Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
Parents say
Based on 6 reviews
Kids say
Based on 16 reviews
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Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., a reboot of the 1990s classic show Doogie Howser, M.D., is about a 16-year-old doctor living and working in Hawaii. Lahela "Doogie" Kamealoha (played by Andi Mack's Peyton Elizabeth Lee) is an excellent doctor: She's calm in emergencies, confident, and focused, but also kind and patient. As in many medical dramas, illness and death are frequent subjects, some injuries are shown, and Lahela has to deal with the deaths of beloved patients. There are some moments based in stereotypes, like a dad sizing up his daughter's date, and jokes about Asian parents. Sex jokes include talk of puberty, what happens to tattoos after pregnancy, and mentions of "frontal grinding." But overall, this excellent watch-together series is filled with positive messages, compassion, and a loving family.
Community Reviews
Not as family friendly as I hoped
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Great show but not for kids because of sexual references!
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What's the Story?
Lahela (don't even think about calling her "Doogie") Kamealoha is a 16-year-old doctor living and working in Hawaii in this reboot of the 1990s classic series Doogie Howser, M.D. Her mom Clara (Kathleen Rose Perkins, Episodes) is also a doctor at the hospital where Lahela works, and her relaxed dad Benny (Jason Scott Lee, Mulan) runs a shave ice truck when he's not surfing. Even though Lahela gets along well enough with her mom to make TikToks together, there's a lot of tension between them, as Clara is the boss both at work and at home. Add in teen stuff like a first dance, pushing curfews, a nosy dad, and getting her driver's license, and Lahela has a lot going on. Luckily, her best friend Steph, her romantic interest Walter, and her hospital colleagues are there to support her as she navigates how to follow the Aloha Spirit and the Hippocratic Oath.
Is It Any Good?
This excellent, warm series proves that reboots can actually be made fresh with a few well-placed twists. And speaking of places, Hawaii takes center stage along with the radiant Lee. She shone as Andi Mack and proves that she can carry yet another show, giving Lahela tons of humanity (not that we didn't love Neil Patrick Harris as Doogie in the '90s) while still remaining believable as an actual doctor. One of Lahela's colleagues, Charles, brings comic relief as an island newbie ("He doesn't even know when to shaka!"), and comic Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show) shows depth as Dr. Lee, a more senior doctor and mentor to Lahela.
Younger kids might be stressed by the medical setting, and the show pulls no punches when it comes to the reality of illness and the hard work doctors have to do. But tweens and teens will love seeing the Kamealoha clan, which includes two "normal" but no less loved brothers, as they all interact and have fun at the beach and at home. Is the premise just as ridiculous as it was the first time around? Absolutely, and the results are just as (if not more) enjoyable to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Lahela balances being a prodigy and being a regular teen. How do you and your family find balance in your lives? Lahela's family often finds relaxation in the ocean. Are there places you go to help you figure out how you feel?
What is life like as a doctor? What other careers are challenging but rewarding? How do doctors use compassion and courage to work with patients and make hard choices? Why are these important character strengths?
The Kamealohas are close despite being very different. How does your family find ways to get along and have fun?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 8, 2021
- Cast: Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jason Scott Lee, Kathleen Rose Perkins
- Network: Disney+
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Doogie Howser, M.D.
Prodigy juggles a career as a doctor with teenage issues.
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Andi Mack
Heartwarming, diverse coming-of-age story best for tweens.
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The Good Doctor
Doc on autism spectrum defies prejudices in medical drama.
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Finding 'Ohana
Fun Hawaii adventure celebrates culture; peril, language.
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Fuller House
Nostalgia bolsters family-centric sequel of '80s sitcom.
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