By Lacy Baugher for Drama on April 30th, 2014

‘Miranda’s’ Tom Ellis to Star in ‘Rush’ For USA Network This Summer

Tom Ellis in upcoming drama "Rush" (Photo: USA Network)
Tom Ellis in upcoming drama "Rush" (Photo: USA Network)
A familiar British face will be the leading man in an upcoming American drama this summer. Miranda star Tom Ellis is taking on the lead role in USA Network’s new series Rush, playing a once-successful ER doctor whose addiction to pills and other drugs leads him to set up his own shingle as a professional “fixer” who handles awkward cases and procures off-the-record medial goods for L.A’s elite.

Ellis is probably best known to British television fans for his role as Miranda Hart’s dishy love interest on her sitcom Miranda, but he’s also had roles on EastEnders and appeared for a short time on US series Once Upon a Time as the drama’s original Robin Hood. He’ll be playing main character William Rush who, on the surface, sounds more than a bit like a male (and medically focused) version of Scandal’s Olivia Pope.

Per the official press release, Rush examines the world of renegade physician Dr. William P. Rush, a “medical fixer” who privately caters to LA’s elite and whose service comes with a hefty price tag. Though the hard-partying doctor claims that he doesn’t make judgments about his less-than-squeaky-clean clients, he’s not immune to the ugliness that he encounters. (Translation: Rush also partakes in some serious self-medicating, to battle his own personal demons. Tortured (anti-)heroes, yay!)

"He's not a bad guy... he just does bad things sometimes,” Ellis told Yahoo TV. “But who doesn't? It's set in Los Angeles so, medically, we'll see it all. He doesn't say no to any clients, as long as they can pay his fee."

Watch the official preview below: 

[This video is no longer available.]

Well. A bit of a turn from Ellis’ dreamy Perfect Boyfriend image as Gary Preston, huh?  Plus, the show itself certainly sounds much darker than the traditional bright and breezy fare that’s the hallmark of USA Network’s lineup, so watching them go for “edgy” is going to be rather interesting.

The drama also stars Larenz Tate as Rush’s best friend from medical school, Rick Gonzalez as his dealer and Sarah Habe as his trusty assistant.

Rush is slated to air on USA Network this summer, beginning Thursday, July 17. 

By Lacy Baugher for Drama on April 30th, 2014
Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

Explore More

More to Love from Telly Visions

  • British TV Series Saying Farewell in 2014

    When I first decided to write this post about shows ending their runs in 2014, I didn’t realize how complicated it would be. Little did I know that in the fast paced world of modern entertainment broadcasting, rumors run rampant and programming decisions can change on a dime.

    By Carmen Croghan for The Paradise on 12/29/2014

  • Saying Goodbye to 'Miranda': A Look Back

    It’s official. Miranda Hart has announced that after a three series run, her what- I –call successful sitcom Miranda will be coming to a close. The comedienne revealed her plans on BBC Radio 2 with this statement. "So I'm doing two Christmas specials, but they are going to be the finale of the show, full stop."

    It’s hard to believe that this sitcom debuted in the UK five years ago since it seems only yesterday I found my first Miranda episodes on YouTube. I’ve been a fan ever since. Here was a woman who could make fun of herself on so many levels including her size, her social awkwardness, and her upper middle class upbringing. I immediately identified with her humor - so much so that I bought the entire series on DVD even though it was only available on Region 2 which means I had to invest in a “multi-region” DVD player. I’ve even had Miranda viewing parties with my friends. Éclairs and wine were served. I think Ms. Hart would approve.

    From the moment she invited us into the joke shop she bought with her sizeable inheritance, we knew that Miranda was a woman who marched to a different drummer. Her kooky sense of fun made us want to join right in.

    Miranda’s supporting cast of memorable characters deserves their fair share of the kudos too of course. Let’s face it, without Miranda’s overbearing mother, Penny (Patricia Hodge); Stevie (Sarah Hadland), Miranda’s childhood friend and store manager; Tilly (Sally Phillips), Miranda’s boarding school chum and friendly nemesis; and the lovely Gary (Tom Ellis), Miranda’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, our heroine would just be a rather tall woman who loves to gallop and falls down a lot.

    There will be so many things to miss when Miranda and company say their goodbyes at Christmas. Let’s revisit a few of the elements that make this sitcom so enjoyable.

    By Carmen Croghan for Comedy on 10/31/2014

  • British Telly Chefs: Who Would You Trust to Make Your Thanksgiving Feast?

    In case you’ve lost track of time, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, a holiday which holds many fond memories and a lot of anticipation for me.

    It’s a great celebration for several reasons. As the name suggests, it reminds us to be thankful for all the good things in our lives. I find Thanksgiving to be less stressful than Christmas; one single day designated for families to gather together and gorge on the most delicious meal of the year. We also get to watch a parade that features giant character balloons and Broadway musical numbers. Only in America, right?

    I don’t know if the Brits are jealous of our feast-based holiday, but I do know Americans miss the holiday terribly when they’re away from home. Let’s say you found yourself in the UK over the Thanksgiving holidays, no family and no kitchen facilities of your own. Who would you choose to prepare this most important repast, the meal that would make you feel less homesick on this special day?

    Jamie? Gordon? Nigella, you say? They’re all fine and good and granted they are real food preparation professionals. Nonetheless, the telly chefs I have in mind tend to be a tad more amusing.

    By Carmen Croghan for Culture on 11/25/2013