Sometimes, you need the (second) best hospital in the galaxy to cure whatever alien illness ails you. Enter Dr. Klak and Dr. Sleech, two distinguished surgeons with an eye for cracking intergalactic medical mysteries. Prime Video is slated to release Season 1 of The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, and I had the privilege of viewing all eight episodes before the show drops into your Earthling laps.
About The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy
Here’s a synopsis of the adult animated comedy per Amazon Studios:
“The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy follows Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak — aliens, best friends, and intergalactically renowned surgeons — as they tackle anxiety-eating parasites, illegal time loops, and deep-space STIs. In Season 1, they take on a highly dangerous and potentially groundbreaking case and, in doing so, put existence itself in jeopardy. Although considering their dismal personal lives, oblivion might be an improvement.”
The series stars Stephanie Hsu as Dr. Sleech, Keke Palmer as Dr. Klak, Kieran Culkin as Dr. Plowp, Maya Rudolph as Dr. Vlam, Natasha Lyonne as Nurse Tup and Sam Smith as Dr. Azel. It’s the brainchild of creator Cirocco Dunlap.
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The Future Is Splashy Neons and Alien Fluids
Firstly, this series boasts a gorgeous color palette. The visuals consist of bright pinks and purples — eye-catching neons and pastels that make one wish real life looked like that. Secondly, this universe is richly intricate and, dare I say it, innovative. Dunlap injects a ton of unique story ideas and fun sci-fi lore, ensuring this multi-galactic world feels fully realized and immersive.
The world-building works to its advantage and its detriment. The writers cram in so much world-building that the plot stumbles somewhat. There’s a struggle to balance the world-building with character development and the jokes. Because of this, a good chunk of the jokes don’t land, and the fast-paced story doesn’t allow enough time for them to truly take up space. Certain moments also don’t get the narrative weight they deserve before we barrel onto the next plot point.
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Season 1 could’ve benefitted tremendously from a longer episode count. In addition to the pace moving too quickly (a rarity in anything these days), specific characters are shoved to the side and not given their due. Of course, Klak and Sleech are our two intrepid leads, but the supporting cast deserves love, too. They should be fleshed out (here’s hoping if Amazon greenlights a second season that this happens).
It’s All in the Voice
As for the performances, everyone knocks it out of the park. Hsu and Palmer boast great chemistry as Sleech and Klak, with each performer delivering nuanced, grounded work. Rudolph always kills it. Culkin is a delightful addition as empath Dr. Plowp. Lyonne’s signature, endearing rasp will be instantly recognizable as Nurse Tup, and it works for the character. Smith has a blast as Dr. Azel, playing Klak’s often vain ex who’s damn good at their job.
Additionally, the diverse cast of characters is a breath of fresh air, with plenty of LGBTQIA+ representation. And despite the aliens being, well, aliens, the series delves into very human themes, like anxiety and stepping into your power. The anxiety dissection, in particular, is executed creatively. Now, if only one could invent an anxiety-eating parasite that’s non-lethal…
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That said, The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy lacks a crucial element — heart. There’s something sterile and clinical about the overall tone of Season 1. It feels surface-level and glossy. Occasionally, the series endeavors to mine the depths of its two leads, but it doesn’t go all the way despite Klak and Sleech’s innate messiness and complexities.
Bold But Struggles to Find Balance
I can appreciate how audacious the show is in its storytelling, but that ambition can sometimes hinder more than help, especially if it’s a struggle to pull off. More episodes would’ve remedied this. Despite this, there is still plenty to like.
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy isn’t a laugh-out-loud show. However, some amusing bits might elicit a chuckle or two in the rare moments the series lets a joke breathe. The vocal performances are easily a bright spot, so tune in for those.
Overall, this series has so much potential. It’s definitely worth a watch. With the significant world-building in its rearview mirror, here’s hoping a second season can iron out those narrative wrinkles and focus more on our characters.
The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy streams all eight episodes on Friday, February 23, 2024, only on Prime Video.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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