'Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.' To Hang Up Her Stethoscope, Says Disney+

Jun 09, 2023

Fans and patients of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. are saying their final alohas to the Hawaii-themed series that was only in its second season.Disney+ announced that it was cancelling the series that starred Peyton Elizabeth Lee as a 16-year-old prodigy who was already a practicing physician.The series was based on Doogie Howser, M.D., a 97-episode show that ran on ABC from 1989 to 1993 with Neil Patrick Harris in the leading role. In the recently axed reboot, young Lahela (aka “Doogie”) was portrayed as a busy medic with a crush on Walter, a surfer portrayed by Alex Aiono. In the second season, released just five months ago, Lahela was seen turning her romantic attentions to a leukemia patient named Nico, played by Milo Manheim.The show’s cast also included Emma Meisel, Matthew Sato, Wes Tian, and Barry Bostwick, among others. It featured guest appearances by Alyson Hannigan, Magic Johnson, Margaret Cho and Max Greenfield.When Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. was released, critics praised Disney+ for reimagining the lead character as a multiracial female. NPR reviewer David Bianculli described Peyton Elizabeth Lee as “instantly endearing, with an energetic mixture of confidence and insecurities.”

He continued: “[T]his new Doogie is female and multiracial, the daughter of a Native Hawaiian dad and a white mom. The overall tone and flavor of this new Disney+ series is a bit closer to Disney Channel than primetime ABC, but it all works nicely. And while this new show is sweet, it also has some bite by having someone with her background as the leading character in a TV show and by openly exploring such topics as sexism, racism and ageism.”The cancellation has been attributed to cost-cutting moves by Disney+, which has also shelved several other shows in the wake of the pandemic and writers’ strike. They include Willow, The Mighty Duck, Big Shot, Turner & Hooch, and Diary of a Future President.Check out more of Edward’s articles.

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