Netflix has become the home of groundbreaking dramas, and in 2025, it delivered one of its most emotionally charged series yet — Pulse. If you’re a fan of high-stakes medical situations, layered characters, and emotional roller coasters that rival the intensity of Grey’s Anatomy, Pulse Netflix Netflix should be on your watchlist.
With just ten episodes in its first season, takes viewers into the heart of Maguire Medical Center, a bustling Miami hospital where doctors aren’t just fighting to save lives — they’re also battling personal demons, professional power struggles, and complicated relationships that blur the line between right and wrong.
This post will take you through everything you need to know about Pulse Netflix — from its central characters and controversial plot points to its intense season finale and what the future might hold for the show.
What Is Pulse Netflix About?
At first glance, Pulse Netflix might seem like another medical drama. But as soon as the first episode unfolds, it’s clear the show isn’t afraid to get messy — emotionally and ethically.
The story follows Dr. Danny Simms, a third-year resident navigating one of the most competitive stages of her medical career. She’s intelligent, driven, and trying to prove herself in a hospital full of egos and politics. But things get complicated when she falls into a romantic relationship with Dr. Xander Phillips, the chief resident — and her mentor.
Sounds messy? It is — in the best way possible.
But Pulse Netflix doesn’t stop at romance. It dives headfirst into real-world issues like:
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Gender politics in the workplace
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Power dynamics in mentorship
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Emotional trauma after medical errors
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Systemic problems in the healthcare industry
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Navigating personal integrity vs. career advancement
And all of this happens while the doctors are literally saving lives during a hurricane.
Meet the Main Characters
Dr. Danny Simms (Played by Willa Fitzgerald)
Danny is our emotional anchor. She’s fiercely talented, but she’s also vulnerable. Viewers see her ambition often clash with her emotional needs, especially as her complicated relationship with Dr. Xander becomes a central focus. Her arc is powerful — from being starry-eyed to confronting harsh realities.
Dr. Xander Phillips (Played by Colin Woodell)
Xander is the classic “mystery man” — respected, attractive, and deeply flawed. As the chief resident, he carries authority, but he’s also weighed down by secrets from his past. His relationship with Danny begins as mentorship but quickly spirals into something more — and not always in a healthy way.
Sophie Chan (Played by Chelsea Muirhead)
Sophie, Danny’s colleague and friend, plays a critical role in the show’s emotional core. She’s a sounding board for Danny, and her subplot adds another dimension to the pressures young residents face in the medical world.
Supporting Cast
The ensemble includes standout performances from Jessica Rothe, Jack Bannon, Jessy Yates, and Jessie T. Usher, who bring depth and nuance to the chaotic world of Maguire Medical Center. Every character is fighting their own battles, making the hospital feel as alive as the patients they’re treating.
The Controversial Romance: Danny & Xander
One of the main reasons Pulse Netflix Netflix has gotten so much attention is the emotionally intense — and ethically complex — relationship between Danny and Xander.
When the season begins, their connection seems romantic. There’s chemistry, trust, and intimacy. But as more is revealed, it’s clear their dynamic is far from simple.
Power Dynamics at Play
Danny is still a resident. Xander is her superior. This imbalance introduces a critical conversation about consent, pressure, and the responsibilities of mentorship. Did Danny truly feel free to say no? Did Xander use his power to manipulate her, even subconsciously?
As the season progresses, Danny starts to question whether their relationship was ever appropriate — especially after she finds out disturbing rumors about Xander’s professional past.
Read more: To see more about this Season
Season 1: Plot Highlights & Twists
Pulse Netflix doesn’t hold back. From the very first episode, it throws viewers into high-pressure situations. Here are some of the key moments that define Season 1:
1. Leadership Shakeups
The hospital’s management undergoes a transformation that affects everything — from who gets promoted to which doctors are trusted in emergency situations. It puts Danny and her colleagues on edge and raises the stakes for every mistake.
2. The Hurricane Crisis
Mid-season, the doctors are thrown into chaos when a destructive hurricane hits Miami. With limited supplies, damaged infrastructure, and patients pouring in, the staff must work together to save lives — even while dealing with internal conflicts.
3. Xander’s Past Revealed
By Episode 10, the biggest mystery is finally answered. No — Xander wasn’t fired for misconduct. Instead, he accidentally caused the death of a young patient during a high-pressure procedure. His wealthy family covered it up, and he was quietly moved to a different hospital.
This bombshell shifts the entire narrative and makes Danny — and viewers — rethink everything about his character.
The HR Complaint: Danny’s Breaking Point
After finding out about Xander’s past and reflecting on their relationship, Danny files an HR complaint.
This is one of the most powerful storylines in the show. It showcases how women in the workplace often struggle to define boundaries — especially in industries where hierarchy plays such a big role. Danny’s decision to report Xander is brave, but it’s also heartbreaking. She genuinely loved him, but she can no longer ignore how that relationship might have impacted her career and autonomy.
Read more: Full Season for free
The Symbolic Finale: Letting Go
The final episode is as poetic as it is emotional. Danny chooses to withdraw the HR complaint, not because she forgives Xander, but because she’s ready to move on. She heads to the beach and takes a solo swim — a metaphor for her emotional release and a visual symbol of her reclaiming her independence.
It’s worth noting that Willa Fitzgerald, the actress who plays Danny, is actually afraid of the ocean. That vulnerability makes the scene even more powerful, both on and off the screen.
🎬 Behind the Scenes: How Real-Life Medicine Inspired the Story
According to interviews with co-showrunners Zoe Robyn and Carlton Cuse, the goal was always to make Pulse Netflix feel grounded in reality.
Colin Woodell even spoke to real-life doctors to understand the emotional weight of medical mistakes. In one interview, he shared that Xander’s emotional shut-off was inspired by how doctors often have to bury their grief to keep functioning.
The show’s creators wanted to show the emotional toll of medicine — not just the dramatic ER moments, but the quiet guilt, the personal sacrifices, and the internal chaos that can come from trying to be perfect in an imperfect system.
Will Danny and Xander Get Back Together?
As of the end of Season 1, Danny and Xander are no longer a couple — and it’s for the best. Both characters have significant emotional work to do. They’re not in a healthy place to be together, and the show doesn’t romanticize their problems.
Co-showrunner Carlton Cuse hinted that their professional dynamic might continue to evolve, especially since Xander is now an attending physician — meaning he’s still in a position of authority over Danny.
So, can their relationship be repaired? Maybe. But if it is, it’ll take time, growth, and accountability.
Will There Be a Season 2 of Pulse Netflix?
Right now, Netflix has not officially confirmed a Season 2. But let’s be honest — with the way Season 1 ended, there’s no way this story is finished.
There are still unanswered questions:
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Will Danny become chief resident?
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Can Xander truly redeem himself?
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How will the hospital’s politics evolve after the shakeup?
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What new challenges will emerge in the ER?
Fans are already buzzing with theories and hoping for more episodes to dive deeper into these characters’ lives.
Why Pulse Netflix Resonates with Viewers
The brilliance of Pulse Netflix is that it doesn’t just focus on external emergencies — it focuses on internal ones. Emotional wounds. Ethical dilemmas. Relationships that hurt more than they heal.
In a world where we often expect doctors to be superheroes, Pulse Netflix reminds us that they’re human first.
It’s rare to find a medical drama that handles romance, scandal, trauma, and personal growth with such realism and heart. And that’s what makes Pulse Netflix a standout.
Final Thoughts: Is Pulse Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Whether you love medical dramas or character-driven stories, Pulse Netflix brings something fresh and emotionally raw to the genre. It’s beautifully written, emotionally charged, and unafraid to explore uncomfortable truths.
The show holds a mirror up to modern medicine, asking hard questions about power, love, mistakes, and forgiveness.
If you’re not already watching Pulse Netflix, it’s time to start. And if you’ve finished Season 1 and are waiting for Season 2 — join the club.