NBC will air the final "ER" episode this Thursday at 10 p.m., closing out the show's 15-year run, the longest for any American primetime medical drama. "ER" has long been a cornerstone of Thursday night television for millions of people across the country.
Although some seasons dragged on, their romances becoming dull and contrived, from time to time there were episodes that were cutting-edge and captivating (remember the infamous and highly rated live episode from 1997 in which a faux-documentary crew followed around the hospital staff?).
No wonder "ER" is also the most Emmy-nominated show in television history with 123 nominations and 22 wins.
I think the show's success comes down to a few factors: its use of sympathetic characters; tight camera shots focused on blood, urgency or grief; crazy cases involving even crazier guest stars; and the deliciousness of George Clooney.
Besides its obvious educational value (Maria Bello taught me what EKG stands for), "ER" was the first show to delve into our physician's personal lives to see that they are often just as broken as their patients. Again, "Grey's Anatomy," show some respect.
So why did "ER" have to bow out? Was it disappointing ratings? Network politics? Was the show too old? Yes, yes and yes, but there's another important answer, too: the networks would rather produce cheap(er) television. Networks are turning to reality shows as the crux of their programming because they're quicker to produce and don't require the big-buck salaries that television actors demand. Cable is handling the edgier drama fare these days (think of "ER"s teenage alcoholics vs. the post-surgical orgies of "Nip/Tuck").
Whether you're a huge fan or not, watching the curtain call will be a bittersweet event we won't soon forget.
