The Knick

Watch The Knick

  • TV-MA
  • 2014
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.5  (50,397)

Set in the early 1900s, The Knick is a gripping medical drama that explores the complex world of surgery during a time when medical techniques were still in their infancy. The show follows the lives of the doctors and nurses at the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York City, as they struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancements in medical science, while also dealing with pressures from the hospital's board of governors and the social and political challenges of the day. At the center of the show is the enigmatic and brilliant surgeon, Dr. John Thackery, played by Clive Owen. Thackery is a true pioneer in the field of surgery, but his methods are often unconventional and at times controversial. Despite his successes, Thackery battles his own personal demons - including addiction to cocaine - and struggles to maintain his stature among his peers. Alongside Thackery are a number of other key characters who form the core of the show's ensemble cast. There is Nurse Lucy Elkins, played by Eve Hewson, who serves as Thackery's assistant and sometimes confidante. There is Cornelia Robertson, played by Juliet Rylance, a socialite who finds herself drawn to the world of medicine and becomes involved in the Knick's efforts to fight a deadly epidemic. There is also Dr. Algernon Edwards, played by André Holland, a talented surgeon who faces discrimination and racism due to his race but refuses to be held back. Through these characters and others, The Knick explores a range of issues that are still relevant today, including race, class, addiction, and medical ethics. The show depicts surgeries and medical procedures in graphic detail, which can be intense for some viewers, but this realism also lends an air of authenticity to the show's world. One of the unique aspects of The Knick is its attention to historical detail. The show's creators - including director Steven Soderbergh - went to great lengths to accurately recreate the medical and social milieu of turn-of-the-century New York. From the costumes and sets to the use of period-appropriate medical instruments, The Knick immerses viewers in a world that feels both authentic and otherworldly. Despite critical acclaim, The Knick was unfortunately cancelled after its second season in 2015, leaving many fans disappointed. However, the show's legacy - and its impact on the prestige cable drama landscape - lives on. The Knick demonstrated the power of historical drama to illuminate contemporary issues, while also showcasing some of the best acting and directing on television. Overall, The Knick is a must-see for fans of historical fiction, medical dramas, and compelling character-driven storytelling. Although the show only lasted for two seasons, it has already achieved a cult following and remains a powerful and relevant look at the intersection of medicine, society, and the human experience.

The Knick
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Seasons
This Is All We Are
10. This Is All We Are
December 18, 2015
Thackery deliberately ignores Zinberg's advice at Mt. Sinai and chooses a dramatic, and risky, alternative course of action. Cornelia confronts Henry about his role in the family business.
Do You Remember Moon Flower?
9. Do You Remember Moon Flower?
December 11, 2015
Thackery's connection to Captain Robertson and The Knick's arrival are revealed. The conflict between Edwards and Gallinger comes to a head.
Not Well at All
8. Not Well at All
December 4, 2015
After dealing with an unwanted intruder, Thackery faces the realities of his addiction research, and sets his sights on improving Abby's appearance. Algernon suspects foul play during his surgical debacle; Gallinger shuffles his family priorities; Barrow's social standing rises, at a cost; Lucy makes a shocking discovery; Cornelia shares unsettling news with Henry.
Williams And Walker
7. Williams And Walker
November 27, 2015
Fighting his nerves, Thackery readies himself to attempt to separate Zoya and Nika in front of a packed audience. After getting a surprise gift from her father-in-law, Cornelia attends a gala charity ball for the new Knick with other familiar guests. Barrow gets rid of a threat; Opal spoils the Robertsons' good mood. Algernon gets an overdue spotlight in the surgical theater.
There Are Rules
6. There Are Rules
November 20, 2015
Faced with a quandary, Bertie decides to take matters into his own hands at Mt. Sinai, enlisting Algernon to help. Thackery investigates the efficacy of hypnosis, and takes an interest in a pair of conjoined twins. Lucy lobbies Henry for a gala invitation; Cornelia visits the brother of a deceased immigrant with ties to Speight; Gallinger dines with an unwelcome guest.
Whiplash
5. Whiplash
November 13, 2015
A subway explosion leads to an influx of patients at The Knick, but little margin for profit. Pursued by Henry, Lucy takes to heart advice from one of Ping Wu’s girls. An addict’s misfortune gives Thackery an ideal test case for his latest theory on addiction. Bertie submits his adrenalin research to Zinberg. Cornelia gets a new clue in Speight’s death. Barrow repays a debt but gets no credit. Genevieve charms the Chickerings. Harriet finds herself a boarding-house pariah.
Wonderful Surprises
4. Wonderful Surprises
November 6, 2015
Abby’s worsening condition persuades Thackery to test out his novel syphilis treatment. Edwards comes clean to Opal, but does not get the response he expects. Cleary makes a last-ditch effort to raise funds for Harriet as her date in court arrives. Bertie undergoes physical training. Barrow loses a sponsor. Gallinger’s prejudices are reinforced. Cornelia probes a suspicious death. Lucy laments her lot in life.
The Best With The Best To Get The Best
3. The Best With The Best To Get The Best
October 30, 2015
Thackery enlists Edwards to help him test a new hypothesis. After rejecting Robertson’s advances at The Knick, Lucy learns that confession isn’t always good for the soul. Young journalist Genevieve Everidge works on a story about one of Thackery’s rivals. Cornelia is dismayed by the limits of her husband’s sympathies. Barrow faces a new adversary at Tammany Hall. Gallinger is intrigued by a discussion of eugenics at a class reunion. Edwards deals with a surprise visitor.
You're No Rose
2. You're No Rose
October 23, 2015
Dr. Thackery sets his sights on a return to The Knick - a request that doesn't sit well with the board. After a shocking discovery, Cornelia enlists Cleary to do a dirty job, for a price.
Ten Knots
1. Ten Knots
October 16, 2015
As Barrow and The Knick prepare to move uptown, Dr. Edwards tries to persuade the hospital board to appoint him permanent chief of surgery in Dr. Thackery's absence.
Description

Set in the early 1900s, The Knick is a gripping medical drama that explores the complex world of surgery during a time when medical techniques were still in their infancy. The show follows the lives of the doctors and nurses at the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York City, as they struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancements in medical science, while also dealing with pressures from the hospital's board of governors and the social and political challenges of the day.

At the center of the show is the enigmatic and brilliant surgeon, Dr. John Thackery, played by Clive Owen. Thackery is a true pioneer in the field of surgery, but his methods are often unconventional and at times controversial. Despite his successes, Thackery battles his own personal demons - including addiction to cocaine - and struggles to maintain his stature among his peers.

Alongside Thackery are a number of other key characters who form the core of the show's ensemble cast. There is Nurse Lucy Elkins, played by Eve Hewson, who serves as Thackery's assistant and sometimes confidante. There is Cornelia Robertson, played by Juliet Rylance, a socialite who finds herself drawn to the world of medicine and becomes involved in the Knick's efforts to fight a deadly epidemic. There is also Dr. Algernon Edwards, played by André Holland, a talented surgeon who faces discrimination and racism due to his race but refuses to be held back.

Through these characters and others, The Knick explores a range of issues that are still relevant today, including race, class, addiction, and medical ethics. The show depicts surgeries and medical procedures in graphic detail, which can be intense for some viewers, but this realism also lends an air of authenticity to the show's world.

One of the unique aspects of The Knick is its attention to historical detail. The show's creators - including director Steven Soderbergh - went to great lengths to accurately recreate the medical and social milieu of turn-of-the-century New York. From the costumes and sets to the use of period-appropriate medical instruments, The Knick immerses viewers in a world that feels both authentic and otherworldly.

Despite critical acclaim, The Knick was unfortunately cancelled after its second season in 2015, leaving many fans disappointed. However, the show's legacy - and its impact on the prestige cable drama landscape - lives on. The Knick demonstrated the power of historical drama to illuminate contemporary issues, while also showcasing some of the best acting and directing on television.

Overall, The Knick is a must-see for fans of historical fiction, medical dramas, and compelling character-driven storytelling. Although the show only lasted for two seasons, it has already achieved a cult following and remains a powerful and relevant look at the intersection of medicine, society, and the human experience.

The Knick is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on August 8, 2014.

Where to Watch The Knick

The Knick is available for streaming on the CINEMAX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Knick on demand at Google Play and Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    August 8, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (50,397)