Parents' Guide to Pulse

TV Netflix Drama 2025
Pulse TV show poster: Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell stand over a body on an operating table. They wear scrubs and stethoscopes.

Common Sense Media Review

By Ty'Kira Smalls , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Melodrama, blood, harassment claims in emergency room drama.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Pulse Trailer
  • Pulse TV show screenshot 1: (L-R) Jessica Rothe, Jack Bannon, Jessy Yates, Jessie T. Usher, and Willa Fitzgerald wear scrubs and lab coats.
  • Pulse TV show screenshot 2: Willa Fitzgerald and Jessy Yates amongst medical supplies in a room. Yates ties Fitzgerald’s hair into a ponytail.
  • Pulse TV show screenshot 3: Fitzgerald rolls a gurney out an elevator. She wears blue scrubs and gloves. The patient is covered in a yellow sheet.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

 

 

See all 1 parent review
 

 

What's the Story?

PULSE is set in Miami, where Maguire Hospital is the city's only Level 1 trauma center. Hurricane Abby quickly approaches, but there's a storm brewing right in the hospital trauma bay. When third-year resident Danielle Simms (Willa Fitzgerald) accuses chief resident Xander Phillips (Colin Woodell) of sexual harassment, everyone is split on whom to support. But there's no time to pick sides as chair of the hospital Natalie Cruz (Justina Machado) promotes Danny to replace Xander. With constant power outages and limited space, the chaos outside mirrors the egos and emotions inside.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This series is heavy on the music and melodrama, and light on the medical storylines. Pulse is packed with emotions and complicated character dynamics. Its topical and varied plot points are layered, keeping the audience intrigued. Expect romance and relationships to be front and center (reminiscent of Grey's Anatomy). The graphic injury/blood, language, and sexual content makes this suitable for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about medical dramas. Why are emergency rooms such an enduring staple on TV? What dramatic or real-world commentary possibilities do they offer?

  • What do you think about the characters and relationships among the staff? Do any of them demonstrate any character strengths? What are some traits they could work on?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Pulse TV show poster: Willa Fitzgerald and Colin Woodell stand over a body on an operating table. They wear scrubs and stethoscopes.

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