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Doogie Howser, M.D.

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Doogie Howser, M.D.
File:Doogie Howser MD.jpg
Doogie Howser Season 2 DVD
Created bySteven Bochco
David E. Kelley
StarringNeil Patrick Harris
Max Casella
Lisa Dean Ryan
Belinda Montgomery
James Sikking
Markus Redmond
Lawrence Pressman
Mitchell Anderson
Robyn Lively
Kathryn Layng
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes97
Production
Running time30 minutes
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseSeptember 19, 1989 –
March 24, 1993

The television show Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993) starred Neil Patrick Harris as a brilliant teenaged doctor who was also faced with the problems of being a normal teenager, despite having graduated from Princeton University at age 10[1]. The show was set in Los Angeles and ran for four years on ABC. It was created by Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley. The soundtrack of the series is by Mike Post and uses Post's trademark mid to late 1980's Yamaha DX-7 synthesizer. The concept for the show was allegedly inspired by the story of Dr. Howard A. Zucker who became an MD at age 22 and had a cousin who worked in programming at ABC at the time.[citation needed]

Trademarks of the show include Doogie's best friend, the fast-talking and mischievous Vinnie Delpino, played by Max Casella, climbing in through his window, and Doogie writing in his diary on his computer (using a DOS-based word processor) at the end of each episode.

The show characterized the genius Howser as a normal teenager, rather than having the stereotypical traits of TV "nerds" like Screech Powers (from Saved by the Bell) or Steve Urkel (from Family Matters). Steven Bochco revealed that the show's cancellation came abruptly at the hands of ABC executives--before he and the show's staff had a chance to complete the story line.[2]

  • Friends: The characters on Friends have used the term "Doogie" to refer (somewhat disparagingly) to someone they feel is not old enough to handle the job they claim they're prepared for.
  • Roseanne: Roseanne is put to sleep for breast surgery and has a dream the doctor gives her a breast enlargement instead of the intended breast reduction. Doogie Howser makes a guest appearance as the doctor in the dream.
  • Whose Line Is It Anyway?: Ryan Stiles has been compared to Neil Patrick Harris and Doogie Howser several times, by himself and Drew Carey.
  • Gilmore Girls: When Tanna reveals that she is 15, turning 16 years old, Lorelai says "Happy birthday Doogie", because most Yale freshmen are about 18-19 years old.
  • Rugrats: In an episode Angelica "broke" her leg and went to the doctor that is named Doogie Howser.
  • Family Guy: In an episode where the Griffin family is the subject of a new reality show, the episode ends with Meg writing to her diary in a fashion similar to that used in Doogie Howser.
  • Veronica Mars: In an episode Veronica writes an e-mail to Wallace and, as long as she doesn't receive any answer, names it as a sort of Doogie Howser diary.
  • Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle: Harold and Kumar recognize Neil Patrick Harris as Doogie Howser.

References

  1. ^ All Movie Guide</ by Hal Erickson, at the New York Times:"Created by Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley, the weekly, half-hour "dramedy" Doogie Howser, M.D. starred Neil Patrick Harris as Douglas "Doogie" Howser, a child prodigy who after completing high school in nine weeks, graduating from Princeton at age 10 and finishing medical school four years later, became at the tender age of 16 the youngest practicing physician in the country.".
  2. ^ Doogie Howser M.D., Season 1 DVD

See also

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