St. Denis Medical Stars Told Me What Makes Them Break Into Laughter While Filming, And I Loved Their A+ Responses

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There’s a lot of funny sitcoms on television today, and St. Denis Medical is definitely among the best. Even though it’s set in a hospital, it’s consistently hilarious, and I was hooked from the very first episode. The cast is incredibly talented, and the jokes are fast-paced and clever – I’m amazed they don’t crack up on set! We asked them what does make them lose it during filming, and they shared some really great stories.

The second season of St. Denis Medical premiered in early November 2025 and didn’t disappoint. Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, and the rest of the cast delivered what might be their funniest episode yet with the season’s double premiere. One moment – Ron’s scream – had viewers, including myself, in stitches, and I even rewatched it just to laugh again. But it was another character that Mekki Leeper, who plays nurse Matt, mentioned in a recent interview with TopMob.

Whenever I work with Steve, especially during scenes where he and Matt have tension, I always end up laughing. He has a habit of getting very close to my face, and I just can’t keep a straight face. He makes me break character more than anyone else.

It’s hard to imagine dealing with someone like Stephen Schneider confronting you directly—Kaliko Kauahi described it as “like an angry whisper.”

Wendi McLendon-Covey does a great job playing Joyce and keeping things running smoothly at the hospital, but even she, a seasoned comedian, has something that makes her crack up and lose control while filming. What is it that gets her laughing so hard?

Mekki saying anything.

The actor portraying Matt is truly excellent, and deservedly so. His character’s innocent worldview, shaped by a strict religious upbringing, is consistently funny and creates a great dynamic with Joyce’s energy and Bruce’s (Josh Lawson) confident attitude.

You know, I was totally fascinated by this moment! Kahyun Kim, who plays the travel nurse Serena, gave Kristen Wiig – yes, the Kristen Wiig from The Groundlings and Bridesmaids – a bouquet and said she’s the one who always manages to make her laugh during filming. It was just a sweet little acknowledgment of Wiig’s comedic timing, and honestly, it made my day as a film fan!

I think for me, it’s Wendi. The buttons that Wendi does are so amazing. It’s pretty mind-blowing.

While some members of the St. Denis Medical cast admitted to occasionally laughing during filming, Allison Tolman and Kaliko Kauahi shared that they’re generally able to keep a straight face despite the show’s often ridiculous situations. As they put it:

  • Allison Tolman: I don’t break a lot. [To Kauahi] You’re not a big breaker.
  • Kaliko Kauahi: No, no. I don’t want to be the one to, like, blow the take. So I hang on.
  • Tolman: I will break if something funny is happening right off-camera, and I want everyone in the room to know about it, that’s when I’m like, ‘Guys, wait. I mean, y’all! Look around, quick!’
  • Mekki Leeper: You will laugh at a take falling apart.
  • Tolman: I will, yes. If it’s already in the ground, and I’m like, ‘What are we doing? Why are we rolling?’

Kaliko Kauahi really commits to playing her character, Val – known for her dry wit and direct attitude – so it’s not surprising she’s so good at staying focused and not laughing during filming.

I’m so glad I’m watching this from home and can laugh freely – I’d be a mess if I had to stay composed! Don’t miss new episodes of St. Denis Medical on NBC Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern, or stream them the next day on Peacock.

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2025-11-22 16:39