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NBC’s St. Denis Medical opens with a strong start, diving headfirst into the chaos and quirks of an underfunded hospital through a comedic mockumentary lens. Set in a small-town medical center where big-hearted, questionably qualified staff tackle the daily grind of healthcare, the first two episodes introduce us to a cast of characters whose mix of incompetence and earnestness makes for a fresh spin on workplace comedy.

The series does an excellent job setting the tone early on, blending the fast-paced intensity of a hospital setting with awkward, slice-of-life humor reminiscent of The Office or Parks and Recreation. This familiar format allows St. Denis Medical to dive into the funny, relatable moments of healthcare that are usually glossed over, with patients and hospital staff both adding to the comic chaos. From tech mishaps to over-the-top fundraising schemes, the series captures the absurdity of running a medical facility on a shoestring budget, exposing the unfiltered humanity and well-meaning mistakes of everyone involved.

The cast shines with strong comedic timing and chemistry, especially the leads, who bring a mix of deadpan and slapstick humour that sells each moment. Leading the cast is Wendi McLendon-Covey as the hospital’s relentlessly optimistic yet deeply clueless administrator, Joyce. Known for her sharp wit in The Goldbergs, McLendon-Covey shines here as a leader whose enthusiasm far outstrips her competence. Her character is the heartbeat of the show, with McLendon-Covey delivering lines with a mix of naivety and gusto that makes her character both endearing and hilariously frustrating.

David Alan Grier also makes a memorable impression as Ron, an old-school surgeon whose attitude feels comically out of place in the modern healthcare setting. Grier brings a confident, deadpan delivery to his scenes, adding dry humor and a sense of detachment that play well against the hospital’s more frazzled personalities. His reluctance to adapt to the changing world of medicine and his often-blunt takes on patient care create some of the funniest moments.

Allison Tolman, as Nurse Alex, brings warmth and a touch of groundedness to the chaos. Tolman, known for her roles in Fargo and Good Girls, manages to anchor the absurdity of St. Denis Medical with a more relatable, compassionate character. She portrays Alex as the one truly competent staff member trying to hold it all together, and her scenes show the softer side of the hospital’s struggles, giving the show emotional depth amid the laughs.

Finally, Josh Lawson plays Bruce, a well-meaning but hilariously self-absorbed physician. His awkward attempts to connect with patients and coworkers are played with such earnestness that he becomes both a lovable goof and a source of cringeworthy moments. Lawson’s natural ability to lean into the awkwardness, with a mix of charm and cluelessness, adds a lot to the show’s humour.

With this talented cast, St. Denis Medical kicks off with strong character performances that bring its mockumentary style to life. Each actor embraces their character’s quirks, creating a lively and dysfunctional workplace that feels both chaotic and strangely lovable.

One of the standout qualities of St. Denis Medical is its balance of humour with moments of surprising warmth. While the show leans into absurdity, there’s a genuine heart to it, showing the dedication of healthcare workers even when they’re in over their heads. It captures the resilience and humour needed to work in a field where every day brings a new crisis, adding an emotional layer that makes the laughs feel earned.

Overall, St. Denis Medical starts strong, finding the humour in the highs and lows of healthcare without losing sight of the real challenges behind the laughs. If the first two episodes are any indication, this series could be a refreshing, feel-good addition to NBC’s lineup, offering a lighthearted but heartfelt look at the people behind the scrubs.

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