NBC launched the show at the same time that CBS launched its own medical drama "Chicago Hope"; many critics drew comparisons between the two. Eric Mink concluded that "ER" may rate more highly in the Nielsens but "Chicago Hope" told better stories, while Rich felt both shows were "riveting, superior TV fare." "The Daily Telegraph" wrote in 1996: "Not being able to follow what on earth is going on remains one of the peculiar charms of the breakneck American hospital drama, "ER"".