TV SERIES REVIEW
St. Denis Medical
-     

Genre: Comedy, Sitcom, Mockumentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 18 x 22m episodes (screened first three episodes for this review)
Creator(s): Justin Spitzer, Eric Ledgin
Cast: Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper, Kaliko Kauahi
Where To Watch: premieres with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and next day on Peacock

RAVING REVIEW: Venture with me into the world of a mockumentary series that peeks behind the curtain of a cash-strapped Oregon hospital, ST. DENIS MEDICAL serves up a unique blend of comedy and drama that resonates with anyone who's faced workplace challenges. This series captures the essence of healthcare professionals as they juggle the dual burdens of providing care and managing their personal lives, all wrapped in a refreshingly humorous package you would get if THE OFFICE and SCRUBS had a comedy series as a baby.

At the forefront of this ensemble is Wendi McLendon-Covey, who portrays Joyce, the beleaguered executive director of the hospital. McLendon-Covey imbues her role with a potent mix of resilience, warmth, and just the right amount of perfectly timed jabs. Her performance tackles the complexities of her character’s professional and personal worlds, showcasing the balancing act required to keep the hospital and her sanity intact.

As Ron, the Emergency Department's resident cynic, David Alan Grier delivers his lines with a sharp wit that slices through the daily grind of hospital life. His seasoned comedic timing brings a depth to the show that keeps the audience on their toes, wondering if they should laugh or ponder the poignant undercurrents of his sarcasm.

Allison Tolman’s Alex, the supervising nurse, embodies the quintessential working parent, managing her professional and family emergencies. Her struggle adds a heartwarming element to the series, with Tolman's authentic portrayal resonating with anyone straddling the demands of career and home.

Further adding to the hospital’s chaotic dynamic is Josh Lawson’s Bruce, a skilled trauma surgeon whose expertise is often overshadowed by his wannabe alpha-male attitude that is used to hide his struggles. Lawson’s nuanced performance provides a character we can all point and laugh at and laugh with during certain moments.

Kahyun Kim as Serena, the homeopathy-practicing nurse, and Mekki Leeper as Matt, the rookie nurse, bring fun twists and fresh perspectives to the series. Kim challenges the traditional medical paradigms, adding spice to the narrative with her unconventional practices, while Leeper illustrates the growth and trepidation of stepping into a high-octane medical environment. Both actors add a welcome dose to the storyline, with their characters’ development highlighting the diversity of experiences in the healthcare sector.

Kaliko Kauahi’s portrayal of Val adds an eccentric charm to the mix. Her unique character quirks provide a delightful contrast to the series’ more intense moments. Known for her work on one of my favorite series, SUPERSTORE, Kauahi's transition to the medical mockumentary genre is seamless, enhancing the ensemble with her standout performance.

ST. DENIS MEDICAL thrives on its blend of humor and human drama, creating a compelling narrative that captures the absurdity of hospital life. From the quirky staff interactions to the heart-tugging moments of patient care, the series crafts a multifaceted portrayal of life in a struggling healthcare facility. Episodes “Superstition” and “Prisoners” offer complex stories that mix hijinks and realism, giving viewers a welcome prescription of emotions and situations that keep them engaged and entertained.

ST. DENIS MEDICAL marries the complexities of hospital work with the fun of scripted comedy. It's a series that entertains and empathizes with the trials and triumphs of those in the medical field, offering laughter and a reflective glimpse into its characters' personal and professional lives. With its talented cast and sharp script, ST. DENIS MEDICAL is an exemplary addition to the comedy-drama genre, promising both chuckles and heartfelt moments in every episode. I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here!

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of UNIVERSAL TELEVISION, UNIVERSAL STUDIO GROUP]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.