Laughter Is The Best Medicine: Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin Discuss “St Denis Medical”

In the rapidly-evolving landscape of broadcast television, workplace comedies have carved a reliable TV comedy niche, captivating audiences with their unique blend of humor and relatable situations. The creators of the hit NBC comedy show St. Denis Medical, Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin, shed light on the elements that make their series a comedic ratings bonanza with their unique brand of observational mockumentary-style comedy.

Spitzer and Ledgin break the season together and Ledgin heads the writers’ room. However, Justin is available to punch up jokes. They pitch the series as “being funny because it’s not supposed to be.”

Defining Humor and Comedy: The Foundational Elements of Workplace Comedy

At the heart of any successful character-driven comedy lies the ability to tap into the very nature of humor. When posed with the question of how to define humor within the context of broadcast comedy, Spitzer shares a simple insight: “Humor revolves around surprising or universal truths and observations that resonate with people.” This ability to connect with audiences is crucial, as it “tickles the mind or the soul.”

But what about the broader concept of comedy? Comedy writer Ledgin offers a thoughtful perspective by noting the inherent complexities of the genre. Television comedies require more than simply setting up and paying off jokes with a punchline.

He remarks that defining comedy is a bit like the Supreme Court’s definition of pornography—you know it when you see it. This playful analogy highlights the often subjective nature of humor; what sparks laughter in one person may leave another stone-faced.

They both agree that comedy often serves as a subversion of tragedy, showcasing how humor can emerge from even the most unlikely situations like a hospital.

The Current Landscape of Workplace Comedy on Broadcast Television

Recent trends confirm the resurgence of workplace comedies on network television creating a fertile ground for new stories and the restyling of familiar ones.

This shift is significant, particularly as streaming platforms have dominated viewing habits over the past few years. Spitzer observes, “It feels like we have a moment, or maybe we’re just realizing how fortunate we are amidst a decrease in overall programming.”

The popularity of workplace comedies can be attributed to several factors. For one, they tap into the shared experiences of many viewers who navigate their professional lives. Whether the setting is a hospital, office, or any other work environment, audiences find comfort in seeing characters face challenges and triumphs similar to their own.

Eric Ledgin. Photo by JSquared Photography/ NBCUniversal

Eric highlights the success of shows like Abbott Elementary, which has invigorated the workplace comedy genre, particularly in the mockumentary format. “They’ve brought so much energy and enthusiasm back,” he states. They bring a fresh dose of joy to audiences seeking a lighthearted escape from the mundanity of everyday life.

Additionally, the appeal of workplace comedies lies in their ability to navigate serious themes while maintaining a sense of levity. By injecting humor into complex and often difficult situations, these shows can address topics like workplace politics, conflicts, burnout, and interpersonal relationships.

 The Pillars of Comedy in St. Denis Medical

As creators, Spitzer and Ledgin articulate the foundational elements that drive the humor in their show: antics, awkwardness, and amor. Each of these pillars plays a crucial role in shaping the comedic tone and offer insight into the characters’ lives.

Antics: The element of antics evokes images of outrageous and unexpected situations. In a workplace comedy, antics often arise from exaggerated characters, unusual circumstances, or humorous misunderstandings that spiral out of control. These scenes provide an avenue for laughter, highlighting the absurdities often present in daily work life.

Spitzer notes that while antics can lead to standout comedic moments, they must be carefully grounded. “You’ll have these funny standout moments, the comedy isn’t broad in general,” he states.

Awkwardness: Another essential pillar of St Denis Medical is awkwardness—a cornerstone of mockumentary-style comedy. The uncomfortable silence, missed social cues, and cringe-inducing moments often generate laughter through their familiarity. Spitzer highlights the comedic power of awkwardness, stating, “In any mockumentary, that’s one of the wells you can go to.”

In St. Denis Medical, awkward encounters between characters can reveal deeper truths about their personalities and relationships, adding layers to the series.

Amor: Finally, the concept of amor (love) introduces a layer of romance and human connection to the show. Humor woven within romantic subplots can elicit laughter while exploring the complexities of relationships. By addressing love—whether it’s budding romances, love triangles, or comedic misadventures in dating— St. Denis Medical taps into an emotionally charged aspect of life that resonates with audiences.

Spitzer and Ledgin acknowledge that while these three pillars effectively capture the essence of their comedy, they also state that the well of comedy is far deeper.

[More: Eric Ledgin Works His Stethoscope In NBC’s Workplace Comedy “St. Denis Medical”]

Observational Humor in Workplace Comedy

In addition to the foundational pillars, St. Denis Medical excels in utilizing observational humor—comedy that reflects the quirks and nuances of everyday life.

Eric emphasizes the significance of observational humor when he states, “We all know relatable workplace comedy in general.” By drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, the creators craft scenarios that evoke laughter while grounding the narrative in realism. This allows viewers to see themselves in the characters and their struggles.

Moreover, the show addresses the conflicts that arise within a workplace, whether it’s coworker rivalry, power struggles, or interpersonal relationships.

Embracing Infinite Sources of Comedy in Broadcast Television

When asked about the source of their comedic inspiration, both creators express a shared belief in the limitless potential of comedy. Eric quips that the possible sources of humor could be anything from tragic incidents to everyday awkward moments. “We don’t limit ourselves,” Eric notes. “We draw from anywhere and everywhere.”

“Some of my favorite jokes have to do with the little poetry of a word placed in a weird spot. Sometimes it’s a person walking into a crash cart in a funny way. Sometimes it’s a look someone gives,” Eric continues.

“Sometimes the jokes come in when we’re talking about the very beginnings of a story. You lock into one moment, a dynamic, or even one joke that’s really funny. And then it’s a building block and we build around it.”

The creators understand the importance of character-driven comedy. In St. Denis Medical, each character is distinct, bringing their unique quirks and personalities to the table. As they navigate the challenges of their workplace, audiences become invested in their journeys. This emotional connection adds depth to the humor, allowing viewers to appreciate the characters’ growth while enjoying the comedic chaos.

The Evolving Role of Workplace Comedies in Modern Television

Workplace comedies have historically served as a mirror reflecting societal changes, cultural shifts, and workplace dynamics. In recent years, we have witnessed a transformation in how these narratives are constructed. With societal conversations around mental health, diversity, and empowerment shaping the landscape, modern workplace comedies are now better equipped to tackle relevant themes.

Justin Spitzer. Photo by David Livingston/ Getty Images

As Spitzer notes, this transformation is not just about comedy; “it’s about creating an environment where laughter can exist alongside understanding.” With the increasing emphasis on representation in the media, workplace comedies have the potential to highlight a diverse range of characters and experiences.

Ending Season 1

The highly anticipated followup is happening. The comedy writers note that Season 1 didn’t necessarily build up to a “finale” per se. They see it as “another strong episode.”  There are several episode ideas from the first season that may or may not be explored in Season 2. However, the first season does land on a number of cliffhangers – a mystery $10 million donation and the budding romance between Matt (Mekki Leeper) and Serena (Kahyun Kim). The donation plays right into Joyce’s hands as she decides how the money should be spent to benefit the hospital.

You learn so much about each character during the first season which lends itself to potential future storylines. That’s low-hanging fruit. “And then you’re climbing for higher fruit in each season.  And then you get to season five and we need to find a whole new fruit tree,” Eric says.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Laughter in Workplace Comedy

In a world that often feels overwhelming, workplace comedies like St. Denis Medical not only provide laughter and comfort, but also offer a reflection of life that audiences can relate to. As Spitzer and Ledgin continue to navigate the intricacies of comedy in television, their insights reveal much about the current state of humor and its significance in our daily lives.

The comedy writers demonstrate how laughter can arise from the most unexpected places, even during surgery. In doing so, they create a space where viewers can escape the stresses of everyday life, finding respite in comedy.

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by Staff Writer

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