5 Reasons New Amsterdam is Actually Better Than Grey's Anatomy

With a total of five seasons and 89 episodes aired, New Amsterdam came to a satisfying end this January, cementing its status as a successful medical drama.

While many people may argue it is still no match for Grey's Anatomy, which may be superior in its running time, ratings, awards, and viewership, there are some powerful reasons to claim that New Amsterdam is actually better than its rival medical show — and here's why.

New Amsterdam is more realistic

Actually, it's way more realistic than Grey's Anatomy, as the latter is said to be one of the least realistic medical shows ever. Whenever fans try to compile lists of medical drama shows based on their claim to realism, Grey's Anatomy loses not only to New Amsterdam but even to House, which is also severely criticized for its unrealistic medical cases. Here's the first strong win for New Amsterdam.

New Amsterdam is a complete story

While many viewers like their favorite TV series to go on forever, other people prefer stories that have a clear beginning, middle, and end. For such fans, New Amsterdam is definitely a better option than Grey's Anatomy, which seems to never end.

New Amsterdam takes certain themes farther

A recurring theme on Grey's Anatomy is characters pushing the boundaries of bureaucratic regulation to save their patients and risking their jobs in the process. This theme is actually at the core of New Amsterdam, as its main character, Dr. Max Goodwin, gets appointed medical director of a long-neglected public hospital, mired in bureaucracy and poor practices, and he does all he can to reform his new workplace.

New Amsterdam's writing is more intelligent

This point corresponds to the one about the shows' realism. When characters in Grey's Anatomy attempt to buck the system for the sake of saving lives, they tend to do so in a way that would result in them getting fired in real life.

New Amsterdam's writing seems to be more intelligent in this respect, as Dr. Goodwin's approach to changing the work practices at his hospital is generally more believable.

New Amsterdam is less feel-good

Dr. Goodwin believes from the start that his fight against the system would probably cost him his position. Similarly, a number of subplots of the show are clearly not going to end in the 'happily ever after' way. That's why, for those who prefer more drama in their drama series, New Amsterdam is a more appropriate choice than Grey's Anatomy.

Source: TV Insider.