Warning: This article reveals plot details from
St. Denis Medical’s season 1, episode 6, titled “Ho-Ho-Hollo.”
Since its debut, Abbott Elementary has successfully reinvigorated the mockumentary sitcom genre, paving the way for the emergence of St. Denis Medical in 2024. This new NBC medical comedy, brought to life by co-creators Justin Spitzer—renowned for his work on Superstore—and Eric Ledgin, is set against the backdrop of the fictitious St. Denis Medical Center in Oregon. Characterized by a diverse cast of quirky and humorous individuals, the show thrives on the chemistry among its characters, echoing the dynamic showcased in Abbott Elementary.
St. Denis Medical graces the small screen every Tuesday at 8 PM ET on NBC. Fans can look forward to season 1’s highly anticipated episode 7, “50 CC’s of Kindness,”which airs on January 14, 2025. The ensemble cast features notable performances by Wendi McLendon-Covey (Joyce), Allison Tolman (Alex), Josh Lawson (Bruce), Kahyun Kim (Serena), Mekki Leeper (Matt), David Alan Grier (Ron), and Kaliko Kauahi (Val). Their unique interactions are pivotal to the show’s humor, as it deftly explores various character relationships, including a subtle yet intriguing potential romance.
Holiday Episode Highlights Matt’s Growing Affection for Serena
Matt’s Initial Attraction to Serena
Introduced in the pilot episode, Matt’s character is the fresh face at St. Denis Medical, embodying the “fish-out-of-water”narrative, largely due to his strict religious upbringing which contrasts sharply with his new surroundings. Alongside his journey of adaptation, the storyline subtly intertwines his infatuation with Serena—a poised and confident nurse, known for her candid demeanor. Although St. Denis Medical has not heavily prioritized this romantic subplot thus far, season 1’s holiday episode hints at Matt’s growing feelings for Serena.
Throughout the season, hints of Matt’s affection toward Serena have been sprinkled into the narrative, with moments of admiration and occasional quips. However, in episode 7, a significant scene comes to light where their banter takes on a flirtatious tone. During their interaction, Matt shares a joke that elicits a laugh from Serena, and the camera lingers on Matt’s expression, showcasing a rare moment of connection. This subtle yet telling moment could signify the first steps of a deeper relationship.
Could Matt & Serena Evolve Like Janine & Gregory Did?
The Evolution of Janine & Gregory’s Romance
St. Denis Medical often draws comparisons to Abbott Elementary, not only because both series utilize the mockumentary format but also due to thematic parallels. Just as Janine and Gregory’s mutual attraction began in the pilot episode of Abbott Elementary, Matt’s budding feelings for Serena sparked from their initial encounter in St. Denis Medical. This similarity raises the possibility that Matt and Serena could evolve into a comparable dynamic, reminiscent of the slow-burn romance fans have come to love.
While Matt’s affection for Serena appears to deepen, it seems that Serena remains largely oblivious to his feelings at this stage. Unlike the romantic tension that was evident from the beginning between Janine and Gregory, Matt’s attraction is curiously one-sided, opening up potential avenues for exploration as the narrative progresses.
St. Denis Medical does borrow from prior sitcom successes, highlighting slow-blossoming romances as seen in shows like The Office. However, it uniquely carves its path, drawing from aspects of Abbott Elementary while maintaining its distinct character-driven humor. Given its trajectory, Matt and Serena’s story has the potential to develop into an intriguing subplot, confirming that the influences of sitcom legacy can yield new tales.
A Study in Contrast: Janine & Gregory vs. Matt & Serena
The Nature of Matt’s Infatuation
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In Abbott Elementary, the mutual crush between Janine and Gregory was unmistakable from the outset. In stark contrast, Matt’s attraction to Serena remains decidedly one-sided, with limited development since the midseason finale. His infatuation continues to blossom, yet Serena seems unaware of his feelings, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to their dynamic.
| Cast Member | Character |
|---|---|
| Wendi McLendon-Covey | Joyce |
| David Alan Grier | Ron |
| Allison Tolman | Alex |
| Josh Lawson | Bruce |
| Mekki Leeper | Matt |
| Kahyun Kim | Serena |
| Kaliko Kauahi | Val |
It’s important to note that the potential romance between Matt and Serena has not been a central focus for St. Denis Medical, unlike the dynamics in Abbott Elementary. As co-creator Eric Ledgin remarked during a recent interview with Screen Rant, the relationship will progress organically, should it become significant to the storyline:
“I didn’t really want to lead with a will they/won’t they at the center of the show unless it organically seemed like that [was the way to go]. You develop the characters, and you figure out what their background is going to be, and their dynamics with each other. And if something emerges, then great, run in that direction.
It did seem interesting to have a will I/won’t I, which is what I call Matt’s crush, because currently, at least in the beginning of the season, Serena’s completely unaware of it. And that seemed like a fun thing to play and be able to work into a slow burn. Especially as you meet them, it doesn’t seem like these two are a great match. And so I kind of liked the setup of that. It allows us to choose to go whichever way the story wants to naturally go and have it be surprising along the way, I hope.”
Unlike Abbott Elementary that prominently features romantic subplots, St. Denis Medical opts for a more understated portrayal of relationships. The subtle nature of Matt and Serena’s interactions suggests a longer-burn narrative, diverging from the swift development seen in Abbott Elementary. Fans remain hopeful for the show’s continuation on NBC, eagerly anticipating the evolution of Matt and Serena’s relationship.