The Resident is back in action for season 4, and it’s taking a bit of a different approach than most medical dramas. 

While “A Wedding, A Funeral” addressed the current COVID-19 pandemic plaguing our country, it made it clear from the get-go that it would only be for an episode and would move the rest of the season “sometime in the future when the COVID-pandemic is history.”

That’s good news for audiences who don’t want the real-world events rehashed in a TV show, but for this episode, there was no way to ignore reality as it played a direct role in postponing Nic and Conrad’s wedding. I know this hit close to home for many couples with their big days scheduled in 2020! 

Don’t worry, the wedding happened eventually and it was still as romantic as ever. In fact, I think having overcome the pandemic and finally being able to celebrate the moment made it all the more joyous despite the loss of some fellow nurses and doctors. 

But first, we watched as Chastain’s finest battled the respiratory virus that infected some of their own including Hundley and Kit. It was heartbreaking to watch Hundley suffer, and for a moment, it truly seemed like we were going to lose her, so it was such a relief to see her singing and dancing at Nic and Conrad’s wedding. 

The series allowed audiences to see the effects of COVID-19 from every angle.

Doctors and nurses were working tirelessly to help patients, though most of them felt pretty helpless and not well protected because of the lack of PPE. Conrad personally addressed the situation with Logan Kim, who proved he wasn’t completely heartless by going out of his way and securing additional resources to protect his staff. 

However, that doesn’t excuse all his prior behavior or the fact that he ordered Cain to intentionally put patients at risk by scheduling low-risk surgeries as “emergency” ones to make the hospital money. Obviously, hospitals have struggled with finances amidst the pandemic as many people were too afraid to get procedures, but honestly, that should not be a priority when the world is dealing with an unprecedented health crisis

And for those of you who had hope that maybe Cain learned his lesson the first time around when he was the superbug spreader, he absolutely did not. Instead, his ego once again got the best of him as he listened to Kim and lied to patients in order to convince them that surgeries were necessary. 

The series also didn’t shy away from putting “bad” patients on blast. You know, the ones who don’t think the rules apply to them and don’t believe in wearing masks or social distancing. 

Mina put the patient, who refused to follow protocol on blast, and it was so enjoyable. Also, if you spit on a nurse during a pandemic, you deserve to be kicked out of the ER without being treated. 

In addition to dealing with sick patients, Chastain’s best also had to make sure that they emphasized just how serious COVID was to their parents. And I know I’m not the only one who has had a similar conversation with a parent as Nic, Pravesh, and Conrad did. 

Sadly, Pravesh’s father didn’t make it as he felt he had no choice but to keep driving his cab to make a living. While many companies have opted to make “remote” working the new norm, not everyone — especially minorities — has that luxury and this is a direct result. 

Even more heartbreaking than watching Hundley suffer from the virus was watching Pravesh thank his father for helping him become the man that he is today just before he passed. 

I’ve said this before on my Chicago Med reviews, but the episodes with COVID at the center hit us harder in the feels because it’s a situation we’re all too familiar with and one we’re watching play out in realtime with friends and family members. It hits too close to home. 

So, while it’s important that the show acknowledges and addresses the pandemic, I’m also glad it will be more optimistic and allowing us to imagine a time when all of this is a distant memory and we can hug, laugh, and be with our loved ones without any fear. 

This brings me to the highly-anticipated and long-awaited CONIC wedding. It may have been brief, but it was perfect and fitting for who they are as not only a couple but as people. 

The duo took a moment to remember all those they lost the year prior while allowing themselves to celebrate their love. I’d say it was worth the wait! 

And the wedding was made all the better by Minator finally embracing their feelings for each other. 

Mina has been trying to deny the truth for too long, but honestly, if COVID-19 has taught us one thing, it’s that life is too short not to follow our heart. (And to wash our hands!)

The previews have me slightly concerned as it does seem like there are relationship woes on the horizon, and it’s too early. Relationships obviously need hardships and a primetime drama needs there to be ups and downs, but can we let them enjoy the honeymoon phase for a minute? I want to see the “in-love Raptor” with Mina! I want to see them happy and not questioning their decision or ruining a friendship. 

It’s rare to have a TV relationship that’s built on a solid foundation, so let’s not ruin a good thing. 

What did you think of The Resident Season 4 premiere?

2021 cannot come faster. 

Not only is everyone “over” 2020, but all of your favorite FOX shows – which were delayed due to the COVID pandemic – will be returning early next year. 

The network announced that it plans to bring back highly-anticipated new episodes of its scripted shows including 911, The Resident, and Prodigal Son during its midseason schedule. 

The Masked Singer spinoff Masked Dancer will premiere on Sunday, December 27 before moving permanently to Wednesday nights. 

The Mayim Bialik series Miranda, a remake of a U.K. comedy of the same name, will arrive on Sunday, January 3 along with the ninth and final season of Last Man Standing with Tim Allen. 

The rest of the premieres will be scattered throughout the first half of the month! 

QUIZ: Which ‘The Resident’ Doctor Is Your Soulmate?

Check out the full schedule to find out when you need to tune in and set your DVR: 

SUNDAY, DEC. 27
8 pm The Masked Dancer series premiere

SUNDAY, JAN. 3
8 pm Call Me Kat series premiere
8:30 pm Last Man Standing final season
9 pm The Simpsons (special time)
9:30 pm Bless the Harts (special time)

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6
8 pm The Masked Dancer (time slot premiere)

THURSDAY, JAN. 7
8 pm Hell’s Kitchen Season 19 premiere
9 pm Call Me Kat (time slot premiere)
9:30 pm Last Man Standing (time slot premiere)

TUESDAY, JAN. 12
8 pm The Resident Season 4 premiere
9 pm Prodigal Son Season 2 premiere

MONDAY, JAN. 18
8 pm 9-1-1 Season 4 premiere
9 pm 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 2 premiere

The season 4 premiere of The Resident is going to hit a bit close to home. 

For years people have turned to television for an escape, but lately, reality and fiction are beginning to bleed together. 

Our everyday experiences and dilemmas are beginning to shape and influence the content we see on television, and, in turn, that content becomes a direct reflection of our society and provides poignant commentary on current events. 

For the most part, it’s exciting to see our daily lives reflected on screen as it offers a more robust and representative experience. However, it also means that it’s harder to escape the monotony of everyday life in lockdown.

QUIZ: Which ‘The Resident’ Doctor Is Your Soulmate?

There’s absolutely no way to escape the pandemic plaguing our world — it has consumed every part of our lives. 

Everywhere you look, you’ll (hopefully) see face masks, people using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing.

And now, you’re going to see more of that reflected on the small screen. 

The medical drama, which often draws from real-life scenarios for inspiration, will tackle the pandemic in its upcoming season. 

Series co-creator Amy Holden Jones told Us Weekly: “Our premiere deals with the early days of the outbreak, focusing on the effect on our hero doctors and nurses as they risk their lives daily.

She added: “Long-term, sadly, the after-effects of COVID-19 will go on, even after we have a vaccine, and we’ll be there to show that, as well.”

The show’s writing team includes several medical professionals who weigh in on storylines to ensure accuracy. Daniel Lama and Eric Lu penned the coronavirus inspired episode. 

Meanwhile, an on-set nurse has spent her time volunteering in New York City and Texas during the pandemic. 

Jones said the episode would honor the heroes fighting on the frontlines stating, “their stories are moving, deep and tragic and continue to accumulate to this day,” Jones added. “We hope soon to share all we have learned.”

The show hasn’t begun production on the season just yet, so it may take a bit until we get to see these pandemic episodes considering, you know, we’re in a pandemic ourselves, and that pandemic has made it harder for cast and crew to film new episodes of our favorite TV shows. 

Additionally, FOX’s fall 2020 lineup is moving ahead without the medical drama, as it is being held till 2021.

However, this wouldn’t be the first mention of coronavirus in the series as the season 3 finale dealt with a highly contagious superbug that was initially compared to coronavirus. 

The Resident also won’t be the only drama incorporating the pandemic into their storylines. Grey’s Anatomy previously announced that they would touch upon the pandemic with showrunner Krista Vernoff stating, “there’s no way to be a long-running medical show and not do the medical story of our lifetimes.”

It’ll be interesting to see these two shows tackle the virus in their own unique ways. As we look to relate to our favorite characters in our shows, you have to admit,, there’s nothing more relatable than seeing their lives altered by the same disease that has stripped us of so many joyous moments this year.

Do you think it’s a good idea for shows to address the pandemic? Sound off in the comments!