NBC’s latest addition to its comedy lineup, St. Denis Medical, is just around the corner from premiering two back-to-back episodes, yet if you’ve tuned into any of the network’s recent shows, you’ve likely been inundated with an array of commercials designed to whet your appetite for humor revolving around medical professionals and their patients. As you patiently wait in that sterile environment, why not explore some of the finest medical comedies available for streaming? Feel free to don—or forgo—a paper gown while you do so.
The original show paved the way for three spin-offs that have carved out their own niches in the comedy landscape. There’s Newsreaders, a hilarious parody newsmagazine that emerged from the Childrens Hospital universe as a fictional show-within-a-show. Next, NTSF: SD: SUV::, which humorously mocks intense dramas like 24 and CSI, initially debuted as a spoof commercial during an episode of Childrens Hospital. The most straightforward spin-off, however, is Medical Police, which follows the misadventures of former Childrens Hospital practitioners Lola Spratt (Erinn Hayes) and Owen Maestro (Rob Huebel) as they globe-trot in search of a cure for a mysterious and deadly virus. This singular season premiered on Netflix on January 10, 2020, and while much of the narrative centers around the doctors’ numerous blunders, it amusingly raises unrealistic hopes about how a viral outbreak might be handled in reality.
When Matthew Bunting (Darren Boyd) decides to leave his job as a police constable, his choice to become a midwife is unexpected, to say the least. Much of the humor springs from foreseeable scenarios, especially considering that Matthew is a cisgender man with limitations in understanding the childbirth experience. Yet, Boyd, a seasoned actor in British comedies such as Smack the Pony, Spy, and the long-running hospital sitcom Green Wing, which shares many behind-the-scenes talents with this show, keeps the laughs coming. Talented writers and performers like Alex Macqueen (The Inbetweeners) and Aisling Bea (This Way Up) balance humor and heart in this generally uplifting series.
Having battled through two rounds of leukemia, one young boy aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a doctor—a father played by James B. Sikking, who had the foresight to diagnose his son early enough to save his life. Young prodigy Doogie Howser (Neil Patrick Harris) becomes a fully licensed doctor at the tender age of 14, thanks to his brilliant photographic memory. Patients are justifiably taken aback to be treated by someone who is still grappling with the hormonal rollercoaster of adolescence; meanwhile, Doogie grapples with establishing professional relationships among colleagues when he lacks experience and confronts crises such as a teen mother putting her baby in his care. Outside his demanding medical responsibilities, Doogie confronts typical teenage dilemmas, from arguing with his dad over a car purchase to contemplating his first intimate moments with his girlfriend, Wanda (Lisa Dean Ryan). The series features guest stars including Mayim Bialik, Robyn Lively, Carla Gugino, and basketball icon Julius Erving. Created by the talented Steven “L.A. Law” Bochco, the show also grapples with timely social issues, including crime in urban areas and navigating the ethics of professional boundaries when a former patient develops romantic feelings. Despite some episodes showing their age, Harris’s talent was unmistakable even from the outset.
In a nostalgic revival nearly three decades after the original Howser series concluded, Disney+ released a quasi-sequel titled Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.. This updated rendition resembles the new reboot of Matlock, as the only link to the original series lies in playful references to the character from the classic show. Set in Oahu rather than the bustling streets of Los Angeles, this version introduces Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) alongside her two brothers, with whom she faces comedic domestic clashes. Lahela also mirrors the archetype of her predecessor, working alongside her mother, Dr. Clara (Kathleen Rose Perkins), and finds herself amidst life-or-death situations, just as Doogie often did, when she must break from her driver’s test to respond to a medical emergency. Her best friend, Steph (Emma Meisel), provides engaging tensions as they navigate the contrasting facets of their lives—one a high-achieving medical student and the other simply a high school teen. Moreover, Lahela’s emotional journey includes dealing with the loss of patients, adding a layer of depth to her character. Most importantly, the sequel beautifully retains the sweetness found in the original but maintains enough edge to ensure it’s enjoyable for adult audiences as well.
Beginning with the iconic M*A*S*H, which was derived from a 1968 novel focusing on the unforgettable ensemble of characters including Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper John, Frank Burns, Hot Lips Houlihan, and Radar O’Reilly—stationed at a mobile army hospital during the Korean War—this franchise has seen many reimaginings. Following up with a critically acclaimed 1970 film directed by Robert Altman, starring Elliott Gould and Donald Sutherland, M*A*S*H was then transformed into an outstanding television series two years later. Though set against the backdrop of the Korean War, the CBS series utilized its narrative to critique the ongoing Vietnam War, reflecting the mounting discontent and skepticism prevalent in American society. Running for a staggering 11 years—nearly four times the duration of the actual conflict—M*A*S*H won 14 Emmys out of a remarkable 64 nominations. While some medical plotlines are undeniably heart-wrenching—given the focus on individuals injured in combat—Hawkeye and his companions, Trapper John (Wayne Rogers) and B.J. (Mike Farrell), strive to infuse the atmosphere with levity and humor, often finding solace in humor and occasional intoxication during trying times.
Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), hailing from Queens, knew he would have to fulfill a commitment to practice medicine in Alaska in exchange for student loan assistance, but he never envisioned being posted to the charmingly isolated town of Cicely. Here, the whimsicalities of small-town life unfold, with much of the goods arriving merely through mail-order avenues. Although the series isn’t predominantly centered on healthcare, it revolves around Joel adjusting to life as a doctor in a place that rarely sees a medical emergency. Most of his days consist of casual interactions in his office, where he engages in discussions with the nonchalant receptionist, Marilyn (Elaine Miles). The delight of this show lies in its portrayal of a community full of quirky characters, a format that has inspired various other dramedies set in similar small-town contexts, such as Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie, where a city doctor finds romance and purpose amidst quirks of village life. Cozy and charming, it’s ideal for binge-watching, especially during chilly winter nights.
Simon Porter (Edward Easton) believes that he can ascend to the role of doctor by working as a hospital porter. This absurd notion is merely compounded by his profound squeamishness and complete lack of bravery. Complicating matters is his infatuation with nurse Lucy (Claudia Jessie), propelling him into comedic escapades as he attempts to prove his courage: one notable example being his reckless decision to volunteer as a potential kidney donor upon learning of the low odds for successful match through an impromptu medical request. Simon’s fellow porters, sardonic Frankie and philosophical Tillman, are brilliantly portrayed by the esteemed Susan Wokoma and the late Rutger Hauer. Even sitcom legend Kelsey Grammer makes a guest appearance in the brief first season. While Porters might not serve as a rigorous celebration of the NHS, it undoubtedly stands as a heartwarming yet clear-eyed tribute to the world of healthcare.
Period sitcoms often cleverly juxtapose historical settings with contemporary themes, allowing writers to critique modern society while dressed in costumes from a different era. Quacks adds a humorous twist by chronicling the lives of Victorian doctors, who confidently believe they are practicing medicine at its height. However, the anachronistic beliefs and behaviors are laughably absurd; for instance, surgeon Robert (Rory Kinnear) operates while still donning yesterday’s blood-soaked apron, seemingly unaware of the need for hygiene. Rather than adhering to the standards of his profession, he largely ignores the urgings of volunteer nurse Florence Nightingale (Millie Thomas) to clean his hands and tools. Robert’s colleagues include John (Tom Basden), a dentist experimenting recklessly with ether, and William (Mathew Baynton), whose role as an “alienist” paves the way for future psychiatry. Additionally, the show introduces audiences to Mr. Kapoor (Kayvan Novak), who hilariously dabbles in hypnotism, a practice little understood in contemporary medicine.
**Interview with Television Critic, Alex Thompson**
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us, Alex. As we dive into the world of medical comedies, I want to start by discussing NBC’s upcoming show, *St. Denis Medical*. What can audiences expect from this addition to the landscape of medical comedies?
**Alex Thompson:** Thanks for having me! With *St. Denis Medical*, viewers can expect a fresh, humorous take on the medical genre that blends quirky characters with laugh-out-loud situations. The show aims to bring a light-hearted approach to the chaos of a hospital setting, similar to classics like *Scrubs* and *Childrens Hospital*, while exploring both the absurdities and the heart of medical life.
**Editor:** Speaking of *Childrens Hospital*, it has spawned several spin-offs including *Medical Police*. How do you think these spin-offs contribute to the genre?
**Alex Thompson:** They really expand the comedic universe that *Childrens Hospital* created. *Medical Police*, for instance, takes a more global approach to medical mishaps, highlighting the characters’ hilarious blunders as they tackle a global health crisis. This comedic take on high-stakes situations allows for both absurdity and commentary on the genre itself, proving that there’s ample room for humor even within serious topics.
**Editor:** And what about *Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.*? How does this revival hold up against the original series?
**Alex Thompson:** *Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.* does a great job of reimagining the iconic premise. While it has the nostalgic ties to the original, it establishes its own identity by setting the story in modern-day Hawaii. Lahela’s character retains that youthful struggle of balancing personal and professional challenges, which resonates both with younger audiences and those who grew up with the original. The emotional depth is a standout element, complementing the humor nicely.
**Editor:** You mentioned classics like *M*A*S*H* in your earlier commentary. How do shows like that set the stage for the medical comedy genre?
**Alex Thompson:** Absolutely! *M*A*S*H* is a pioneering force—mixing comedy with serious themes about the toll of war and medicine during a turbulent time in history. Its success demonstrated that medical shows could deliver poignant social commentary through humor, paving the way for other series like *Scrubs* where life-and-death scenarios are often dealt with through the lens of comedy. It established a blueprint: entertain while still addressing real human experiences.
**Editor:** Given the wide variety of medical comedies available now, from nostalgic reboots to satirical takes, do you think this genre has room for further innovation?
**Alex Thompson:** Definitely! As long as there are real-life medical situations and experiences to draw from, there will always be a space for creative storytelling in this genre. The blend of humor, heart, and realism in medical comedies can evolve with changing societal norms and issues. This ongoing relevance is what keeps audiences engaged and allows new shows to emerge, as we’re currently seeing with *St. Denis Medical*.
**Editor:** Lastly, what would you recommend to viewers who are eager for some laughs while they wait for *St. Denis Medical* to premiere?
**Alex Thompson:** I’d suggest diving into *Medical Police* for its outrageous humor encapsulated in a spy-thriller format, or *NTSF: SD: SUV::* for a comedic twist on cop dramas. If they want something heartwarming yet hilarious, *Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.* is a must-watch. Each of these shows offers a unique flavor of comedy while highlighting the quirks of medical life!
**Editor:** Thank you, Alex, for your insights. It’s clear that medical comedies continue to evolve and entertain, and we’re excited to see what *St. Denis Medical* has in store.
**Alex Thompson:** Thanks for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the next wave of medical hilarity!