The two-part season 6 premiere of House, M.D. is titled “Broken.” The episode follows Gregory House as he enters Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital for treatment after the events of the fifth-season finale.
“Broken” is notable because it moves much of the story away from Princeton-Plainsboro and focuses on House’s psychiatric care, relationships with fellow patients, and struggle to change his behavior. The premiere originally aired as a single extended broadcast in the United States on September 21, 2009.
The episode is often described as a two-part premiere even though its installments are joined under one title. It differs from “Help Me,” the two-part eighth-season premiere, and from “Both Sides Now,” the fifth-season finale.
The title also creates a thematic link to House’s physical pain, addiction, isolation, and damaged relationships. Hugh Laurie’s performance in the episode was widely discussed because the storyline temporarily places House outside his familiar diagnostic environment.