You have questions. I have some answers.

Q: I have a question about the “Doc Martin” and “Best Medicine” shows: Why? They live in the same named place, both have romantic feelings for Louisa, and have a pharmacist who wears a cervical collar. Both doctors are clumsy and don’t like dogs. Is there a reason for Fox copying “Doc Martin”? I would always welcome a new doctor show, but not a ripoff of a British one.

A: The makers of “Best Medicine” did not rip off “Doc Martin.” Press material for “Best” plainly declares it is “based on the critically acclaimed and beloved global hit ‘Doc Martin.’” The two shows share some producers. Fox has also said that Martin Clunes, who played Doc Martin, will make a special appearance on the show in March as the father of Martin Best, the main character on the American series.

And let's face it, movies and TV borrow ideas all time. "Best Medicine" is not the only current show to be adapted from overseas productions. “Doc,” another medical show on Fox, is based on an Italian series, and “Memory of a Killer” has roots in a Belgian movie. “Ghosts” was adapted from a British series. There are game shows and reality competitions based on foreign shows as well, such as “Fear Factor,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “American Idol.” And you can go back into TV history, to “The Office” or “All in the Family” or many other shows with roots outside the U.S.

With “Doc Martin” and “Best Medicine,” consider also that many people who watch the American show have never or rarely seen “Doc Martin” (and I’m one of them). And “Best” on its own has considerable charm.

Q: Do you know where I can find episodes of “SCTV”?

A: This was a classic sketch-comedy series, known for sharp writing and an extraordinary cast including, among others, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis and Catherine O’Hara (who passed away recently). I would have expected the show to have had a stronger afterlife, but my search for telecasts led only to episodes and clips on YouTube and to DVD releases, which can be expensive.

Q: I have enjoyed the medical drama “Watson” with Morris Chestnut. The medical portions and how the characters go about trying to make a diagnosis is fascinating. I heard CBS is not renewing this show. Is this true? If so, why?

A: As of this writing earlier in February, I have not seen any official word about the series being canceled. But there have been ominous signs, such as a Deadline.com report in late January noting that even as CBS renewed many series for 2026-27, “Watson” and “DMV” were in limbo. And with a lot of hourlong shows set for CBS, “it may be hard to find space for ‘Watson,’” especially with its relatively low ratings for the network. We’ll have to see how it does when it resumes new episodes on March 1.

Q: I seem to recall a movie in the late '80s or early '90s that was a spoof of the "Shaft" genre of movies. The term “over gold” was used in the movie. Can you provide further information?

A: It appears you are remembering “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” a 1988 satire of blaxploitation films. Keenen Ivory Wayans wrote, directed and starred in it. In the opening scene a character is said to die of “over gold,” that is, wearing too many gold chains.

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