The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy redefines adult animation with its blend of uproarious medical comedy and cosmic wonder in the year 14002.

Set in the distant Ergulon Galaxy, The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy is an adult animated science-fiction comedy series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 23, 2024. Conceived by creator and showrunner Cirocco Dunlap, the show follows two alien surgeons as they confront bizarre medical mysteries and navigate the emotional complexities of interstellar healthcare. The show's impact was profound enough to earn it a second season which premiered on May 27.

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy: Image credit: TMDB

Premise & Setting

In the year 14002, the “second-best” hospital treats every conceivable—and unimaginable—condition. Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak tackle cases like exotic parasite infections, time-warp sicknesses, and deep-space ailments that defy all earthly logic. The hospital’s neon-lit operating theatres, biotech labs, and zero-gravity wards blend classic medical drama tropes with playful sci-fi absurdity, creating a backdrop that’s equal parts futuristic and hilarious.

Best of Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak | The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy. By Prime Video. From @PrimeVideo

Director & Creative Team

Cirocco Dunlap, known for her work on Russian Doll, imagined the series while watching Groundhog Day and wondering what doctors would do with cinematic time loops. Executive producers Natasha Lyonne and Maya Rudolph joined early, drawn by Dunlap’s optimistic vision of the future. Animation duties are shared by Titmouse, Inc., Copa Studio, and Mighty Animation, with Robin Eisenberg’s vibrant, sea-life–inspired production design bringing the Ergulon Galaxy to life.

Cast & Characters

The main characters and cast poster. Image credit: Amazon Prime Video

An all-star voice cast breathes life into this cosmic hospital:

• Stephanie Hsu as Dr. Sleech, a rule-breaking surgeon whose confidence hides deeper insecurities.

• Keke Palmer as Dr. Klak, Sleech’s anxious yet brilliant best friend who prefers protocol over spontaneity.

• Natasha Lyonne as Nurse Tup, the perpetually grumpy nurse plotting her next career move.

• Kieran Culkin as Dr. Plowp, an empathetic alien doctor and tentative romantic interest.

• Maya Rudolph as Dr. Vlam, a robot intern whose mechanical heart surprises everyone with genuine warmth.

• Sam Smith as Dr. Azel, a spider-like physician whose past with Klak adds emotional stakes to their cases.

Production & Development

Greenlit during the COVID-19 pandemic, the two-season order was backed by Amazon MGM Studios and Animal Pictures. Dunlap’s writers’ room—composed entirely of female and LGBTQ+ talents—ensured diverse storytelling perspectives. Animators studied marine biology to create authentic alien anatomies, and remote voice recordings kept talent safe while maintaining performance quality.

Themes & Style

Beneath its zany comedy, the series explores anxiety, friendship, and the pressure to perform. Anxiety-eating parasites personify panic attacks, while time-loop ailments mirror obsessive thought patterns. Visually, the show draws on underwater motifs—bioluminescent colour palettes, jellyfish-like tendrils, and scale textures—to craft a unique sci-fi aesthetic.

Dr Plowp and Dr Sleech tend to a patient in distress. Image credit: TMDB

Reception & Impact

Critics and audiences have embraced the series’ originality. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 94% critic score and 73% audience score. Common Sense Media awards it 3/5 stars, commending its positive role models and plot themes that resonate with adults and sci-fi fans alike. Nerd Initiative goes as far as claiming that

“Whether you like either animated or medical shows, this is one you won’t want to miss.”

Interesting Trivia

• The series was originally titled The Hospital before Amazon requested its more playful current name.

• A diverse team of animators and writers contributed to the series’ inclusive storytelling and distinctive visual flair.

• Voice stars Stephanie Hsu and Keke Palmer have been lauded for their electric chemistry and emotional nuance as Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak.

Conclusion

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy stands out as a bold fusion of medical drama and space-age comedy. Its inventive premise, stellar cast, and layered themes offer both gut-busting laughs and poignant reflections on modern anxieties. With the hospital’s doors open wide, viewers can look forward to even stranger cases and deeper emotional journeys in seasons to come.