Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1998)

The trials and adventures of a female doctor in a small wild west town.

Creator:

Beth Sullivan

Stars:

Jane Seymour, Joe Lando, Shawn Toovey

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 15 wins & 35 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Jane Seymour	...	Dr. Michaela 'Mike' Quinn (149 episodes, 1993-1998)
Joe Lando	...	Byron Sully (149 episodes, 1993-1998)
Shawn Toovey	...	Brian Cooper (148 episodes, 1993-1998)
Chad Allen	...	Matthew Cooper (147 episodes, 1993-1998)
Orson Bean	...	Loren Bray (146 episodes, 1993-1998)
Jim Knobeloch	...	Jake Slicker (129 episodes, 1993-1998)
William Shockley	...	Hank Lawson (122 episodes, 1993-1998)
Frank Collison	...	Horace Bing (119 episodes, 1993-1998)
Geoffrey Lower	...	Rev. Timothy Johnson (113 episodes, 1993-1998)
Henry G. Sanders	...	Robert E. (108 episodes, 1993-1998)
Jonelle Allen	...	Grace (107 episodes, 1993-1998)
Barbara Babcock	...	Dorothy Jennings (100 episodes, 1993-1998)
Jessica Bowman	...	Colleen Cooper (87 episodes, 1995-1998)
Larry Sellers	...	Cloud Dancing (77 episodes, 1993-1998)
Helene Udy	...	Myra Bing (75 episodes, 1993-1997)

Storyline

The fifth daughter of a wealthy Boston physician, Michaela Quinn defies the conventions of post-Civil War society by following in her father's footsteps. After his death, 'Dr. Mike' leaves Boston and moves to the frontier town of Colorado Springs, where she finds the citizens less than thrilled by the concept of a woman doctor. While she struggles to earn their trust, Mike's life is complicated by a growing relationship with mountain man Byron Sully, and the unexpected responsibility of raising three orphaned children.

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Plot Keywords:

doctor | female doctor | children | woman doctor heroine | historical event | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Western

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Details

Official Sites:

branduin's site Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 January 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Docteur Quinn, femme médecin

Filming Locations:

Courthouse Square, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), Sullivan Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (147 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the pilot, Jake Slicker was played by Colm Meaney, Mr. Loren Bray was played by Guy Boyd, & Robert E was played by Ivory Ocean. In the second episode until the series ended, Jake Slicker was played by Jim Knobeloch, Mr. Loren Bray was played by Orson Bean, & Robert E was played by Henry Saunders.

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Goofs

Mr Bray's store doors change from having windows to solid wood and back to having windows.

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Quotes

Dr. Michaela 'Mike' Quinn: You're looking very pleased with yourself.
Byron Sully: When the children knock and you don't jump up, I know I got your attention.

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Connections

Followed by Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman: The Movie (1999)

User Reviews

Engaging Western series portrays frontier town's lady doctor

While I was not a faithful devotee of the series, I tuned in whenever the opportunity presented itself and invariably enjoyed the stories revolving around a frontier town's lady doctor. I view the program strictly as entertainment, and missed too many episodes to comment accurately on any social issues depicted or historical liberties taken. However, I will note that the show does justifiably denounce racism and tends to cast native people in a sympathetic light.

Set just after the Civil War, the series portrays the ongoing story of a lovely young Boston doctor, Michaela Quinn, who following the death of her own physician father, moves to the frontier town of Colorado Springs. There Dr. Mike sets up her medical practice, to the consternation of those upset at the novel prospect of a female physician. Byron Sully, a rugged mountain man (and friend to the Cheyanne) helps her adjust to frontier life, and naturally the pair develop a mutual attraction. She is aided by a midwife, Charlotte Cooper, who on her deathbed following a snake bike, places her three children (Colleen, Brian, and the older Matthew) in Dr. Mike's care. Thus the doctor takes upon herself the responsibility of three adopted children. Later Dr. Mike marries Sully and they have a baby of their own, little Katie, to add to their previously existing foster family.

The beautiful British actress, Jane Seymour, is radiant, appealing, and sympathetic as the frontier doctor. Dr. Quinn certainly displays an admirable strength of wit and character, tackling both a challenging career and an instant family in this rugged pioneer setting. Yet she also reveals a touching vulnerability. The chemistry is electric between her and Sully (charismatically played by actor Joe Lando) and that factor is probably responsible for much of the show's success. On the whole, it's an engaging series and when it first aired, proved from my perspective superior to much of that era's TV programming.