Kelsey Grammer Joined NBC Medical Drama Pops
The veteran actor is set to star in a new series about a man entering emergency medicine in his later career.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Eldercare
Live Poll
Do you enjoy watching entertainment that focuses on people starting new careers later in life?
NBC has announced the development of a new medical drama series titled Pops, which will star Kelsey Grammer. The show is inspired by the true story of Ed Levien, a Maryland resident who pursued a career as an EMT in his 60s.
Why it matters
The project highlights career transitions later in life by focusing on a protagonist who starts in emergency medicine long after typical retirement age. It draws on real-life experiences to explore the challenges and rewards of changing paths in one's later years.
The series is produced by Universal Television and centers on the true story of a Maryland man who became an EMT in his 60s. Writer Danny Weiss brings experience from his 10-season tenure on the medical drama Chicago Med.
The players
Kelsey Grammer
An award-winning actor best known for his long-running television roles as Frasier Crane.
Danny Weiss
A television writer and producer who previously spent 10 seasons working on the medical series Chicago Med.
Ed Levien
A Maryland resident whose real-life transition into emergency medicine at age 60 serves as the inspiration for the show.
NBC
A major American television network currently developing the new drama series.
Universal Television
The production studio tasked with bringing the medical drama project to the screen.
The details
The series follows a man who decides to join the ranks of emergency responders during his later career years. Danny Weiss is set to serve as both the writer and executive producer for the project.
Timeline
NBC confirmed the development of the series on October 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
The show aligns with a growing societal recognition of late-career pivots as individuals increasingly pursue meaningful work in their later years. By dramatizing this transition, the series reflects a broader cultural departure from rigid retirement timelines.
The show may influence how viewers perceive their own career potential, specifically regarding the feasibility of starting a new, high-intensity role later in life. It could spark personal interest in local volunteer EMT programs or medical training requirements for older adults.
The takeaway
The development of this series serves as a reminder that professional roles are not tied to specific age brackets. For those considering a career change, looking into local volunteer opportunities can provide a practical way to test new fields without a full-time commitment.
Further reading
Explore more about how seniors pursue new goals in our Eldercare section.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy watching entertainment that focuses on people starting new careers later in life?
