The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy embarks on a cosmic journey, pushing the boundaries of adult animation with a concoction of humor, existential dread, and interstellar medical anomalies. Created by Emmy Award-winner Cirocco Dunlap and brought to life by an ensemble cast under the banner of Maya Rudolph, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, and Natasha Lyonne’s Animal Pictures, the series not only marks a milestone for Prime Video but also sets a new precedent for sci-fi comedies.
The Doctors are In
At the heart of this galactic romp is Stephanie Hsu, whose portrayal of Dr. Sleech is nothing short of spectacular. Fresh off her Oscar-nominated performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Hsu transitions effortlessly into the animated realm, embodying a character that is both supremely competent and deeply insecure. Her ability to convey complex emotions through voice alone adds layers to Dr. Sleech, making her a standout character who navigates the chaos of the galaxy with both grace and vulnerability.
RELATED: INVINCIBLE Flies to the Rescue With Season 2 Part 2 Trailer
Keke Palmer’s performance as a doctor riddled with anxiety is equally commendable. Palmer fully embraces her character’s neuroses, delivering lines with a sincerity that is both humorous and heart-wrenching. Her portrayal highlights the show’s unique ability to use its outlandish setting and scenarios to explore very human emotions, making the anxiety experienced by her character relatable to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their surroundings.
The chemistry among the cast and guest stars is palpable, breathing life into Dunlap’s ambitious and bizarre universe. The inclusion of notable names such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Bowen Yang, and the Culkin brothers, among others, ensures that every episode is packed with dynamic interactions and stellar performances that elevate the material. This ensemble works in perfect harmony, making the galaxy feel both vast and intimately familiar.
So Weird, It’s Beyond Normal
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy thrives on its relatability, despite—or perhaps because of—its extraterrestrial setting. The series adeptly uses its sci-fi backdrop to address real-world issues, from mental health to the complexities of friendship and professional responsibility. The exaggerated scenarios serve not only as comedic fodder but also as metaphors for the trials and tribulations of everyday life. In this way, the series becomes a mirror reflecting our own world, making the laughter it induces resonate on a deeper, more meaningful level.
RELATED: HAZBIN HOTEL: Ranking the Best Songs of Season 1
However, it’s worth noting that the show’s brand of humor and storytelling might not appeal to everyone. Its willingness to dive into the absurd and occasionally uncomfortable aspects of human (and alien) psychology means that The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy occupies a niche that might not cater to all tastes. Yet, for those familiar with the strains of anxiety and the often ridiculous nature of coping mechanisms, the series will strike a chord-or tentacl-, providing both solace and entertainment.
The Prognosis is Good
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy is a riotous, heartwarming, and thought-provoking journey through space that manages to keep its feet firmly grounded in human emotion, without obvious human. beings. Its exploration of anxiety, professional pressures, and personal growth, all while navigating the cosmic absurdity of an interstellar hospital, makes for a viewing experience that is as hilarious as it is touching. With Dunlap at the helm and a cast that delivers every line with impeccable timing and emotional depth, the series is a must-watch for those looking for laughter that lingers and resonates long after the screen goes dark.
I give Prime Videos The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy a
7/10
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy will begin taking patients February 23, 2024, exclusively on Prime Video.
About The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy
Release Date: February 23, 2024, exclusively on Prime Video
Creator, Showrunner, Writer: Cirocco Dunlap
Executive Producers: Cirocco Dunlap, Maya Rudolph, Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Shauna McGarry, Shannon Prynoski, Chris Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio, Ben KalinaCo-Producer, Production Designer: Robin Eisenberg
Cast: Stephanie Hsu, Keke Palmer, Kieran Culkin, Sam Smith, Maya Rudolph, Natasha Lyonne
Synopsis
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy follows Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak—aliens, best friends, and intergalactically renowned surgeons—as they tackle anxiety-eating parasites, illegal time loops, and deep-space STIs. In Season One, doctors Sleech and Klak take on a highly dangerous and potentially groundbreaking case and, in doing so, put existence itself in jeopardy. Although considering their dismal personal lives, oblivion might be an improvement.
Are you constantly anxiety-ridden? Do you have self-deprecating coping mechanisms you use to be socially acceptable? Do you need to schedule an appointment at The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy? If so let us know your diagnosis on Discord!
KEEP READING: MR. & MRS. SMITH Review – I Spy Love in The Air
