Dr. Ken

Ken Jeong and Suzy Nakamura on Sidewalks

Dr. Ken is an American sitcom that aired on ABC from October 2, 2015, to March 31, 2017. The series was created, written, and co-executive produced by its lead, Ken Jeong, who is also a licensed physician. The show is loosely inspired by Jeong's own experience as a doctor prior to becoming a stand-up comedian and actor. Dr. Ken chronicles the life of Dr. Ken Park, a physician who tries to balance his career, marriage, and parenting, often in hilariously awkward ways.

Plot

The series focuses on Dr. Ken Park, portrayed by Ken Jeong, who works as a physician at Welltopia Medical Group. He is married to Allison Park, a therapist, and they have two children, Molly and Dave. The show explores Ken's attempts to be a good doctor, a supportive husband, and a loving father, often failing comically at one or the other. His workplace is filled with colorful characters, including Damona, the sassy office manager; Clark, the naive nurse; and Pat, the hospital's director, who often clashes with Ken.

Cast and Characters

• Ken Jeong as Dr. Ken Park, a general practitioner with good intentions but often finds himself in comedic predicaments.
• Suzy Nakamura as Allison Park, Ken's wife and a therapist who often provides the voice of reason in the family.
• Tisha Campbell-Martin as Damona Watkins, the outspoken and confident office manager at Welltopia.
• Jonathan Slavin as Clark Leslie Beavers, a cheerful and supportive nurse at Welltopia.
• Albert Tsai as Dave Park, Ken and Allison's intelligent and quirky son.
• Krista Marie Yu as Molly Park, Ken and Allison's teenage daughter, navigating the challenges of adolescence.
• Dave Foley as Pat Hein, the hospital's director who frequently butts heads with Ken.

Production

Dr. Ken was produced by Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. The show's creation was significantly influenced by Ken Jeong's personal experiences as a physician. Jeong's transition from medicine to comedy and acting provided a unique perspective that shaped the series' comedic and heartfelt moments. Despite its fictional nature, Dr. Ken occasionally incorporated medical scenarios that reflected Jeong's medical knowledge.

Reception

Dr. Ken received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Jeong's performance and the cast's chemistry, while others criticized the show for its reliance on traditional sitcom formulas and perceived lack of originality. Despite this, Dr. Ken garnered a dedicated fan base that appreciated its humor and warmth.

Cancellation

After two seasons, Dr. Ken was cancelled by ABC. The cancellation was met with disappointment from fans who had grown attached to the show's characters and humor. Following the show's end, Ken Jeong continued to pursue his acting career, appearing in various film and television projects.

Legacy

While Dr. Ken may not have been a critical darling, it holds a special place in the hearts of its fans. The show's blend of comedy, family dynamics, and workplace humor, combined with Jeong's unique background as a physician, offered a fresh take on the traditional sitcom format. Dr. Ken remains a notable part of Ken Jeong's career, showcasing his talents as an actor, writer, and producer.