Peyton Elizabeth Lee Is ‘Like a Real-Life Doogie Howser’ in ‘Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.’ Trailer (VIDEO)
Inspired by the ’90s series Doogie Howser, M.D. starring Neil Patrick Harris, Peyton Elizabeth Lee is doing the rounds in the first trailer for the Disney+ coming-of-age dramedy Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. As a 16-year-old medical prodigy, Lahela “Doogie” Kamealoha must learn how to balance her medical career with life as a regular teenager.
“With the support of her caring and comical ‘ohana (family) and friends, Lahela is determined to make the most of her teenage years and forge her own path,” states the show’s description.
Filmed on location in O’ahu, Hawaii, the trailer makes it clear that the show is not set in the same universe as the original series. “She’s like a real-life Doogie Howser! That’s why we call her Doogie,” states one of Lahela’s co-workers.
As she balances working alongside her mother (Kathleen Rose Perkins) with basic teenage dilemmas, such as having a crush on a boy, her father (Jason Scott Lee) has concern over her work/life balance. “I think she just needs room to make mistakes like all teenagers. I’m afraid she’s missing out,” he says.
Despite feeling like her knowledge is a “superpower,” Lahela feels the same way. “I’m a doctor now, and it’s not fair that I get all that pressure but none of the fun,” she says. But, she’s up for the challenge, stating, “I just feel so ready for everything.”
The upcoming series also stars Matthew Sato, Wes Tian, Emma Meisel, Mapuana Makia, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Alex Aiono, and Ronny Chieng. Randall Park, Max Greenfield, and Margaret Cho are set to make guest appearances, among many others.
The series is partially inspired by show creator and executive producer Kourtney Kang’s own experiences growing up in a mixed-race Asian-American family. In addition to his guest appearance, Park will help direct the series with Gina Rodriguez and executive producers Jake Kasdan, Jesse Bochco, and Erin O’Malley. Additional executive producers include Melvin Mar, Dayna Bochco, Matt Kuhn, and Justin McEwen.
Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., Series Premiere, Wednesday, September 8, Disney+