Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)

The groundbreaking ABC dramedy that made Neil Patrick Harris a star by following a teenage genius through the dual demands of medicine and adolescence.

Doogie Howser, M.D. - Series Information

  • Original Title: Doogie Howser, M.D.
  • First Air Year: 1989
  • Last Air Year: 1993
  • Created by: David E. Kelley, Steven Bochco
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Comedy
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 27 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 4
  • Number of Episodes: 97
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 19, 1989 (Brazil - 10)
  • Networks: ABC
  • Alternative Titles: Dr Doogie (FR)
  • Production Companies: 20th Century Fox Television, Steven Bochco Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Doogie Howser, M.D. - Plot

Doogie Howser is a doctor. He is also a 16-year-old genius who graduated college at age 10 and finished medical school at age 14. But he is still a teenager, with normal teenage friends and problems. But unlike a normal teenager, he is just learning to drive while also consulting on serious medical cases like heart transplants.

Doogie Howser, M.D. - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • David E. Kelley
  • Steven Bochco

Main Cast

  • Neil Patrick Harris
  • Max Casella
  • Belinda Montgomery
  • Lawrence Pressman
  • Kathryn Layng
  • James B. Sikking
  • Markus Redmond
  • Mitchell Anderson
  • Lisa Dean Ryan
  • Anne Rickets

Writers

  • Hollis Rich
  • Vic Rauseo
  • Linda Morris
  • Steven Bochco
  • Nick Harding

Doogie Howser, M.D. - FAQs

Who played Doogie Howser in the original series?

Neil Patrick Harris played the title role of Doogie Howser in the original ABC series. The role launched his career when he was just 16 years old. His portrayal of the teenage doctor earned him a Golden Globe nomination and made him a household name throughout the early 1990s.

What is Doogie Howser, M.D. about?

Doogie Howser, M.D. follows Douglas 'Doogie' Howser, a 16-year-old prodigy who graduated college at 10 and completed medical school at 14. The show balances his demanding career as a hospital physician with the ordinary struggles of teenage life, including friendships, romance, and growing up.

Is Doogie Howser, M.D. based on a true story?

Doogie Howser, M.D. is a fictional creation by Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley, not based on a specific real person. However, the concept was inspired by real-world child prodigies and the broader cultural fascination with exceptionally gifted young people entering adult professional environments at an unusually early age.

When did Doogie Howser, M.D. first air?

Doogie Howser, M.D. premiered on September 19, 1989, on ABC. The series ran for four seasons and concluded in 1993, producing 97 episodes in total. It became one of the defining television series of the early 1990s and helped establish Neil Patrick Harris as a major star.

How many seasons does Doogie Howser, M.D. have?

Doogie Howser, M.D. ran for four seasons on ABC, from 1989 to 1993. Season 1 contained 26 episodes, Season 2 had 25, Season 3 featured 24, and Season 4 wrapped the series with 22 episodes, bringing the total to 97 episodes across its entire run.

Who created Doogie Howser, M.D.?

Doogie Howser, M.D. was created by Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley, two of television's most celebrated producers and writers. Bochco was already renowned for Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law, while Kelley would go on to create Boston Legal and Ally McBeal after their collaboration on this series.

Did Doogie Howser, M.D. win any awards?

Neil Patrick Harris received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series for his work on Doogie Howser, M.D. The series itself was recognized for its unique blend of medical drama and coming-of-age comedy, earning praise from critics and strong ratings throughout its four-season run.

Are there any shows similar to Doogie Howser, M.D.?

Viewers who enjoyed Doogie Howser, M.D. may also appreciate similar coming-of-age or teen-focused series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Degrassi Junior High, Growing Pains, and Punky Brewster. These shows share the series' blend of youthful perspective, heartfelt storytelling, and the challenges of growing up under unusual circumstances.

More About Doogie Howser, M.D.

Explore further details about Doogie Howser, M.D. through these authoritative external resources.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error