A drama series directed by Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Contagion, Ocean's Eleven), The Knick looks at the professional and personal lives of the staff at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital (""the Knick"") during the early twentieth century. The Hospital operates with innovative surgeons, nurses and staff who have to overcome medicinal limitations to prevent staggeringly high mortality rates. Dr. John Thackery (Clive Owen) is the newly appointed leader of the surgery staff, who battles his cocaine and opium addictions with his ambition for medical discovery and reputation among his peers. While literally struggling to keep the lights on, the hospital attempts to attract a wealthy clientele, without sacrificing quality care.