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Steven Soderbergh’s latest project is a medical drama about as far removed from Grey’s Anatomy as possible. It is set in early twentieth-century New York at the Knickerbocker Hospital, affectionately known as “The Knick”. Dr. Thackeray, portrayed by a haggard Clive Owen, is renowned for his innovative surgical procedures, but his private life shows him slowly being consumed by a cocaine addiction. The story is set in motion when his mentor at the hospital commits suicide after yet another failed attempt at a new operation. Dr. Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland), a superbly qualified African-American doctor, is sent to replace him, prompting fierce resistance from Thackeray and other hospital staff. The racism that typifies these encounters forms one of the core components of the show and is handled sensitively but also in a way that feels authentic. The slow-moving story allows relationships to evolve at a natural pace, particularly between the two central characters, and we are shown just how long it takes to make any inroads against racial prejudice.

As this suggests, The Knick isn’t afraid to delve into the tougher subject matter that permeates the life of an early twentieth-century New Yorker. Racism, backstreet abortions and selling dead bodies to pay off mobsters are just some of the issues dealt with over the course of the series. While these tropes may seem like obvious components of a gritty period drama, The Knick provides a fresh and appealing take on them so that you can’t help but be drawn in. Once you can get past the frankly bizarre choice of music, the show is an extremely well-rounded addition to the autumn TV schedule and not to be missed.

The Knick will air on Sky Atlantic on October 16 at 9pm.