Critical, styled with a time-clock format as
CR:IT:IC:AL, is a British
medical drama series that debuted on
Sky 1 on 24 February 2015. The series is set in a fictional major trauma centre (MTC), City General Hospital, which treats critically ill patients. Each episode is based on one patient and efforts to save his or her life within one hour. Created by
Jed Mercurio (
Line of Duty and
Bodies), the drama follows the team of medical professionals whilst they make life-changing decisions. The title refers to critical condition, the most serious
medical state, as well as the decisions and actions of the staff; everything done within the first hour is absolutely vital and could determine whether a patient lives or dies. Even though the show received positive reviews, it didn't quite get the viewing figures it wanted and on 14 July 2015, it was officially axed.