ER explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened emergency room.

Jake Galvin quits his high paying but unfulfilling job at a law firm to become a high school teacher, much to the chagrin of his best friend, Nick Case. At school, Jake quickly befriends fellow teacher Liza Wheeler, with whom he'd like to be romantically entangled. Other staff members include stoic Vice Principal Curtis and her aggressively obnoxious secretary Kimmy Ponder, as well as goofy teacher Mr. Seissner, who perceives himself as a comedian. Also frequently seen is Nick's coworker, T.T. Bankhead, a pretentiously self-involved lawyer who has the sleazy charm of a frat boy.