The 2025 HBO Max Original, Country Doctor, is a documentary short that shines a light on the severe crisis gripping America’s rural healthcare system. The film centers on the tireless efforts of Dr. James Graham, a physician in a financially struggling town in Oklahoma, who is fighting a high-stakes battle to prevent the community’s hospital from going bankrupt and closing its doors.
Through Dr. Graham’s dedication and the stories of his patients, the documentary aims to reveal the harsh realities, challenges, and immense personal sacrifices made by medical professionals who serve in remote areas, emphasizing the critical role these institutions play as lifelines for entire rural populations.
The short is set to premiere on HBO and stream on HBO Max on October 28, 2025, as part of the platform’s commitment to examining pertinent social issues.
Country Doctor Age Rating
Country Doctor is rated TV-14 for thematic material and potentially disturbing real-life medical imagery. The advisory notes that material may be inappropriate for children under 14 due to intense themes and authentic scenes. The rating is driven by the documentary’s focus on a bankrupt hospital, life-or-death situations, and emotionally raw testimony from patients and staff. Parents should expect realistic depictions and strong emotional content rather than fictional dramatization.
Violence & Peril
Physical violence is not the film’s focus, but the documentary shows medical emergencies and crises. Scenes of life-saving procedures and urgent care are presented in a realistic, documentary style. Some sequences may show injury, severe illness, or the aftermath of medical failures. The proximity to real patients and health crises can make these scenes emotionally intense for younger viewers.
Language
The film contains authentic, unstaged speech from stressed people in crisis. Viewers may hear strong or coarse language from staff, patients, or family members. Language is contextual and arises from high-pressure situations, rather than scripted profanity for shock value. Expect occasional blunt or raw expressions of anger, fear, and grief.
Mature Themes
Country Doctor explores poverty, institutional failure, and the fragility of life in rural America. It depicts the financial collapse of a community hospital and the real consequences for patients. Themes include healthcare inequity, burnout, and moral dilemmas faced by medical staff. The documentary may include difficult conversations about death, loss, and scarcity that can be upsetting for children.
Is Country Doctor Suitable for Teens?
Ages 7–12: No. The film’s real medical scenes and heavy themes can be upsetting for this age group. Younger children may find images and conversations about illness frightening. Parents should avoid showing this film to preteens without careful previewing.
Ages 13–14: With guidance. Mature 13–14-year-olds may understand the social issues, but they may still be emotionally affected. Watch first and discuss the subject matter before or after viewing. Prepare to pause and explain medical scenes and the emotional context.
Ages 15–17: With guidance recommended. Older teens can benefit from the film’s civic and ethical lessons. It is suitable when accompanied by discussion about healthcare systems, policy, and empathy. Final recommendation: appropriate for older teens with parental framing and conversation.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview the short before showing it to teens to judge emotional intensity and specific scenes.
- Prepare a short discussion to explain context—how rural hospitals operate and why closures matter.
- Check in after viewing. Ask how your teen felt, discuss any upsetting images, and answer questions.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Country Doctor rated and why?
A: Country Doctor is rated TV-14 for thematic material and potentially disturbing real-life medical scenes.
Q: Is Country Doctor appropriate for kids or teens?
A: Not for young children. Older teens may watch with parental guidance and discussion.
Q: Are there scary or graphic medical scenes?
A: The short may show real medical emergencies and urgent care. These scenes are realistic and may feel graphic to some viewers.
Q: Is there strong language in the documentary?
A: Yes. Authentic speech from patients and staff may include coarse or strong language in stressful moments.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No. The film focuses on health care, finance, and community impact, not sexual content.
Q: Where and when can I watch Country Doctor?
A: Country Doctor premieres on HBO and streams on HBO Max on October 28, 2025.