On what date did House, M.D. first premiere?

House, M.D. first premiered on November 16, 2004. Fox introduced the series as a medical drama centered on Gregory House, a physician whose specialty is solving difficult diagnostic cases.

The premiere established several lasting elements: House’s dependence on a cane, his unconventional methods, the diagnostic team and his tense relationship with hospital administrator Lisa Cuddy. It also introduced James Wilson as House’s closest friend and medical colleague. The format combined a weekly medical mystery with continuing character storylines.

The series quickly became a major television success. Its unusual lead character, medical puzzles and Hugh Laurie’s performance helped distinguish it from more conventional hospital dramas. The premiere date is sometimes confused with later season premieres or the show’s 2012 finale, but November 16, 2004 marks the first broadcast of the series itself.