​Beth Hall

Mom

While the emotionally vulnerable Wendy Harris (Beth Hall) has wept her way through many an episode of Mom, she has never faltered as a nurse. As Hall has said, "When she's working...it's the one place she has confidence."

Watch episodes of Mom streaming on Paramount+.

Alan Alda

M*A*S*H

Alan Alda won five Emmys for his work on M*A*S*H, in which he played Chief Surgeon Dr. "Hawkeye" Pierce, a doctor who embodied compassion, resilience, and the ability to find humor even amid horror.

Wilson Cruz

Star Trek: Discovery

As the ship's chief medical doctor on Star Trek: Discovery, Hugh Culber(Wilson Cruz) tends to his shipmates with intelligence and kindness—and the perspective that comes with a second chance at life.

Watch all episodes of Star Trek: Discovery streaming on Paramount+.

Pernell Roberts

Trapper John, M.D.

First portrayed by Wayne Rogers on M*A*S*H, Dr. "Trapper" John McIntyre was one of television's most beloved surgeons. As played by Pernell Roberts on Trapper John, M.D. from 1979-1986, he was a man who inspired unwavering confidence.

Folake Olowofoyeku

Bob ♥ Abishola

When it comes to those in her care, Folake Olowofoyeku's nurse Abishola (Bob ♥ Abishola) shows her soft spot. Witness her singing a Nigerian lullaby to Bob—and thus winning his affections—when he is hospitalized.

Watch Bob ♥ Abishola on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Dick Van Dyke

Diagnosis: Murder

Not only was Diagnosis: Murder's Dr. Mark Sloan (Dick Van Dyke) a brilliant doctor, he was also handy at solving mysteries. One detective who relied on his savvy included his son, played by Van Dyke's actual son, Barry.

Sean Dominic

The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless' Dr. Nate Hastings(Sean Dominic) is a second-generation physician and Genoa City's most respected care-taker.

Watch The Young and the Restless weekdays on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Rob Morrow

Northern Exposure

Neurotic Queens native Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow) may have rued living in Alaska, but as Northern Exposure's physician he had the intelligence and skills to tend—tenderly—to the town.

Jane Seymour

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

Jane Seymour starred for six seasons on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, transforming the frontier doctor into an inspiring example of steely feminism. Watch her tackle an epidemic in Season One's second episode.

Jeremy Ray Valdez

The Bold and the Beautiful

As Detective Alex Sanchez on The Bold and the Beautiful, Jeremy Ray Valdez solves the soap's myriad crimes with aplomb.

Watch The Bold and the Beautiful weekdays on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Kathy Baker

Picket Fences

Kathy Baker won three Emmys and a Golden Globe for her role as Dr. Jill Brock on Picket Fences. Married to the town's Sheriff, Brock's care-taking qualities extended beyond her family to the patients who needed her most.

Shemar Moore

S.W.A.T.

S.W.A.T.'s Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson (Shemar Moore) is a natural leader of his unit, as well as a champion for the law—and the underdog.

Watch S.W.A.T. Wednesdays at 10pm/9pm (Central) on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Christine Lahti

Chicago Hope

Christine Lahti won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her role as Dr. Kate Austin on Chicago Hope. Patients' hearts couldn't have been in better hands than this cardiac surgeon's.

Zeeko Zaki

FBI

Zaki has won hearts playing Special Agent Omar Adom "O.A." Zidan, a West Point grad who served two tours in Iraq before joining the F.B.I. A practicing Muslim, he is passionate about his heritage—and keeping America safe.

Originally appeared in Watch magazine in the July/August 2020 issue.

Watch FBI Tuesdays at 9pm/8pm(Central) on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.