Netflix’s Pulse doesn’t waste time. Within minutes, a hurricane barrels into Miami, the hospital goes into lockdown, and two doctors with a tangled past are forced into the same ER under extreme pressure.
But before the storm hits, the real turbulence begins with a sexual harassment complaint: third-year resident Dr. Danny Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) files it against her boss, Dr. Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell). As the hospital staff grapples with a growing list of trauma cases, rumors swirl, and Danny is unexpectedly promoted to chief resident—adding fuel to the fire both professionally and personally.
“What made this feel so distinct is the central story between these two characters and the specific investigation into the gray area that those characters have experienced,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s something I had not seen on television. Definitely not in a medical drama.”
“The added element of the hurricane too is always fun,” Woodell added. “This idea of all these people trapped in this hospital—saving lives, but also two of us having to work together professionally while carrying the baggage of what’s happened between us—it’s a lot of tension.”
To keep track of the dual timelines, Woodell said, “I kind of was trying to create a timeline for myself of the 12 months leading into present day. It was challenging to get it all out there chronologically.” He also joked, “My hair,” when asked how he kept track of what version of Xander he was playing.
Fitzgerald found a rhythm in the structure. “You get to grow the characters up at two different times in their life at the same time,” she explained. “Also because a lot of the flashbacks are outside of the hospital, it kind of took care of itself.”
She also appreciated the complexity of her role: “She’s a human who is therefore imperfect, who is making imperfect choices with the best information available to her, and then reevaluating those choices when more information becomes available.”
While the central relationship keeps the tension high, the series also delivers one of the most grounded and hopefully queer slow-burns on TV right now: Sophie and Camila. It’s a relationship that sneaks up on you in the best way—starting as friendship and blossoming into something deeper.
And you can’t talk Pulse without talking about one of the most memorable dynamics to come out of the first season of the show: Camila and Sophie.
“Yeah, we do,” Fitzgerald said immediately.
“It is so good,” Fitzgerald said. “So many good dynamics. It’s hard to pick.”
Honorable mentions:
- Jack and Ash (AKA Nia and Cole)
- Cole and Soriano
- Elijah and Danny
From steamy stares in the OR to slow-burning romance in the hospital halls, Pulse brings the drama—but it’s the duos that keep us watching.
Pulse is now streaming on Netflix—just try not to binge it all in one sitting. Or do. We won’t judge.
Watch Pulse on Netflix
