"The Knick" is a television series set in the early 1900s, focusing on the staff of the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York City. The show highlights the challenges of medical practices during this time, including the struggle for advancements in surgery and the impact of social issues on healthcare. The series stars Clive Owen as Dr. John Thackery, a brilliant but troubled surgeon. It explores themes of innovation, addiction, and the complexities of the medical profession, while also showcasing the historical context of the era, including the emergence of modern medicine and the societal changes occurring in America.