Is Disney’s New ‘Doogie Kamealoha, M.D’ Worth Your Time?

Another Wednesday on Disney+ brought viewers another Disney+ original with the release of the reboot of “Doogie Howser, M.D.”  In this version, the titular character is female and played by veritable Disney wünderkind, Peyton Lee (“Andi Mack” and “Secret Society of Second Born Royals”). 

Lahela takes the same course as in the original series as a whiz-kid who graduates high school before becoming a teenager and heads to medical school before becoming a doctor in a local hospital where her mother is the chief of staff.

In the first episode, Doogie must deal with balancing dealing with her mother both as a boss but still as a parental unit at home and the tensions that this causes as she attempts to have her curfew extended because she is going to the school dance and wants to be able to go out to a local restaurant afterward. 

Amidst those tensions, Doogie also has to deal with a patient who cares deeply about in the hospital due to heart issues.  Doogie counsels the patient about the benefits and drawbacks of a heart transplant while also clashing with the chief of cardiology over the proper care for him.

Throughout the course of the episode, we are introduced to the rest of Doogie’s family — her father and two brothers, one older and one younger.  And while not an official member of the family, Doogie’s best friend, Steph, is around and considered a family member.  We also learn that Steph has an unrequited crush on Doogie’s older brother — one that she tries to push to the next level by popping up at the Kamealoha household before heading to the dance.

By the end of the episode, Doogie is forced to deal with the realities of being a doctor when her patient suddenly passes away.  She seeks solace from both her mother, who shares with her the story of what she did when her first patient died, as well as her crush/dance date, Walter. 

The show’s final scene portrays Doogie getting her first kiss and reminiscing about it on her vlog/YouTube channel.  Gone are the days of the original series with a computerized journal.  Fans who enjoyed the original series are sure to appreciate the nostalgia of this reboot and find something valuable to share with their families.

The first episode clocked in at 30 minutes, so it is quickly watched and easily digestible for every family member.  The medical jargon is kept to a minimum, and the medical scenes come nowhere close to “Grey’s Anatomy” or “ER” in terms of visuals.  Like most shows of the recent Disney+ release schedule, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. drops on Wednesday mornings, so you can choose to enjoy the show immediately or save it for the weekend.

Did you take the temperature of this new addition to the Disney+ originals?  Are you going to be checking out more episodes each week?  Let us know what you think?