The Sketchy Reunion of ‘St. Denis Medical’

Damon Wayans has been cast in a guest role on NBC’s mockumentary series “St. Denis Medical,” reuniting him with old collaborator David Alan Grier. This move has sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism from fans of the original sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” which launched the careers of both comedians.

The reunion will take place in the show’s season three premiere on November 2nd, with Wayans playing Dr. Highland, a charming but pompous new doctor who brings his own brand of swagger to the understaffed Oregon hospital where the show is set. This guest appearance has brought back memories of “In Living Color’s” heyday in the early 1990s, when Wayans and Grier were two of the breakout stars of the show.

Despite its talented ensemble cast, including Wendi McLendon-Covey, Josh Lawson, and Kaliko Kauahi, “St. Denis Medical” has struggled to find a consistent audience since its debut in 2022. With Wayans joining the show for just one episode, it remains to be seen whether his involvement will boost viewership or merely provide a fleeting moment of nostalgia.

The creative team’s reliance on name recognition rather than genuine storytelling is a concern. Critics have panned “St. Denis Medical” for its predictable plotlines and lackluster writing. By bringing in a high-profile guest star like Wayans, the show may be trying to compensate for its own shortcomings rather than addressing the root issues that have plagued it from the start.

The allure of seeing two comedic legends reunite on screen is undeniable. The “In Living Color” cast was known for their irreverent humor and willingness to push boundaries, qualities that are still sorely lacking in many modern comedies. Perhaps this guest appearance will inspire a new wave of creative risk-taking from the show’s writers or provide a much-needed jolt of energy to the series.

As “St. Denis Medical” enters its third season, it’s clear that the show is still searching for its footing. With Wayans on board for just one episode, this reunion may be more of a marketing ploy than a genuine attempt to revitalize the series. Nevertheless, fans of both “In Living Color” and “St. Denis Medical” will undoubtedly be tuning in to see what sparks fly when these two comedic greats share the screen once again.

The real question is whether one episode from a comedy legend can save a sinking ship or merely provide a fleeting moment of entertainment before the show’s deeper problems resurface. Only time will tell if Damon Wayans’ guest appearance on “St. Denis Medical” is enough to breathe new life into the struggling series.