INDIANAPOLIS — A new mockumentary workplace comedy is coming to NBC.
Following similar formats like "The Office," "Parks & Recreation" and "Abbott Elementary," "St. Denis Medical" takes audiences inside an underfunded Oregon hospital where the doctors, nurses and medical staff are doing their best to keep their cool and care for their patients.
"My character very stupidly believes that if she makes this hospital beautiful, then people will travel there from all over the world and make this a destination medical property," said Wendi McLendon-Covey ("Bridesmaids," "The Goldbergs"), who plays Joyce, the hospital's administrator. "Those are her big dreams. This is never going to happen, probably, but it's what gets her out of bed in the morning and keeps her going."
The ensemble cast includes Emmy nominee Allison Tolman ("Fargo," "Why Women Kill"), Tony winner David Alan Grier ("In Living Color," "Martin"), Josh Lawson ("Superstore," "Mortal Combat"), Mekki Leeper ("Jury Duty," "The Sex Lives of College Girls"), Kaliko Kauahi ("Superstore," "Raven's Home") and Kahyun Kim ("Cocaine Bear").
"We didn't have a chance for chemistry reads, so luckily, the chemistry is there organically," McLendon-Covey said. "Have I laughed so hard at Mekki sometimes that I have ruined a take? Of course I have. That's what it's going to be when we go to work with these people. If I laugh my butt off in a day, that's a good day."
There have been many medical dramas to show us the heartbreak inside hospitals, but "St. Denis Medical" is here to show audiences the comedic moments.
"One thing that this series has taught us is we have the utmost respect for health care workers. People who are doing things that we don't have the guts to do – and they're not doing it for the money – they're doing it because it's the right thing to do and there's a need."
Already given an 18-episode first season, there are plenty of avenues "St. Denis Medical" can explore in future seasons.
"I really hope my character finds some kind of work-life balance, but I don't think she will," McLendon-Covey said. "She doesn't know how to do that. She's not a warm, cuddly person, but I think that's also why she's so funny. She's such a disaster."
New episodes of "St. Denis Medical" air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.