NBC is getting back into the mockumentary game withSt. Denis Medical, whichgets off to a good start but fails to leave a big impression.The sitcom,created by Justin Spitzer (ofSuperstorefame) and Eric Ledgin, follows a group of nurses and doctors (and one administrator) who work in the ER at St. Denis Regional Medical Center in Oregon. As Wendi McLendon-Covey’s Joyce says in the premiere, the ER “has some of the best doctors in the country. I mean, in Oregon… Carving out Portland because that’s a big city, so, they probably… Well, you get it.”
Cast
Given its experienced and talented creators and cast,St. Denis Medicalis bound to have a few laughs, and the two-part premiere certainly does. The first two episodes also do a good job of introducing the show’s characters and its world to us. However, like with so many TV series,viewers may have to stick around for more episodes ofSt. Denis Medicalto get truly hooked.NBC’s mockumentary has a good foundation to build a long-running, successful, and entertaining series, but the two-part premiere certainly won’t wow many.
The Talented Cast Makes St. Denis Medical Work
Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, & Allison Tolman Shine In The NBC Sitcom
The new NBC mockumentary sitcomprobably wouldn’t work if it had any other cast. However, with the likes of Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, and Allison Tolman, the TV show provides several laughs and is entertaining enough to want to watch at least the second episode. In addition to McLendon-Covey, Grier, and Tolman,St. Denis Medicalhas a well-rounded castfeaturing experienced comedians, familiar faces from previous NBC comedy series (JoshLawson and Kaliko Kauahi), and impressive newcomers. Thanks to these talented performers, each character leaves their mark.
Kaliko Kauahi
Val
Every actor gets their moment to shine in the premiere, and the dynamics between certain highlighted characters are also memorable. Ron’s snarky rapport with Alex is fun, but their sincere moments are also exciting to watch. Matt’s burgeoning crush on Serena and her disinterest in the new nurse (who she thinks won’t last long at the hospital) is another dynamic to watch. Ultimately,the writing is good inSt. Denis Medical, but the actors are truly the ones who make the show worth watchingas they expertly bring the script to life.
St. Denis Medical Isn’t Trying To Be The Office (Which Is A Good Thing)
The NBC Mockumentary Will Undoubtedly Be Compared To The Ones That Came Before It
St. Denis Medical’s setting sets it apart from other mockumentarieslikeThe OfficeandParks and Rec. However, its characters are also (mostly) unlike iconic figures in those two shows. Sure, Alex’s eagerness and perfectionist nature might be compared toLeslie Knope fromParks and Rec, but she certainly doesn’t love her job or her coworkers as much as Amy Poehler’s character does. Aside from those two, it’s difficult to compare anySt. Denis Medicalcharacter to another one from a different mockumentary, and that’s why it has potential.
Mortal Kombat 2 Star Reflects On Going Straight From Kano To New NBC Sitcom & Expresses Excitement For Sequel
EXCLUSIVE: Josh Lawson discusses the jarring duality between his roles as Mortal Kombat villain Kano and a cocky surgeon on NBC’s St. Denis Medical.
Joyce is nothing likeMichael Scott fromThe Office. Funnily enough, Ron has a little bit of Ron Swanson fromParks and Recin him, but he’s way more affectionate than Nick Offerman’s fan-favorite character. As for everyone else inSt. Denis Medical, they all have their own personalities and are unlike any other characters who came before them.St. Denis Medicalcertainly has to stand out to be a triumph,and distancing itself fromThe OfficeandParks and Recis a good start.
St. Denis Medical Must Figure Out How To Balance Its Comedy With Its Emotional Moments Better
A Hospital Setting Is Bound To Produce Various Serious Moments
One of the show’s biggest issuesis its flawed balance of comedic moments with sad ones. Since it’s set in a hospital where people die every day, the series is bound to have at least a handful of heartbreaking scenes. However, the jokes sprinkled throughout the more serious moments mostly fall flat.
If viewers stick around, there is a good chance thatSt. Denis Medicalwill improve and find its stride.
It’s unclear if we should be laughing or notduring these emotional sequences (like Bruce’s talking head at the end of episode 2), making the watching experience a bit uncomfortable. The good news is that there is time to fix mistakes like these. If we stick around, there is a good chance thatSt. Denis Medicalwill improve and find its stride.
St. Denis Medicalpremieres with two episodes on November 12 at 8:00 PM ET on NBC. The remaining episodes will air weekly each Tuesday.
St. Denis Medical
St. Denis Medical follows a diverse team of doctors and nurses at an underfunded Oregon hospital as they manage patient care and maintain camaraderie amid challenging circumstances.
