Wendi McLendon-Covey’s Hilarious Ad-Libs on St. Denis Medical Premiere

Wendi McLendon-Covey has an unusual and unpleasant experience with mints on set, leaving her with a distinctly bad taste in her mouth. Literally.

“What flavor are these mints?” she queries her scene partner, Kaliko Kauahi, with a frown during episode 4 of NBC’s vibrant new workplace mockumentary series, St. Denis Medical. As they engage in playful banter, she describes the mints in increasingly dramatic terms, highlighting her comedic flair.

“Disgusting.”
“Ugh.”
“They’re oppressively minty.”
“Well, they’re horrible.”
“It’s making my tongue go numb. Bleh.”

Engaging in a series of improvised reactions, McLendon-Covey calls out for any salami that might help “clear the deck,” prompting laughter and warm smiles from the nearby producers, writers, and crew members closely monitoring the performance from their vantage points on the hyperrealistic, 360-degree emergency room set. The light-hearted atmosphere reinforces the camaraderie among the cast and crew.

On this late August day, as Entertainment Weekly arrives on the bustling set located within the iconic Universal Studios, the cast and crew are only weeks away from wrapping production on their eagerly anticipated first season, poised to make its debut on November 12.

Created by the talented duo Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer, who have collaborated on celebrated workplace comedies like The Office, Superstore, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and American Auto, St. Denis (named for the Patron Saint of Paris and France, revered as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers) dives into the daily lives and humorous interactions of the emergency department staff at a small hospital. Notable characters include McLendon-Covey’s oncologist-turned-hospital-director, Joyce; David Alan Grier’s disillusioned doctor Ron; Allison Tolman’s dedicated supervising nurse, Alex; Josh Lawson’s overconfident trauma surgeon, Bruce; Kahyun Kim’s easygoing nurse, Serena; Kauahi’s seasoned nurse, Val; and Mekki Leeper’s fresh-faced nurse, Matt.

The narrative unfolds under the watchful eye of a documentary crew, thanks to Joyce’s initiative to draw attention to the rural Oregon medical center and transform it into a renowned hub for breast cancer treatment. McLendon-Covey elaborates on her character, stating, “She’s a former oncologist, so she thought, ‘I’m going to change things from the inside. I’m going to help out that way.'” However, as Joyce tackles the mounting challenges of securing funding and uplifting staff morale, she finds herself grappling with the realities of her position, leading to a complex portrait of professional dedication and personal sacrifice.

The demanding nature of medical care certainly doesn’t escape the characters, including Joyce, whose work has become an overwhelming part of her identity. While she projects a sunny facade, McLendon-Covey emphasizes the loneliness beneath, noting, “This is her life. She will die alone. She’s not a fun lady.” Despite her efficiency and exceptional capabilities in her role, the actress humorously reflects on how Joyce’s dedication leaves her lacking in personal connections and warmth.

This nuanced character marks a stark contrast to McLendon-Covey’s previous portrayal of Beverly Goldberg on ABC’s long-running The Goldbergs. Unlike the overbearing mother, Joyce embodies emotional distance and professional diligence, representing a significant departure in both tone and characterization.

McLendon-Covey serendipitously received the St. Denis script simultaneously with the news that The Goldbergs was canceled, prompting her to seek a role that diverged sharply from her past experiences.

Determined to avoid being typecast as a mother, the actress confesses, “I didn’t want to play another mom right away. I did that, and I was going to be closely associated with that.” Joyce represents a woman who struggles with nurturing, humorously pointing out that she lacks even the ability to care for houseplants. “She cannot keep a plant alive,” she laughs, contrasting those traits with her past role.

The creators, fully aware of the weight of McLendon-Covey’s previous work, initially questioned her desire to jump into another series immediately after a decade-long journey. Spitzer expresses surprise, recognizing her unwavering passion for acting as a driving force: “I thought she’d want a break,” he admitted, only to discover that McLendon-Covey thrives on consistent work.

“That was crazy, but I didn’t want to have any downtime,” McLendon-Covey affirms. “It was for my own mental health.” The continuous engagement in her craft serves as a source of fulfillment and stability for her.

Initially, Ledgin and Spitzer had envisioned Joyce as a more insecure character, but the emergence of McLendon-Covey’s strong presence captured them in a new light. “What she brought was way more active and interesting than maybe what I was picturing,” Ledgin explains, acknowledging her natural ability to infuse the role with depth and complexity.

While filming the pilot, a scene unfolds where Joyce tries to elevate the spirits of her colleagues after mismanaging a situation that dampened morale. In a surprising turn, McLendon-Covey spontaneously performs a cartwheel in heels, captivating her co-stars and transforming the moment into a memorable highlight of the show.

The eccentricities of Joyce’s character further enrich the storyline, as she showcases some intriguing hobbies. Among them is her passion for playing the marimba, a skill she comically demonstrates to her colleagues in an episode. “I’m not ready to give a concert yet, but it was fun playing that and having that at my house for a little bit,” the actress notes, connecting her personal interests to the narrative.

Additionally, audiences will uncover Joyce’s idiosyncratic hobbies, revealing her as a quirky but relatable character. McLendon-Covey openly declares, “Yeah, she is a bit of a weirdo.” The humor in her contradictions adds an appealing layer to her portrayal, inviting audiences to relate to Joyce’s unique personality.

In contrast, Spitzer confidently asserts that Joyce defines herself with one powerful word: “Boss.” He credits this essence to McLendon-Covey and appreciates how she embodies the strength necessary for the role, elevating it beyond the initial concept.

It’s a show Allison Tolman never envisioned herself joining. Notably, the actress, known for acclaimed series like Why Women Kill and Emergence, shares a poignant personal connection to the material. As her father battled an illness, her mother turned to light-hearted comedies for solace, and Tolman recognizes the need for comforting programming during tough times.

In the show’s dynamic, Tolman’s character Alex emerges as a nurturing figure in the emergency room. In contrast, David Alan Grier’s character, a once-spirited doctor, now carries the weight of disillusionment from the medical bureaucracy’s demands.

Drawing from personal experiences, Grier reflects on the challenges physicians face, highlighting how the industry’s evolution has affected passionate practitioners like Ron. “You have to continually reeducate,” he remarks, drawing parallels to the pressures that can easily wear down a dedicated doctor.

Meanwhile, Josh Lawson’s character Bruce stands in stark contrast, radiating self-confidence underpinned by a strong desire for validation. As his accolades fill his office, he revels in the spotlight, embodying a complex blend of humor and ego that drives many interactions in the narrative.

Lawson distills Bruce’s essence, revealing that while his egomaniac tendencies paint him as unlikable, he somehow maintains an accessible charm that invites viewers to empathize with his plight. “He’s got a positivity which really helps make him someone you love to hate in a way,” the Australian actor explains, striking a balance between humor and hopefulness.

Kauahi’s character Val, initially a temporary cast member, quickly earned a regular spot on the show due to her compelling on-screen presence and formidable nature, a sharp contrast to her previous timid role on Superstore. Leeper’s character Matt, the new kid on the block, faces immediate challenges, including the aftermath of a comical first-day blunder witnessed by seasoned nurse Serena.

Reflecting on their journey, McLendon-Covey and the cast humorously agree that their initial fears should give way to gratitude for the opportunity to honor the dedicated healthcare workers portrayed in their stories. “I hope they feel seen and respected,” she expresses, “because they’ve gone through a lot in the past few years as well.” The heartfelt acknowledgment establishes a meaningful connection between the creators and the audience.

Ideally, one with some good mints. The playful exchange captures the spirit of camaraderie that defines the show and its behind-the-scenes atmosphere.

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Directed by Kristen Harding + Alison Wild

Photography by Sami Drasin

Motion – DP: Amina Zadeh; Techo Crane Op: Eli Franks; Techno Crane Tech: Steven Neel; 1st AC: Rebecca Baliko; Gaffer: Mike Williamson; Best Electric: Christian Mejia; Key Grip: Kipp Rodriguez; Best Grip: Jason Shertick; Grip Trainee: MacLaine Dirksen; Camera PA: Kyle Venberg; PA: Carly Berryhill

Production – Production Design: Ward Robinson/Wooden Ladder; PD Team: Rene Ureno, Abimael “Aby” Linares, David Celaya; Styling: Alvin Stillwell/Celestine Agency; Tailor: Sharon Patterson; Hair: Robert Steinken/Celestine Agency; Makeup: Anton Khachaturian/Cloutier Remix

Photo – 1st Assistant: Joe Beckley; 2nd Assistant: Sam Tiger; Digital Tech: Connor Hughes

Post-Production – Color Correction: Nate Seymour/TRAFIK; Design: Chuck Kerr; VFX: Lily Cunningham; Sound Design: Kristen Harding

Video Interview – DP: Ted Newsome; Cam Op: Mark Cheche; Sound: Patrick Hurley; Associate Producer: Salem Daniel; Editor: Maura Willey

EW Creative – Photo Director: Alison Wild; Head of Video: Kristen Harding; Creative Director: Chuck Kerr

Class=”comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html”> Produced by: [Production Company Name]

Network: [Network Name]

Premiere Date: [Premiere Date]

As ‍the series unfolds, viewers can expect a rich blend​ of humor, genuine emotions, and relatable characters that reflect the realities of life within the healthcare system. The show aims to both entertain and provide insight into the lives of those who dedicate themselves to helping others.

With its⁢ unique take on the genre and an ensemble cast that brings depth to each role, this new series promises to capture the⁤ hearts of audiences. The interplay between the ‌characters, interspersed ‌with moments of‍ levity and poignancy, forms a narrative that resonates ⁣with universal themes of perseverance, compassion, and community.

the show stands not only⁣ as a tribute to⁢ healthcare professionals ​but also as a beacon of hope and humor for viewers navigating their own challenges in life.