What is St. Elsewhere, and when did it originally air?

St. Elsewhere is an American medical drama television series that was created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey. It originally aired on the NBC network from October 26, 1982, to May 25, 1988.

Who were the primary creators and producers of St. Elsewhere?

The series was created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey. Key producers included Bruce Paltrow, Mark Tinker, John Masius, Tom Fontana, John Falsey, and Abby Singer.

What was the primary setting for the television series St. Elsewhere?

The series was set at the fictional St. Eligius Hospital, which was depicted as a decaying urban teaching hospital located in Boston's South End neighborhood.

What is the meaning of the nickname 'St. Elsewhere' in the medical field?

In the medical field, 'St. Elsewhere' is a slang term used to refer to lesser-equipped hospitals that often receive patients turned away by more prestigious institutions. It can also be used in medical academia to refer to teaching hospitals in general.

How was St. Eligius Hospital perceived by the media and the public?

The local Boston media had bestowed the derogatory nickname 'St. Elsewhere' upon the hospital, perceiving it as a 'dumping ground' or a place one wouldn't want to send a loved one. The hospital's shrine to Saint Eligius was also frequently defiled by visitors and staff, reflecting its poor reputation.

What were the key characteristics that St. Elsewhere shared with Hill Street Blues?

St. Elsewhere was often compared to the police drama Hill Street Blues due to its use of large ensemble casts, a gritty and realistic visual style, and numerous interlocking serialized storylines that often spanned multiple episodes or seasons.

How did St. Elsewhere impact the medical drama genre?

St. Elsewhere broke new ground in the medical drama genre by portraying the profession as admirable but imperfect, with staff members facing personal and professional challenges. This approach created a template that influenced later successful medical dramas such as ER and Chicago Hope.

What kind of themes and issues did St. Elsewhere explore?

The series tackled serious themes of life, death, and the medical profession, often incorporating contemporary issues like breast cancer, AIDS, and addiction. Alongside these dramatic elements, it also included substantial comedic moments, inside jokes, references to television history, and tender portrayals of humanity.

Who composed the theme music for St. Elsewhere?

The main and end title theme music for St. Elsewhere was composed by the renowned jazz musician and composer Dave Grusin. J.A.C. Redford composed the music for the series episodes, with the exception of the pilot.

Which actors were part of the main ensemble cast of St. Elsewhere?

The main ensemble cast included established actors like Ed Flanders, Norman Lloyd, and William Daniels, alongside other notable actors such as David Morse, Alfre Woodard, Bruce Greenwood, Christina Pickles, Ed Begley Jr., Howie Mandel, Mark Harmon, and Denzel Washington.

How many seasons and episodes did St. Elsewhere run for?

St. Elsewhere aired for a total of six seasons and comprised 137 episodes.

What was the broadcast schedule for St. Elsewhere?

The first season of St. Elsewhere aired on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Subsequent seasons moved to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

How did St. Elsewhere perform in the Nielsen ratings?

While St. Elsewhere never ranked higher than 47th place in the yearly Nielsen ratings, it found a strong audience within the 18-49 age demographic, which was highly sought after by TV advertisers.

Describe the plot of the episode 'Qui Transtulit Sustinet'.

In the episode 'Qui Transtulit Sustinet,' Dr. Morrison learns of his wife Nina's death after an accident. Nina's heart is donated for a transplant to a patient of Dr. Craig, and the episode concludes with Morrison hearing Nina's heart beating in the recipient.

What notable event occurred in the St. Elsewhere episode 'Cheers'?

The episode 'Cheers,' which aired as the third season finale, featured a crossover with the sitcom Cheers. Doctors Westphall, Auschlander, and Craig visited the Cheers bar, interacting with characters like Cliff Clavin and Norm Peterson, and Carla Tortelli expressed her dissatisfaction with the hospital.

What made the two-part episode 'Time Heals' significant?

'Time Heals' explored the 50-year history of St. Eligius Hospital through different visual styles for various time periods. It depicted the hospital's founding and the early careers of key characters, earning recognition from TV Guide as one of the '100 Greatest Episodes of All Time'.

What unusual event happened to Dr. Wayne Fiscus in the episode 'After Life'?

In 'After Life,' Dr. Fiscus is critically wounded by a patient's wife. During his near-death experience, he travels between Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, even conversing with a version of God resembling himself, before being revived by his colleagues.

What was the premise of the season five finale, 'Last Dance at the Wrecker's Ball'?

The season five finale depicted the apparent failure of all efforts to save St. Eligius Hospital from closing. As demolition began, a frail Dr. Auschlander, who had been left behind after a relapse, attempted to escape the building.

How was St. Eligius Hospital saved in the sixth season premiere, 'A Moon For the Misbegotten'?

St. Eligius was saved by the Ecumena Corporation, a managed health care company, which led to controversy over the name's similarity to Humana. The new ownership appointed Dr. John Gideon to head the hospital, leading to friction with the existing staff, particularly Dr. Westphall, who resigned in protest.

What unique narrative device was used in the episode 'Their Town'?

In 'Their Town,' Dr. Donald Westphall occasionally broke the fourth wall, speaking directly to the viewer. This technique was a nod to Thornton Wilder's play 'Our Town,' and the episode was written by cast member Sagan Lewis.

What is the most common interpretation of the final scene in the series finale, 'The Last One'?

The final scene, showing Tommy Westphall playing with a snow globe containing a replica of St. Eligius while his father discusses his autism, is widely interpreted to mean that the entire series was a product of Tommy's imagination. This concept has led to the 'Tommy Westphall Universe' hypothesis, suggesting connections to other TV shows.

How did the closing credits of the series finale differ from other episodes?

Unlike the usual credits over a surgical image, the finale's credits appeared on a black background with an electrocardiogram and IV bag. The MTM Productions logo's cat, Mimsie, appeared on its side, and the heart monitor flatlined, signifying Mimsie's death and the end of the show.

What was the viewership and ranking of the series finale, 'The Last One'?

The series finale, 'The Last One,' attracted 22.5 million viewers, ranking 7th among all programs that week with a 17.0/29 rating/share. It was the most-watched episode of the series and was later ranked #12 on TV Guide Network's 'TV's Most Unforgettable Finales'.

What was the initial broadcast time slot for St. Elsewhere, and when did it change?

St. Elsewhere initially aired on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET during its first season. For the remaining seasons, it moved to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Why did NBC hesitate to renew St. Elsewhere after its first season?

NBC hesitated to renew the series due to its poor ratings in the first season, leading the crew to believe it had been canceled. However, a surge in viewership for the season finale and intervention from network CEO Grant Tinker led to its renewal.

What kind of allusions and homages were frequently featured in St. Elsewhere?

St. Elsewhere was known for incorporating numerous allusions to classic movies, pop culture, and especially other television events and shows, particularly those produced by MTM Enterprises. This included characters being summoned via PA systems and direct references within storylines.

Which character from another TV series was carried over into St. Elsewhere?

The hospital orderly Warren Coolidge, portrayed by Byron Stewart, was carried over from the MTM Enterprises series 'The White Shadow,' where he had been a student at Carver High.

Describe the St. Elsewhere crossover episode with 'Cheers'.

In the 'Cheers' crossover episode, doctors Westphall, Auschlander, and Craig visited the Cheers bar. This episode featured interactions with Cheers characters and concluded with Dr. Westphall announcing his temporary resignation from St. Eligius.

How did St. Elsewhere characters appear in 'Homicide: Life on the Street'?

Alfre Woodard reprised her role as Dr. Roxanne Turner in an episode of 'Homicide: Life on the Street.' Additionally, Ed Begley Jr. made an uncredited appearance as Dr. Victor Ehrlich in 'Homicide: The Movie,' and Kyle Secor's character developed a bad back treated by an offscreen 'Dr. Ehrlich.'

In what way did actors from St. Elsewhere reunite on 'Scrubs'?

Ed Begley Jr., William Daniels, Stephen Furst, and Eric Laneuville reunited for an episode of 'Scrubs' as part of NBC's 75th Anniversary celebration. In this appearance, they played doctors falling ill at a convention, rather than reprising their St. Elsewhere roles.

What is the 'Tommy Westphall Universe' hypothesis?

The 'Tommy Westphall Universe' hypothesis suggests that due to the ambiguous and interconnected nature of the 'St. Elsewhere' finale, many other television shows might also be products of Tommy Westphall's imagination. This theory arises from the show's extensive use of fictional crossovers and references.

How many Emmy Awards did St. Elsewhere win during its run?

St. Elsewhere received 62 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won 13 of them, recognizing its excellence in writing, acting, and directing.

Which actors from St. Elsewhere won Emmy Awards for their performances?

Ed Flanders won one Emmy, William Daniels won two for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Bonnie Bartlett and Doris Roberts each won for Outstanding Supporting Actress, James Coco won for Outstanding Supporting Actor, and John Masius and Tom Fontana won two writing Emmys.

What other significant awards did St. Elsewhere receive?

Beyond its Emmy wins, St. Elsewhere garnered five Golden Globe nominations, won one TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama, received three Q Awards, and was honored with a Peabody Award and a People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Dramatic Program.

Was there ever a film adaptation of St. Elsewhere announced?

Yes, in May 2003, Walden Media and Roth Films announced a partnership to create a film adaptation of the television series, although it was never produced.

On which television networks have reruns of St. Elsewhere been aired?

Reruns of St. Elsewhere have aired on various networks, including Nick at Nite, TV Land, Bravo, and AmericanLife TV Network. It also aired in the United Kingdom on Channel 4 and Sky One.

Where can all episodes of St. Elsewhere be streamed, and were there any issues with availability?

All episodes were available for streaming on Hulu starting in October 2018. However, some episodes were later removed due to streaming rights issues, and as of October 1, 2025, all episodes were removed from Hulu.

What was the significance of the episode 'The Last One's' closing credits?

The closing credits of 'The Last One' featured an electrocardiogram, an IV bag, and the MTM cat, Mimsie, lying down. The heart monitor flatlined, and Mimsie died, symbolizing the end of the series and coincidentally occurring shortly after the real Mimsie the Cat passed away.

What specific references to other TV shows were made in the series finale 'The Last One'?

The finale included numerous references, such as Dr. Fiscus mentioning General Sarnoff (NBC founder), orderly Coolidge catching a 'One-Armed Man' on a water tower (a nod to 'The Fugitive'), a patient being cut by 'Floyd the Barber' ('The Andy Griffith Show'), a 'Code Blue' in 'Room 222,' and elements from 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' finale, including a group hug and song suggestion.

Which MTM Enterprises shows were referenced or featured in St. Elsewhere's 'Close Encounters' episode?

In 'Close Encounters,' patients watched MTM-produced shows like 'The White Shadow' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.' The character John Doe #6 believed he was Mary Richards from 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' and Elliott Carlin from 'The Bob Newhart Show' was also referenced.

How did the episode 'A Moon For the Misbegotten' address the hospital's ownership and Dr. Westphall's departure?

The episode revealed that St. Eligius was saved by the Ecumena Corporation. Dr. John Gideon was appointed to lead the hospital, and Dr. Westphall resigned by mooning Gideon, famously stating, 'You can kiss my ass, pal.'

What was the context of the 'Cheers' crossover episode regarding Dr. Westphall's actions?

During the 'Cheers' crossover, Dr. Westphall announced his decision to leave St. Eligius and medicine. This departure was short-lived, as he returned in the following season's premiere.

What real-world controversy arose from the fictional Ecumena Corporation in St. Elsewhere?

The use of the name 'Ecumena' for the fictional managed health care company caused controversy because it sounded too similar to the real company Humana. This led to a trademark-infringement lawsuit, prompting NBC to air disclaimers and eventually change the corporate name to 'Weigert' mid-season.

What specific song lyrics were referenced in the St. Elsewhere finale?

The finale included lyrical references such as Dr. Fiscus saying, 'It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine,' and Dr. Auschlander exclaiming, 'Jumpin' Jack, what was that flash?'

What was the significance of the episode 'Time Heals' in relation to TV Guide's rankings?

The two-part episode 'Time Heals,' which explored the hospital's history, was ranked number 44 on TV Guide's 1997 list of '100 Greatest Episodes of All Time,' highlighting its exceptional dramatic writing.

How did the character of Dr. Mark Craig evolve throughout the series?

Dr. Mark Craig, played by William Daniels, was a central figure in the series. His early struggles and relationship with his mentor mirrored his later role in mentoring Dr. Victor Ehrlich, showcasing a progression in his character arc.

What was the role of Dr. Donald Westphall in the series, and what was his final act?

Dr. Donald Westphall, played by Ed Flanders, was a teaching doctor at St. Eligius. In his final scene as a regular cast member, he resigned by mooning the new hospital administrator, Dr. John Gideon, in a memorable act of defiance.

Which actors who later became famous were part of the St. Elsewhere cast?

Several actors who later achieved significant fame were part of the St. Elsewhere cast, including Denzel Washington, David Morse, Bruce Greenwood, and Alfre Woodard. Tim Robbins also had an early role in the series.

What was the context of the 'Cheers' crossover episode regarding Carla Tortelli?

During the 'Cheers' crossover episode, Carla Tortelli expressed her displeasure with the doctors of St. Eligius regarding her previous stay at the hospital for the birth of her baby, leading to a verbal exchange with Dr. Craig.

St. Elsewhere Wiki: St. Elsewhere: A Television Landmark of Grit and Innovation

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Overview

The Setting: St. Eligius

Set in the fictional St. Eligius Hospital, a decaying urban teaching hospital in Boston's South End, St. Elsewhere presented a starkly realistic portrayal of medical practice. The hospital, nicknamed "St. Elsewhere," was perceived as a less prestigious institution, often serving patients turned away by more renowned facilities. Despite its dilapidated state and resource limitations, it housed dedicated professionals grappling with complex medical and ethical challenges.

Groundbreaking Drama

Created by Joshua Brand and John Falsey, the series ran on NBC from 1982 to 1988. It was lauded for its ensemble cast, gritty visual style, and intricate, serialized storylines that often mirrored real-world issues like breast cancer, AIDS, and addiction. Often compared to Hill Street Blues for its sophisticated narrative approach, St. Elsewhere broke new ground for medical dramas, influencing subsequent shows like ER and Chicago Hope.

Critical Acclaim

While never a ratings juggernaut, St. Elsewhere cultivated a devoted following and garnered significant critical acclaim. Over its six-season run, it earned 13 Emmy Awards, including accolades for writing, acting, and directing. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, celebrated for its depth, complexity, and willingness to tackle challenging subject matter with both dramatic intensity and moments of dark humor.

Main Cast

Ensemble Excellence

The series featured a remarkable ensemble cast, many of whom went on to significant careers. The core group included established actors alongside emerging talents, creating a dynamic and believable hospital environment.

Actor	Character	Seasons
Ed Flanders	Dr. Donald Westphall	Main (Seasons 1-6)
Norman Lloyd	Dr. Daniel Auschlander	Recurring (S1), Main (S2-6)
William Daniels	Dr. Mark Craig	Main (Seasons 1-6)
Denzel Washington	Dr. Phillip Chandler	Main (Seasons 1-6)
David Morse	Dr. Jack Morrison	Main (Seasons 1-6)
Ed Begley Jr.	Dr. Victor Ehrlich	Main (Seasons 1-6)
Howie Mandel	Dr. Wayne Fiscus	Main (Seasons 1-6)
Christina Pickles	Nurse Helen Rosenthal	Main (Seasons 1-6)
Alfre Woodard	Dr. Roxanne Turner	Recurring (S3-5), Guest (S6)
Mark Harmon	Dr. Robert Caldwell	Main (Seasons 2-4)
Bruce Greenwood	Dr. Seth Griffin	Main (Seasons 5-6)

Notable Episodes

Innovative Storytelling

St. Elsewhere was renowned for its experimental and boundary-pushing episodes, often playing with narrative structure and television conventions.

"Qui Transtulit Sustinet" (1983): Explored profound themes of loss and donation, culminating in a poignant scene involving Dr. Morrison and his wife's donated heart.
"Cheers" Crossover (1985): A memorable integration with the sitcom Cheers, showcasing the interconnectedness of television universes.
"Time Heals" (1986): A critically acclaimed two-part episode that masterfully depicted the hospital's 50-year history through various visual styles, earning a spot on TV Guide's "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time."
"After Life" (1986): Featured Dr. Fiscus's near-death experience, involving surreal encounters in Purgatory and Heaven.
"A Moon For the Misbegotten" (1987): Introduced the fictional corporation "Ecumena" and featured a memorable, defiant exit by Ed Flanders' character, Dr. Westphall.
"Their Town" (1988): A meta-episode where Dr. Westphall broke the fourth wall, referencing Thornton Wilder's Our Town.
"The Last One" (1988): The series finale, celebrated for its controversial and thought-provoking conclusion, which proposed the entire series was the product of an autistic child's imagination.

The Tommy Westphall Universe

The series finale's iconic closing scene, revealing that the events of St. Elsewhere might have occurred within the imagination of Tommy Westphall, an autistic child, sparked extensive fan theories. This concept, known as the "Tommy Westphall Universe," suggests that numerous other television shows, through shared characters and narrative connections, are also part of this vast, interconnected fictional reality. This meta-narrative cemented St. Elsewhere's legacy as a show that challenged the boundaries of television storytelling.

Awards and Recognition

Emmy Dominance

St. Elsewhere garnered substantial recognition from major award bodies, underscoring its critical success:

Primetime Emmy Awards: Nominated 106 times, winning 24 awards. Key wins included multiple awards for Outstanding Lead Actor (William Daniels), Outstanding Supporting Actor/Actress, Outstanding Writing, and Outstanding Directing.
Golden Globe Awards: Received four nominations, including multiple nominations for Best Television Series – Drama.
TCA Awards: Won Outstanding Achievement in Drama.
Peabody Award: Recognized for its excellence in television programming.
People's Choice Award: Honored as Favorite New TV Dramatic Program.

Enduring Legacy

Beyond specific awards, St. Elsewhere is consistently ranked among the greatest television shows of all time by critics and publications. Its innovative narrative techniques, complex character development, and willingness to explore mature themes set a new standard for dramatic television, influencing countless series that followed.

Broadcast and Syndication

Network Run

St. Elsewhere aired on NBC for six seasons, from October 26, 1982, to May 25, 1988. Initially broadcast on Tuesdays, it later moved to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. Despite facing challenges with consistent ratings, the show was championed by network executives for its quality and demographic appeal.

Season	Time Slot (ET)	Rank	Rating
1982–83	Tuesdays 10 p.m.	#87	N/A
1983–84	Wednesdays 10 p.m.	#70	13.2
1984–85		#49	13.4
1985–86		#53	13.8
1986–87		#55	13.4
1987–88		#47	13.3

Post-Broadcast Life

Following its original run, St. Elsewhere found a second life in syndication. Reruns aired on networks such as Nick at Nite, TV Land, and Bravo. Internationally, it achieved popularity in the United Kingdom, airing on Channel 4 and Sky One. The series has also been available on various streaming platforms over the years, though availability has varied due to licensing agreements.

Home Media

DVD and Streaming

The complete first season of St. Elsewhere was released on DVD in Region 1 by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment in 2006. Subsequent releases followed in other regions. All episodes were made available on Channel 4's UK streaming service, All 4, though often in edited syndication versions. For a period, the series was also available on Hulu, but rights issues led to its removal. The availability of the series on home media and streaming platforms reflects its enduring appeal.

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References

Entry for Franklin Square House on VirtualGlobetrotting.com

"NBC's Stylish 'St. Elsewhere,'" review from The New York Times, 11/16/1982

"'St. Elsewhere' Told to Carry Disclaimer" from The New York Times, October 2, 1987

"St. Name Change" from The Los Angeles Times, December 13, 1987

Source: "St. Elsewhere: A Moon for the Misbegotten," from IMDb.

A full list of references for this article are available at the St. Elsewhere Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not a definitive guide to television history. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research or critical analysis. Always refer to primary sources and scholarly works for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. The "Tommy Westphall Universe" concept is a widely discussed fan theory and interpretation of the series finale, not an officially confirmed narrative element.

St. Elsewhere: A Television Landmark

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Overview ℹ️

🏥 The Setting: St. Eligius

📺 Groundbreaking Drama

🏆 Critical Acclaim

Main Cast 🧑‍⚕️

🌟 Ensemble Excellence

Notable Episodes 🎬

💡 Innovative Storytelling

🌌 The Tommy Westphall Universe

Awards and Recognition 🏆

🏅 Emmy Dominance

⭐ Enduring Legacy

Broadcast and Syndication 📡

📺 Network Run

🔄 Post-Broadcast Life

Home Media 📀

📦 DVD and Streaming

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The Setting: St. Eligius

Groundbreaking Drama

Critical Acclaim

Main Cast

Ensemble Excellence

Notable Episodes

Innovative Storytelling

The Tommy Westphall Universe

Awards and Recognition

Emmy Dominance

Enduring Legacy

Broadcast and Syndication

Network Run

Post-Broadcast Life

Home Media

DVD and Streaming

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice