This Is Going To Hurt: A Deep Dive Into AMC's Heartfelt Medical Drama

This is Going to Hurt is AMC's new medical drama that examines the struggles experienced by doctors and nurses in the U.K.'s National Health Service. Starring Ben Whishaw in the role of obstetrics and gynecology doctor Adam Kay, the limited series follows his character as he struggles with his mental health when a delivery goes awry. This show brings to light the emotional and physical toll that medical professionals endure in their line of work.

The narrative is not just about medical procedures but also about the human experience behind them. It offers a raw and honest look at the challenges faced by healthcare workers, making it an important addition to the television landscape. Here is everything you need to know about the origins of the drama.

Is 'This is Going to Hurt' Based on A True Story?

This is Going to Hurt is based on a non-fiction book written by Kay, which features the former medical professional's diaries from his time as a junior doctor. Kay spoke to Newsweek about adapting his own memoir for the small screen, admitting he had to be "a bit inventive" to make it work for television. He noted, "I guess it’s not the most obvious book to adapt because a direct adaptation would end up being like some sort of strange one man sketch show."

In an interview, Kay emphasized the challenges of translating his book into a series. "It’s not like a crime drama, where this chapter will end this episode with this cliffhanger," he explained, highlighting the need to zoom in on specific periods of time to create compelling television. His experiences serve as a foundation for the show, but they are intertwined with fictional elements to enhance narrative depth.

The Creative Process Behind the Adaptation

The adaptation process proved to be both challenging and rewarding for Kay. He shared that while the book's content was rich, it primarily revolved around his experiences, making it difficult to create fully developed characters for a television series. "I’m the only fully-drawn character in the book," he clarified, noting that other roles needed expansion for the show to resonate with audiences.

Kay's approach allowed him to take creative liberties while remaining true to the essence of his original work. He aimed to capture the authentic experience of working in hospitals, emphasizing the emotional impact of the medical profession on individuals. "What I wanted was for the people who work in hospitals to say 'yeah, it’s like that,'" he expressed.

Are the Deliveries Real in 'This is Going to Hurt'?

One aspect of This is Going to Hurt that may surprise non-medically trained viewers is how real and graphic the deliveries look in the drama. In Kay's book, he explains the births and medical issues he dealt with during his time as a doctor in great detail, helping those unfamiliar with the procedures understand the stakes involved.

However, the show takes this realism a step further. While the deliveries aren’t real, the visual effects team ensured that every scene looked as realistic as possible. "We went absolutely overboard on the prosthetics," Kay stated, emphasizing the commitment to authenticity. The show's creators worked hard to portray medical procedures accurately, knowing that many professionals would be watching.

The Balance of Realism and Entertainment

Kay emphasized the importance of striking a balance between realism and entertainment. "I want people to feel immersed in the world and feel that it’s not a sanitized version of a hospital," he explained. Yet, he also acknowledged the need to avoid overwhelming viewers with graphic content that could deter them from watching.

This commitment to authenticity is reflected in the show's reception, with both viewers and medical professionals praising its realistic portrayal of life in the NHS. This is Going to Hurt is available to stream on AMC+ and Sundance Now, with episodes airing every Thursday through July 14.

In summary, This is Going to Hurt offers a poignant look at the realities of working in medicine, presenting both the challenges and triumphs faced by healthcare professionals. The series not only entertains but also educates viewers about the emotional landscape of those dedicated to saving lives.