“St. Denis Medical,” a comedy that breaks away from traditional medical dramas by showing the dull side of healthcare in an Oregon hospital that doesn’t have enough money, is set to launch on NBC. The show, which starts on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, claims to look at medical workers’ daily problems in a documentary-style way.
Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin created the show to show the human side of healthcare, which is often ignored. Their idea came from a true story about hospital staff who tried to talk to an incompetent surgeon but were met with pushback from administrators who were worried about losing money.
Thanks to the ensemble cast, this office comedy has a lot of depth. Allison Tolman plays Alex, a kind but tired nurse, and David Alan Grier plays Ron, her cynical boss. Wendi McLendon-Covey plays Joyce, the hospital’s quick-talking executive director. The group also includes Josh Lawson, Mekki Leeper, Kahyun Kim, and Kaliko Kauahi.
Spitzer told the TV Critics Association during the 2024 summer tour, “Part of our goal was to look into what happens day-to-day in a non-glamorous hospital setting.” To make sure it was real, the production team did extensive research and talked to healthcare professionals.
The show’s mockumentary style allows it to have both fun and heart. Ledgin said, “Most nurses will tell you they’re funny people.” “You have to be when you’re in the trenches.” This method, which focuses on the people who work in healthcare, makes the show different from other medical dramas.
Early reviews say that the group works well together and that the show balances funny and serious parts. McLendon-Covey brings energy to her part as an administrator who means well but sometimes doesn’t know what she’s doing. Grier, on the other hand, makes the role very funny with his deadpan performance.
“St. Denis Medical” gives viewers a unique look at healthcare by showing the daily struggles and unexpectedly funny moments that make up the lives of medical workers. The show runs the next day on Peacock, giving viewers a funny and personal look inside a community hospital.
