‘Chicago Hope’ Ended 25 Years Ago Today: 7 Things You Never Knew About the ‘ER’ Rival
Do you remember that amazing TV show about the inner workings of a hospital that premiered in 1994? You know, the one with the amazing ensemble cast, the gritty insights into realistic medical emergencies, and the interpersonal drama that kept us glued to the television every week?
No, the other one.
While NBC’s ER has stood the test of time as the 90’s most well-remembered medical drama, there was a competitor on CBS that was equally well-regarded – at least for awhile. Created by David E. Kelley (the man behind The Practice, Boston Public, and Doogie Howser, M.D., among many other hits), Chicago Hope depicted the day-to-day drama that took place in a fictional hospital in Chicago (go figure), along with the cast of characters that kept things running. Starring heavy-hitters like Mandy Patinkin, Adam Arkin, Thomas Gibson and Rocky Carroll, the show was an early critical success, only to dip in quality and ratings after several seasons, leading to a season six cancellation.
With licensing costs attached to many of the songs used on the show’s original episodes preventing it from being easily found on streaming services, Chicago Hope remains a fond memory for those who chose to give it their time, even during the height of Clooney-mania. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of show’s series finale, here are seven things you didn’t know about Chicago Hope.
1Chicago Hope and ER weren’t just similar … they were time slot rivals
We alluded to the natural rivalry between Chicago Hope and NBC powerhouse ER, but those who didn’t pay attention during each show’s initial runs may not realize that they actually broadcast against each other at the same day and time every week – Thursday’s at 10pm (which helped ER capitalize on the consistently-high ratings of its 8-10pm Thursday Night lineups that featured Friends, Seinfeld and more).
Before the days of streaming or even DVR’s, fans of both shows were forced to either choose, switch back and forth between the episodes, or be one of the select few who could figure out how to record one TV show on their VCR while watching another! ER dominated the time slot from the beginning, earning the right to stay put while Chicago Hope bounced around to different days and times throughout its six seasons.
2Mandy was not dandy
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While Mandy Patinkin’s Dr. Geiger was a central part of the show from the start, the actor behind the character actually first quit the show after only nine months (and, by his own admission, multiple displays of terrible behavior during production). Citing a discomfort with being away from his family in New York City and an overall uneasiness about his fit for the role, Patinkin has stated in more recent interviews that he regrets the decision to join the cast in the first place. Regardless, Patinkin did return for a short stint near the end of the series.
3From the medical lab to the crime lab
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When Mark Harmon and Rocky Carroll joined the cast of Chicago Hope, they had no way of knowing that they’d not only become friends, but work together for three seasons on the show… only to reunite for an even longer run on NCIS in 2008. In fact, the two veteran actors would work together on that show for another 13 years, all the way until Harmon’s eventual departure in 2021!
4High definition pioneers
While Chicago Hope never broke through as a top-tier ratings winner, they certainly put in the effort to stand out and grab media attention. Case in point: on November 18, 1998, the show presented the first episode of any regular television series to be broadcast in HDTV. The episode, entitled “The Other Cheek”, failed to turn things around for the show’s ratings, but remains a groundbreaking step in the evolution of TV technology.
5They bared all early on
The show broke a longstanding network television taboo during season one’s 14th episode fourteen, “Cutting Edges”, by choosing not to censor a scene depicting the bare breasts of a teenage girl, following the character’s successful reconstructive surgery. The scene was largely regarded as being handled respectfully and in good taste, and there was little to no negative blowback from viewers or the network.
6And you thought the Super Bowl was loaded with ads
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In 1997, Chicago Hope introduced a new character – Dr. Lisa Catera, played by Stacy Edwards. Why, you ask? It turns out that the show struck a very unique deal with Cadillac to help promote the debut of one of their newest models – the “Cadillac Catera”. Unfortunately, Edwards only lasted three seasons on the show (for the sake of those who bought it, here’s hoping the car lasted a lot longer than that!)
7Crossover appeal
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Another tactic that separated Chicago Hope from ER was a willingness to share characters with other TV shows (although the latter show still gets points for sending George Clooney and Noah Wyle on a double-date with Monica and Rachel on Friends). For instance, Mandy Patinkin and some of his castmates appeared on Picket Fences, and Patinkin even had an uncredited role in Homicide: Life on the Street. Chicago Hope characters also crossed over to Early Edition, creating synergy between an awesome batch of shows that felt like they existed in the same universe.
Remind