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Television often utilizes set formulas for success, but originality can sometimes translate to popularity among all ages. One such show has been able to capture the interest of millions, including several local fans who "finally have a reason to watch TV again."

Currently in its second season, "House" has solidified its place in prime-time television. Fox's latest hit is a drama driven by both mystery and humor. According to Reuters and Nielsen, the show enjoys an average of 22.6 million viewers and posted a new high April 6, landing a 9.2 rating/33 share among adults 18-49.

The show centers on Dr. Gregory House, an unconventional medical genius who suffers through both chronic pain and social difficulties. Played by the steely-eyed Hugh Laurie, he leads a team of top diagnosticians in a race against the clock, the medical intrigue blending with character relationships.

"We're all blown away every time we get a new script, they write on so many different levels," said actress Jennifer Morrison, who plays the soft-spoken yet passionate Dr. Allison Cameron. "It's not all soap opera stuff or technical jargon, either; there are some philosophical overtones that tie in with the emotional relationships. And that's exactly what fills out real life."

Morrison, an acting veteran of 16 years, spoke freely about the level of dedication and motivation that gives "House" its critically acclaimed flair. And "what fills out real life" may be the very reason the show draws so many viewers of so many ages. Mark Brennan, a 27-year-old securities analyst from Montville, and Michael Davis, a 25-year-old computer programmer, are roommates and have been fans of the show since its inception. They believe it's all about the "fresh presentation" and before "House," they "hardly ever watched TV."

"You always get a lot of the same stuff on TV," said Brennan, with Davis nodding in agreement. "But with 'House,' you get a character you always want to know more about, and you also get a story that never, ever gets old or boring. It's amazing how new it seems every week."

Davis added that it's the first time in several years that he hasn't been "blatantly insulted" by a drama that seeks to rely on shock value rather than dialogue. Pamela Main, 52 and a resident of Norwich, is another fan who had long since "grown sick of the standard drama." In fact, much like Brennan, she almost never watched prime-time television before "House."

"It's a tremendous ensemble cast with a lot of talent and great writing, and that's not something you can always find on TV," said Main, whose husband, Donald, is also a fan of the show. "It's the kind of thing that's great for all ages, and people who have been looking for an intelligent option finally have one."

Why "House" is so popular among all ages may hinge on the key dramatic aspects of classic theater, aspects that appeal to "most everyone," according to one local performance expert. Dr. Robert McDonald, professor of acting, directing and dramatic literature at the University of Connecticut, talked about some of the key components at the core of the show.

"He (House) is not Superman, or the cold-hearted detective that can duck bullets, or the cowboy who never gets hurt," said McDonald of Laurie's character. "The unspoken message might be -- it doesn't matter if you're Albert Einstein or Leonardo da Vinci, you still have to be a good person and open up to others; that's what makes us human. It's the character's frailty that makes the difference."

The responsibility of portraying this dichotomy of House's medical genius and lack of "people skills" falls squarely on the shoulders of the writers. Dr. David Foster, one of the brains behind the show's scripts, elaborates on the process.

"There are very high expectations for our scripts; we greatly value the rigorous logic of the plots and the unfolding of the mystery," said Foster, a speaker who has written for several television projects in the past, including the long-time hit, "ER."

"There is clever and witty dialogue as well as dramatic moments, and that's what makes this show so much fun to write for."

Brennan, Davis, and the Mains watch whenever they can, and despite being in very different target demographics, they all agree there's "nothing else like it on television." "It's about time we got something smart, funny and dramatic, all at the same time," said Donald Main. "And on top of that, the show covers topics everyone can relate to."

Foster recognizes the wide appeal of the show, and believes it's one of the most unique aspects of "House," while Morrison sees the diversity in fans clamoring for autographs. "I think that with some TV shows, there are so many cooks in the kitchen and you get this mish-mash that never becomes a clear voice," said Morrison. "But Fox really gave this show a chance to be what it is; they never tried to put a hand in and tell us what to do. I've had everyone from kids to grandparents recognize me on the street, and it's just been so awesome to hear everyone's responses."

Originally published May 16, 2006