House (MD)

The House, also known as House M.D., is an American medical drama television series that aired from 2004 to 2012. Created by David Shore, the show follows the lives of a team of diagnosticians and their patients at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.

History/Background

The show premiered on November 16, 2004, on Fox and ran for eight seasons until its conclusion on May 21, 2012. The series was renewed for a ninth season, but it was canceled by the network in April 2011 due to declining ratings.

Development

The show was developed by David Shore, who was inspired by his own experiences as a medical resident at Stanford University. Shore wanted to create a show that would challenge traditional medical drama conventions and explore complex medical cases through the lens of a misdiagnosed patient.

Main Characters

• Dr. Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie)
• Dr. James Wilson (played by Robert Sean Leonard)
• Cameron "Cam" Cameron (played by Jennifer Morrison)
• Dr. Chris Taub (played by Peter Jacobson)
• Dr. Lawrence Kutner (played by Kal Penn)

Key Concepts

The show explores a range of medical concepts, including diagnostic medicine, infectious diseases, and neurology. House's unorthodox methods and disregard for authority often lead to conflicts with his colleagues and patients.

Mental Health

The show delves into mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. House himself struggles with addiction and a history of mental health problems, which are frequently referenced throughout the series.

Medical Cases

• Pulmonary Embolism
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease)

Technical Details

The show features a team of diagnosticians, including House, Wilson, and several guest doctors. Each episode typically features two cases: one major case and one minor case.

Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic process on the show often involves a combination of medical imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scans), laboratory tests (e.g., blood work, urinalysis), and physical examinations. House's team also uses various unconventional methods to diagnose patients, including behavioral observations and psychological evaluations.

Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital

• Hospital layout and design
• Departmental hierarchy and organization
• Facilities and equipment

Applications/Uses

The show has been credited with helping to raise awareness about various medical conditions, including mental health issues. The series has also inspired a range of spin-offs, including books, video games, and a feature film.

Musical Influences

The show's music is an integral part of its style, with many episodes featuring original compositions by David Hirschfelder and other musicians.

Cast Interviews

• Hugh Laurie (House) - 2012
• Robert Sean Leonard (Wilson) - 2009
• Jennifer Morrison (Cam) - 2011

Impact/Significance

The House has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring countless memes, GIFs, and parodies. The show's influence can also be seen in other medical dramas, such as Grey's Anatomy.

Cultural Significance

• Medical drama genre
• Mental health awareness
• Pop culture references (e.g., House memes)

Related Topics

The House has connections to several related topics, including medical dramas, mental health advocacy, and pop culture studies.

Other Medical Dramas

• Grey's Anatomy
• ER
• Chicago Med