PULSE: An Inside Look at Netflix’s Exciting New Medical Drama
Set to premiere on April 3, Pulse features a star-studded cast from well-known shows, promising to redefine the medical drama genre. This Netflix series takes a refreshing approach by delving into the tumultuous environment of a trauma center overwhelmed by a natural disaster. With a significant rise in viewership following the success of Doc, Pulse has the potential to captivate audiences, especially those eagerly awaiting the second season of the Fox series. The combination of a central romance creating tension and a city besieged by a catastrophic storm sets the stage for a compelling narrative filled with emotional resonance and high-stakes drama.
Created by Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse, Pulse has drawn comparisons to the formative years of Grey’s Anatomy. One of its stars noted, “It’s sexy, and it’s romantic, and it’s dramatic.” The premise revolves around Dr. Danielle Simms, who unexpectedly ascends to Chief Resident after her ex-partner faces suspension. Torn between professional challenges and personal feelings post-breakup, Simms must navigate the pressures of her new role as an avalanche of critical cases descends upon the hospital due to the impending disaster.
Meet the Pulse Cast and Characters
Pulse Main Cast & Characters |
||
---|---|---|
Actor |
Character |
Picture |
Willa Fitzgerald |
Danielle Simms |
|
Colin Woodell |
Xander Phillips |
|
Justina Machado |
Natalie Cruz |
|
Jessie T. Usher |
Sam Elijah |
|
Jessica Rothe |
Cass Himmelstein |
|
Jack Bannon |
Tom Cole |
|
Jessy Yates |
Harper Simms |
|
Néstor Carbonell |
Dr. Ruben Soriano |
|
Daniela Nieves |
Camila Perez |
|
Chelsea Muirhead |
Sophie Chan |
Willa Fitzgerald as Danielle Simms
Date Of Birth: January 17, 1991

- Active Since: 2007
Willa Fitzgerald, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, gained widespread recognition for her role as Emma Duval in Scream: The TV Series. She has also starred in BBC One’s adaptation of Little Women and USA Network’s Dare Me. Most recently, she appeared in Strange Darling and received a Critics Choice Awards nomination for her performance in The Fall of the House of Usher.
Colin Woodell as Xander Phillips
Date Of Birth: December 20, 1991

- Active Since: 2013
Colin Woodell was born in San Francisco and shot to fame as Aiden in The Originals. He starred in Unfriended: Dark Web and is also known for his role in The Flight Attendant, which has garnered multiple nominations. His character in Pulse, Dr. Xander Phillips, faces the challenge of navigating complex personal dynamics as he returns to the hospital under crisis conditions.
Justina Machado as Natalie Cruz
Date Of Birth: September 6, 1972

- Active Since: 1993
Justina Machado, originally from Chicago, made her mark as Penelope Alvarez in One Day at a Time. She has extensive experience in both dramas and comedies, featuring in critically acclaimed series like Six Feet Under and Queen of the South. In Pulse, she plays Dr. Natalie Cruz, who promotes Danielle while managing the implications of her turbulent colleagues’ relationships.
Supporting Cast of Pulse
The Medical Drama Stars Known TV Talents
Jessie T. Usher as Sam Elijah: Recognized for his role as A-Train in The Boys, Usher portrays Sam Elijah, a trusted friend and compatriot for Danielle Simms as she faces mounting challenges.
Jack Bannon as Tom Cole: Known for playing Alfred in Pennyworth, Bannon brings depth to the character of Tom Cole, a resident investigating the circumstances of Phillips’ suspension.
Jessy Yates as Harper Simms: A Yale Drama School graduate, Yates plays Dr. Harper Simms, providing a fresh perspective on her character’s relationship dynamics within the hospital.
Néstor Carbonell as Dr. Ruben Soriano: With an impressive background that includes roles in Lost and Bates Motel, Carbonell plays Dr. Ruben Soriano, who challenges Cruz’s decision to appoint Simms.
Jessica Rothe as Cass Himmelstein: Best known for her roles in Happy Death Day, Rothe takes on the character of Cass Himmelstein, adding to the multifaceted nature of the cast.
Daniela Nieves as Camila Perez: Rising star Nieves enters the scene, bringing talent from her previous soap opera roles to portray Camila Perez.
Chelsea Muirhead as Sophie Chan: An up-and-coming actress, Muirhead plays Sophie Chan, a resident learning under the guidance of Dr. Cruz.
As anticipation builds for Pulse, its blend of high-stakes medical drama and emotional complexity promises to engage viewers and keep them coming back for more.