Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 82° Today's Paper


FeaturesTop News

Hawaii’s ‘Doogie Kamealoha’ series comes to an end

Steven Mark
COURTESY DISNEY
                                Jason Scott Lee, as Benny Kamealoha, appears with Elizabeth Peyton Lee, as his daughter, Dr. Lahela Kamealoha, in a scene from “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” After two seasons, the series has been canceled, according to several entertainment websites.
1/1
Swipe or click to see more

COURTESY DISNEY

Jason Scott Lee, as Benny Kamealoha, appears with Elizabeth Peyton Lee, as his daughter, Dr. Lahela Kamealoha, in a scene from “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” After two seasons, the series has been canceled, according to several entertainment websites.

“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” the Hawaii-based takeoff on the iconic “Doogie Howser, M.D.” series of the 1980s and ’90s, has been canceled after two seasons, according to several sources.

The cancellation was announced on the online entertainment website TVLine, its sister publication Deadline and the online version of Variety magazine. The show, which streamed on Disney+ starting in the fall of 2021, had a second season this spring. Disney could not be reached for comment.

The show starred Peyton Elizabeth Lee as a 16-year-old prodigy, Dr. Lahela Kamealoha, trying to juggle the demands of her career as a young doctor with the pressures of adolescence. The situation paralleled that of the popular “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” which aired from 1989 to 1993 and starred Neil Patrick Harris in the title role. Early in “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” a reference was made to that series as a way to explain why Lahela is nicknamed “Doogie” by her co-workers at the hospital.

The show was created by Hawaii-born Kourtney Kang, who as the main writer for the show incorporated several Hawaii references into the storylines, such as popular Hawaiian foods or patients who suffered surfing-related maladies. The show also starred actors with Hawaii ties, notably Hawaii island resident Jason Scott Lee, who played Lahela’s father, Benny, a food-truck owner. Matt Sato of Mililani played Lahela’s brother Kai and Mapuana Makia of Maui played hospital co-worker Noelani Nakayama. The show was shot on location.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.