Kauai native Kaliko Kauahi makes her return to television with the highly anticipated second season of NBC’s “St. Denis Medical,” premiering on March 25, 2024. This mockumentary sitcom offers a humorous yet poignant look at the lives of the quirky staff at a struggling hospital in Oregon. The show, co-created by Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin, delves into the complexities of a high-pressure workplace where personal dynamics often lead to both conflict and camaraderie.
Kauahi features prominently as Val, the no-nonsense nurse administrator known for her pragmatic approach to the chaos surrounding her. While media descriptions often label Val as “surly,” Kauahi presents a different perspective. “She’s someone who is really good at her job,” Kauahi explained. “The high jinks at the hospital sometimes get out of control, but Val’s always gonna keep it in control, keep things moving.”
As the show transitions into its new season, Kauahi noted that viewers can expect a richer exploration of the characters’ lives beyond the hospital. “In Season 1, we got to know everyone a little bit. In Season 2, we really delve into each of the characters and see more of their life outside of the hospital,” she said. “There’ll be more high jinks, lots of fun, lots of laughs.”
Career Journey and Aspirations
Kauahi’s journey began at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, followed by her studies in communications and recording arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Her breakout role came as Sandra Kaluiokalani on NBC’s “Superstore,” where she transitioned from a recurring character to a series regular. She has also portrayed Principal Kwan on the Disney Channel series “Raven’s Home” and appeared in guest roles on “American Auto” and “iCarly.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Kauahi emphasized the importance of representation in the media. “Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of people that looked like me or my friends or my family on TV, and so it seemed a little far-fetched to be on this career path,” she shared. “Hopefully, the visibility of having a local girl on a national television show will help local kids feel like it’s attainable.”
Collaboration and Creativity
Kauahi praised the collaborative nature of the “St. Denis Medical” writers’ room, highlighting their openness to new ideas while maintaining a high standard of quality. “We have a really great writers’ room,” she stated. “They’re very open to ideas and collaborating, but also they come with great ideas. These are all seasoned professionals who are so good at what they do.”
With the second season of “St. Denis Medical” set to air back-to-back episodes at 19:00 and 19:30 on NBC, fans are eager to see how the new dynamics and storylines unfold. The series will also be available for streaming on Peacock starting March 26, 2024.
As Kauahi continues to represent her roots on a national platform, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of visibility and the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.
