Classic TV: The New Doctors (The Bold Ones, 1969)

 Of the components of The Bold Ones (1969-73), The New Doctors, one of three medical dramas launched in primetime in 1969, was the only one to go the full four seasons.

E. G. Marshall (ex-The Defenders) top-lined as Dr. David Craig, who was now running a namesake clinic, from which most of the episodes were based. Universal veterans David Hartman, who came over from The Virginian, and John Saxon played Drs. Paul Hunter & Ted Stuart, respectively. Ironside star Raymond Burr served as co-executive producer, and there was a crossover with Ironside, with both halves included in the Ironside syndication package.

Interestingly, 13 years after Bold Ones premiered, NBC introduced another medical drama with a Dr. Craig, in this case, Dr. Mark Craig (William Daniels), on St. Elsewhere. No relation, of course.

Following is the episode, "And Those Unborn", with guest star Lois Nettleton:

Saxon left after season 3, presumably to work on "Enter The Dragon" with Bruce Lee. Robert Walden was brought in as Dr. Cohen in the final season, but declining ratngs forced the end. Walden would later resurface on Lou Grant. Hartman moved on to one more Universal series, Lucas Tanner, before ABC signed him for what would become Good Morning, America.

Rating: A.