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This new workplace sitcom is like 'The Office' meets 'Scrubs'.

Look, we know you've probably watched The Office and Superstore approximately 47 times each. I get it, I've been there too… desperately hunting for another workplace comedy that hits just right.

And for the sitcom fanatics out there, I've got some good news: you can put down that remote and cancel your plans, because St. Denis Medical is here to fill that comedy-shaped hole in your life. The show, which has just premiered on 7Plus in Australia, is like a crossover between The Office and Scrubs… and trust me, it's a good time.

Watch the trailer for St. Denis Medical. Article continues after video.


Video via YouTube/NBC.

After it scored rave reviews in the US, I had to check it out. The show is everything you would want from a classic ensemble sitcom — funny, wholesome, and full of relatable characters. It's the perfect blend of workplace chaos, heart-warming moments, and the kind of humour that can only come from people dealing with life and death situations daily.

Created by Superstore's Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin, this mockumentary-style series follows the overworked and underpaid healthcare workers at an Oregon hospital. And the cast? *Chef's kiss*.

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Starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Mekki Leeper, Kaliko Kauahi, Kahyun Kim and our very own Josh Lawson (because every great American sitcom needs an Aussie, right?), there is nothing I don't love about this talented lineup.

One of the show's main characters is Joyce, played by Wendi McLendon-Covey (who you'll recognise from The Goldbergs and Bridesmaids). Joyce, a former oncologist turned downtrodden hospital administrator, is the kind of character you can't help but root for — someone whose big dreams for the hospital are constantly at war with the harsh realities of budget constraints and bureaucratic nightmares.

Speaking to Mamamia recently, Wendi shared "what a gift" the character of Joyce was to her.

"She's not a cuddly person. She tries to be happy for the cameras, but you can tell she's about to explode," Wendi told Mamamia.

"She's not a hugger because you have germs. She has no kids. She's not married. But I loved that she was equally as unhinged as Beverly Goldberg, but in a different way. So that's kind of my favourite thing to play and what a gift this has been for me."

Still of characters from St. Denis Medical show. Wendi McLendon-Covey referenced her improv experience to tackle the character of Joyce. Image: NBC.

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What sets St. Denis Medical apart is its ability to find humour in the mundane realities of healthcare work.

This isn't the glamorous world of Grey's Anatomy — it's the real, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes hilarious, often soul-crushing world of everyday hospital life. My personal favourite part of the show, and what I loved about, say a show like Superstore, is its ability to make social commentary accessible. What makes the show special is the fact that it shines a light on some very-real world issues, whilst still making you laugh.

Regarding the elements of physical comedy within the show, something the character of Joyce readily embodies, Wendi referenced her history in improv and explained its importance in her performance.

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"I was always told in improv class, if you need to change your emotions, change your physicality," Wendi explained.

"So if you're feeling down, but you need to be really up, just start moving. Fake it until you make it and your body will catch up. So that's definitely what Joyce does a lot. I do a lot of high kicks, and I don't know why that has happened, but if you change your physicality, your brain will follow."

Still of characters from St. Denis Medical show. St. Denis Medical is created by Superstore's Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin. Image: NBC.

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While the premise and writing of St. Denis Medical is extremely clever, it's the stellar ensemble cast and their dynamic chemistry that really makes this show, and really any ensemble piece, shine.

The relationship between Allison Tolman's Alex and David Alan Grier's Ron feels genuine and lived-in, while Joyce trying to wrangle all the staff provides some of the show's most entertaining moments.

"Luckily, it existed from the beginning, because they just don't have time to do chemistry tests anymore. Maybe they do for movies, but not for TV, so luckily it existed," Wendi said about the cast's incredible chemistry.

"We all came to play, and we all really want to be there. So, even if there wasn't any chemistry, we would have made it work. But luckily, they're all delightful. And I love watching them."

Still of characters from St. Denis Medical show. What sets St. Denis Medical apart is its ability to find humour in the mundane realities of healthcare work. Image: NBC.

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In a world where we could all use a good laugh (and maybe a reminder that our own workplace isn't that bad), St. Denis Medical delivers exactly the kind of warm, witty comedy we need right now.

"Right now people need to laugh more than ever. And we need the good old-fashioned sitcoms to come back," Wendi explained.

"We need those comfort shows right now, and it makes me happy to see more of them being green lit and just selfishly, as someone who loves television, I know a lot of funny people that I want to watch."

Given the show has already been renewed for a second season, it's safe to say she's right about that.

St Denis Medical is available to stream on 7Plus from February 3, 2025.

Feature image: NBC.

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