Doogie Howser, M.D.

I remember Doogie Howser, a sitcom that ushered the world into the 90s. It had its charms and fantasy element, and a young Neil Patrick Harris who would become a massive star later on in life. There's one minor character in the series, an African-American, who befriended Doogie and his Italian friend, but I forget his name. I look forward to watching the Disney reboot Doogie Kamealoha, M. D.

Before there was Dr. Sean Murphy on "The Good Doctor," there was "Doogie Howser M.D." Doogie Howser was the child prodigy that was a doctor by the time he was 14-years-old or so. I just remember thinking how cool that was. Plus, I liked how at the end of each episode he'd type in his computer journal what he'd learned that day about life.

Doogie Howser has got to be one of the coolest shows of the 80's. Anyone born in the 70's probably has pretty fond memories of the show. As for me, I grew up watching the show and was a loyal viewer. Doogie was a show about a teenage kid who is a genius and finished school at an early age and became a doctor during his teen years. Most people would expect a guy like Doogie to be a nerd but this guy wasn't. He displayed a true side to himself, and while he had insecurities, his strengths easily outweighed them. In the show, he was a good friend, with a good heart and was in touch with his family who was pretty supportive of him. Basically, Doogie juggles his life as a doctor along with his social life and growing up as a teenager. He has a best friend named Vinnie and a girlfriend named Wanda played by Lisa Dean Ryan. Although Doogie doesn't have a clique like many teenagers, he trades in that part of being a teen for helping people as a doctor. Doogie is often found to go the extra mile in helping his patients or anyone in general. I remember one episode of Doogie, where Doogie is caught up in a convenience store robery; and Doogie ends up befriending the robber while held hostage, and ends up giving the robber a job at the hospital. This is truly a good show and is definitely a part of my childhood. I will always remember it fondly.

You really don't realize just how much our collective consciousness has changed until you watch some of the 80s-90s shows and cringe. Doogie Howser is no exception. I love NPH in this role, he was perfect for it. But some of the storylines wouldn't work in today's environment. Like the episodes where much older women come on to Doogie, even though in the original storyline it was probably meant to be amusing. Now it's downright creepy. Then there's Max, the constantly thinking of sex next door neighbor. Funny back then, but now comes across as a potential later-in-life sexual predator. Some shows age well (think Friends) but not Doogie. If you want to see NPH, watch How I Met Your Mother instead.

Doogie Houser, MD. Just the name brings a smile of remembrance to me. In the tradition of such television classics as L.A. LAW, NYPD Blue and Hill Street Blues, Doogie Houser, MD was a wonderfully funny with a touch of life. As a 30 something adult when I first watched Doogie in late night reruns, I was hooked by its' humor and wit while watching this "kid" with a adult mind, yet the hormones and maturity of a teenager, grow into independence. Memorable episodes include his first day, the late night skinny dip (as mentioned by another viewer), the practical joke he played on other hospital staff only to have it ruthlessly reciprocated, and the apartment with his best friend Vinny. There is some risqué humor but it is nothing when compared to today's standards. I always enjoyed seeing the relationship he had with his dad(James Sikking) and mom(Belinda Montgomery). I had the entire series recorded but sacrificed them for NFL games. BIG mistake!! Doogie Houser, MD will long be cherished by this now 40 something dad and his now 20 something daughters. I look forward to seeing Doogies journal again.