Back on September 19, 1994, NBC rolled the dice with ER, the medical drama that set the ’90s TV scene on fire. Critics couldn’t get enough of it, and viewers were hooked on the chaotic world of emergency rooms.

Fast forward to 2025, and with the streaming bubble long burst, nostalgia for good old-fashioned linear TV is making a comeback. Fans are craving the days of epic seasons, fewer breaks, and more drama in every episode. And guess what? The classic medical dramas are thus benefiting, basking in the spotlight!

It turns out, what was once “old TV” is now exactly what the people want. But when NBC launched ER, they didn’t just throw together another show, they spent a staggering $13 million per episode, outspending even Game of Thrones at the time. And the result was a show that not only made George Clooney a household name but also helped redefine what TV could be.