Acclaimed 'Doc' Creator Hank Steinberg Visits Penn

The showrunner discusses his hit medical drama and shares advice for aspiring entertainment industry professionals.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:34am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered glass surface reflecting a faint red light, conveying a sense of fragility and the complexity of identity.The shattered reflections in 'Doc' expose the fragility of memory and the complex identities of its characters.Penn Today

Penn alum and former Daily Pennsylvanian writer Hank Steinberg, the creator and showrunner of the hit medical drama series 'Doc,' visited his alma mater to discuss the show's nuanced character development, emotional storytelling, and his path to success in the entertainment industry.

Why it matters

Steinberg's visit provides valuable insights for Penn students and alumni interested in breaking into the competitive world of television writing and production. His experience adapting an Italian medical drama for American audiences while putting his own unique spin on the material offers a case study in the creative process behind developing a successful original series.

The details

Steinberg was approached by Sony to adapt the Italian medical drama 'Doc: In Your Hands' for American audiences. Rather than replicating the original's romance-driven plot, Steinberg opted to center the show around a strong, morally complex female protagonist, Dr. Amy Larsen, played by Molly Parker. In the series, Larsen loses eight years of her memory after a car accident, forcing her to rebuild her life and relationships. Steinberg worked closely with producer Barbie Kligman to craft the show's central conflict, having Larsen cause the accident herself while distracted by a patient file, rather than being the victim of an angry patient's violence as in the Italian version.

  • The pilot episode of 'Doc' premiered in early 2025 on FOX TV.
  • Steinberg was approached by Sony to adapt the series in the years prior to the premiere.

The players

Hank Steinberg

The writer, director, and showrunner of the hit medical drama series 'Doc' and a Penn alumnus and former Daily Pennsylvanian writer.

Barbie Kligman

The producer and showrunner who worked closely with Steinberg to develop the series.

Molly Parker

The actress who portrays the show's lead character, Dr. Amy Larsen.

Scott Wolf

The actor who plays Dr. Richard Miller, the 'accidental antagonist' of the series.

Scott Burkhardt

The Penn Cinema & Media Studies lecturer and filmmaker who moderated the Q&A session with Steinberg and Wolf.

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What they’re saying

“What makes 'Doc' so compelling are the dynamics at play between the characters. Steinberg and Wolf discuss the joys of creating nuanced characters, particularly Doctor Miller, or as the two refer to him, the show's 'accidental antagonist.'”

— Hank Steinberg, Creator and Showrunner, 'Doc'

“Steinberg recalls that once he moved from Penn to LA, he spent too much time 'chasing the market,' trying to write scripts that would sell, so he wrote a script he was truly passionate about. That is the script that landed him his agent and got picked up by a studio—and though it never got made in the end, it started Steinberg's career and set him up to work on projects he was genuinely excited about.”

— Hank Steinberg, Creator and Showrunner, 'Doc'

What’s next

Steinberg and the 'Doc' team will continue developing the series, with future seasons exploring the complex relationships and emotional journeys of the show's characters as Dr. Larsen navigates her life with partial amnesia.

The takeaway

Steinberg's visit to Penn demonstrates the value of pursuing original, passion-driven storytelling in the entertainment industry, even in the face of market pressures. His experience adapting 'Doc' for American audiences while putting his own unique spin on the material offers a blueprint for aspiring writers and producers looking to break into television.