Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen doc's adventures are poignant, funny in great reboot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say the show has received mixed reviews, with some praising it as a fun and inspiring series targeted towards tweens and teens, highlighting strong female role models and relatable themes of growing up. However, others criticize it for excessive reliance on inappropriate jokes and language that may not be suitable for younger viewers, while also pointing out casting issues that detract from its authenticity.
- strong female role
- mixed reviews
- inappropriate language
- aimed at tweens
- modernization concerns
- casting issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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