Netflix doesn't usually take big swings at traditional network-style procedurals. When they announced they were making a high-stakes medical drama set in Miami, people actually got excited. They called it their answer to Grey’s Anatomy. It had the right ingredients: a hurricane, messy romances, and a trauma center that never sleeps. But honestly, the pulse tv show cast is what truly anchored the hype before the show even hit the streamer in April 2025.
You might have seen the headlines already. Despite a heavy-hitting ensemble, Netflix pulled the plug. On July 2, 2025, they officially canceled the series after just one season. It’s a bit of a tragedy for fans of hospital soap operas, especially considering the talent involved.
Who Starred in Pulse? The Main Players Explained
At the center of all the chaos was Willa Fitzgerald. You probably know her from Reacher or that wild movie Strange Darling. She played Dr. Danielle "Danny" Simms. Danny isn't your typical "perfect" TV doctor. She’s impulsive. She’s brilliant but prone to self-sabotaging her own life. When the show kicks off, she’s thrust into the role of Chief Resident because her ex-boyfriend got suspended.
That ex-boyfriend? Dr. Xander Phillips, played by Colin Woodell.
Woodell brought that "wealthy medical legacy" energy to the screen. You might recognize him from The Continental or The Flight Attendant. His character, Xander, came from one of Miami’s most powerful families, but his relationship with Danny was a total wreck. The drama between them wasn't just "we broke up"—it involved HR reports and sexual harassment allegations that fueled the first few episodes.
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The Surgeons and Residents You Recognized
The rest of the hallway at Maguire Medical Center was filled with faces you’ve definitely seen on your other favorite shows.
- Justina Machado as Dr. Natalie Cruz: The absolute boss. She played the Chair of Surgery and Emergency Medicine. Machado is a legend from One Day at a Time and Six Feet Under. In Pulse, she was the one trying to keep the hospital from falling apart while a literal hurricane was outside.
- Jessie T. Usher as Dr. Sam Elijah: If you’re a fan of The Boys, you know him as A-Train. Here, he traded the super-suit for scrubs. Sam was Danny’s best friend—competitive but fiercely loyal.
- Néstor Carbonell as Dr. Ruben Soriano: Carbonell has been in everything from Lost to Shōgun. He played the senior general surgeon who acted as a mentor to the younger, more arrogant residents.
- Jack Bannon as Dr. Tom Cole: Bannon (from Pennyworth) played a witty British resident who was basically there for the trauma program and the Miami lifestyle.
Why Everyone Was Talking About the Pulse TV Show Cast
It’s rare to see a "freshman" show get this much veteran talent. You had Jessica Rothe (the Happy Death Day star) playing Cass Himmelstein, a senior ER nurse who was in a complicated "situationship" with Tom Cole. Then there was Jessy Yates as Harper Simms.
Harper was a big deal for representation. She’s a wheelchair user and a second-year resident, playing the younger sister to Willa Fitzgerald’s character. Their sibling dynamic was actually one of the more grounded parts of the show.
The cast also featured:
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- Daniela Nieves as Camila Perez, the eternally optimistic medical student.
- Chelsea Muirhead as Sophie Chan, a surgical intern willing to do anything to reach the top.
- Santiago Segura as Gabriel Moreno, an ER nurse just trying to avoid the gossip.
- Arturo Del Puerto as Luis Dominguez, the charge nurse who kept the peace.
The Hurricane That Ended It All
The premise was intense. A Category 5 hurricane hitting Miami's busiest Level 1 Trauma Center. It was supposed to be a 10-episode adrenaline rush.
Critics were mixed, though. Variety famously called it "nearly dead on arrival" back in April 2025. While the pulse tv show cast received praise for their performances, the writing often leaned into clichéd medical tropes that felt a bit dated for 2025.
Netflix doesn't usually share their internal numbers, but the cancellation suggests it didn't hit those "Top 10" milestones they needed. It’s a shame because the chemistry between Fitzgerald and Woodell was actually pretty electric.
What to Watch If You Miss the Maguire Medical Crew
Since Pulse won't be returning for a second season, you’re probably looking for a fix of medical drama or more from these specific actors.
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If you loved Willa Fitzgerald, go check out Strange Darling or The Fall of the House of Usher. She’s arguably one of the best "final girls" in modern horror and thriller genres. For those who can't get enough of Justina Machado, her run in The Horror of Dolores Roach is a must-watch—it’s darker, weirder, and lets her really flex those acting muscles.
If you’re just looking for a new medical procedural that hasn't been canceled yet, The Pitt (starring Noah Wyle) started gaining traction around the same time and offers a similar gritty look at the healthcare system.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the first and only season of Pulse on Netflix before it potentially gets buried in the algorithm.
- Follow the cast on social media; many of them, like Jessie T. Usher and Jessica Rothe, have already moved on to major film projects slated for late 2026.
- Dive into Carlton Cuse’s other work (he was the executive producer) like Lost or Bates Motel if you liked the high-tension vibes of the show.