2007 Fall TV Preview: ER On NBC

ER - Season 14

Premieres: Thursday, September 27th at 10:00 p.m. EST
Network: NBC
Creator(s): Michael Crichton
Starring: Maura Tierney, Mekhi Phifer, John Stamos
Website: NBC.com

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NBC’s second-longest running show currently on the air (Law & Order is first), ER is returning for its fourteenth season this fall. Set at a fictional hospital in Chicago, ER has always followed the workplace and personal drama among the nurses and doctors who make up the hospital’s emergency room staff. A huge cast has come and gone over the years, and none of the original main cast remains on the show.

Last season’s finale left the fate of many characters up in the air. Abby (Maura Tierney) and Luka (Goran Visnjic) have to postpone their honeymoon when Luka returns to Croatia to care for his ailing father; despite many rumors to the contrary, Visnjic will be on the show this season but will depart at some point. Neela (Parminder Nagra), who had been torn between the love of Ray (Shane West) and Tony (John Stamos), attended an anti-war rally and was being trampled as Tony searched for her in the crowd. Ray, who had both legs amputated after a hit-and-run accident, left Chicago for Baton Rouge to visit his mother.


It’s hard to believe ER is still on the air, and has been thriving in the same Thursday night at 10 p.m. timeslot since the mid-90’s. Remember when NBC on Thursday nights was the only thing worth watching? ER was part of that. The show’s soap opera plots are satisfying to watch, though difficult to catch yourself up after a long absence. Though ER was a staple for me during middle school, I haven’t watched in years. Though I understand it’s a quality show, it’s pretty traditional in comparison to what else is out there. There are also rumors that this might be the show’s last season, which is nothing to be ashamed of after such a long run. Either way, I can’t say I’m on the edge of my seat to find out what happens to Neela, Ray and the rest.