Childrens' Hospital

Childrens' Hospital is a hilarious parody of the medical drama genre, streaming on Adult Swim. Created and produced by Rob Corddry, who also stars in the show, this eccentric series premiered in 2008 and ran until 2016, providing eight years of laugh-out-loud television.

Set in the fictitious Childrens' Hospital (appropriately missing an apostrophe, adding to the comedy of the show), the series brilliantly references and satirizes the likes of popular medical dramas like 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'ER,' and 'House.' However, despite the serious setting of a children's hospital, the show does not focus on depressing or dramatic storylines. Instead, it's all about the comedic and frequently absurd lives, personal and professional, of the hospital staff. These healthcare professionals are more interested in their love triangles, rivalries, and totally inappropriate behavior than in the lives of their young patients.

Rob Corddry plays Dr. Blake Downs, a clown who believes in 'the healing power of laughter' over medicine. His character is easily recognizable by his make-up smeared face and bloody doctor's smock, leading to an exaggerated and surreal persona that epitomizes the show's relentless absurdity. Corddry's performance is complemented by a stellar ensemble cast, making Childrens' Hospital a robust hub of comedy talent.

Critically acclaimed actor Ken Marino stars as Dr. Glenn Richie, a Jewish doctor with an unconventional medical approach and plenty of humorous quirks, serving up significant contributions to the overall comedic landscape of the series. The show also boasts of Megan Mullally in the role of Chief, a handicapped character whose wheelchair-bound status is questionably legitimate and a constant source of humor.

The lovely and talented Lake Bell adds to the charm of the series as Dr. Cat Black, a complex character whose relationships and personal turmoil are a parody of the romantic entanglements common in serious medical dramas. Erinn Hayes brilliantly portrays the ditsy yet lovable Dr. Lola Spratt, while Rob Huebel shines as the endearingly arrogant Dr. Owen Maestro.

Rounding out this fantastic ensemble is the legendary Henry Winkler as Sy Mittleman, the hospital's baffled administrator who seems more intent on cost-cutting than patient care. And make no mistake, the presence of Michael Cera cannot be ignored. While mostly involved off-camera as the show's narrator, his distinctive voice-over provides a whimsical commentary often at odds with the on-screen chaos, amplifying the overall humor.

Each episode typically embraces standalone narrative, often abandoning traditional plot for the sake of comedy. The hospital serves as more of a backdrop for the eccentricities and ridiculous antics of the hospital staff, rather than a hub for life-and-death medical situations. It navigates subjects using rapid-fire jokes, visual humor, wordplay, slapstick moments, surrealist segments and a consistent dose of irony. Even the fourth wall isn't safe, as characters frequently break it to interact directly with the audience.

The series skillfully uses bizarre plotlines, clever writing, and ironic humor to subvert medical drama tropes, resulting in a surreal viewer experience that is both refreshing and unique in the realm of television comedy. Show creator Corddry and his creative team are unabashed in their wacky imagination, bringing to life the most unimaginable scenarios that are bound to leave viewers laughing uncontrollably.

Childrens' Hospital is a comedic gem that delivers consistent humor and pushes boundaries within its simple framework. Never missing a beat, the series uses its short 11-minute runtime per episode to bombard viewers with relentless comedy, making it an easily digestible and thoroughly enjoyable watch.

For anyone tired of the predictability and formulaic nature of traditional sitcoms, Childrens' Hospital serves as a refreshing and absurdly delightful treat. It spoofs the medical drama genre in a way no other show has ever dared to do. With an outrageously funny script packed with brilliant one-liners and a spate of clever sight gags, plus an impressive roster of guest stars, this series is a comedic tour de force that will continue to tickle your funny bone even after the end credits roll.

Hilarious, audacious, and irreverently outrageous, Childrens' Hospital is an enjoyable romp into the absurd. Its unique blend of humor and parody offers countless laughs and guarantees an entertaining viewing experience. The hosts of absurd characters, united by their incompetence and eccentricities, create a riotously funny atmosphere that is nothing short of chaotic comedy gold.