that he wasn’t on the up and up.”
The romantic tension between Martin and schoolteacher Louisa Gavin (Abigail Spencer) will also intensify, complicated by the re-emergence of Louisa’s ex-fiancé Mark (Josh Segarra) and Martin’s ex Eden (Eliza Coupe). Tuccillo teased that the love triangle/square is “just going to get more and more fun and more and more complicated.” This expansion of character arcs, including those of Greg and George, will undoubtedly enrich the show’s ensemble dynamics, offering viewers more reasons to tune in when the series premieres in late September or early October, as part of Fox’s fall lineup. Fans can expect more charming show business articles about the show’s development.
The decision to promote Stephen Spinella and Jason Veasey not only bolsters the cast of ‘Best Medicine’ but also sends a clear message about the evolving landscape of television. Networks are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in compelling characters and diverse representation, particularly when these elements contribute to a show’s undeniable success. As ‘Best Medicine’ prepares for its anticipated second season, the expanded roles for Greg and George underscore a commitment to rich, inclusive storytelling that resonates with a broad audience, positioning the dramedy for continued critical and commercial triumph.
