NBC has officially confirmed that actress Ariana Madix will appear in the second season of St. Denis Medical. The update came through Variety, which reported she will take on the role of Dr. Emerson as a guest star. The sitcom, filmed in a mockumentary style, is set in a fictional hospital in Oregon and mixes workplace stories with humor drawn from the everyday routines of healthcare professionals.
Adding a guest star to the ensemble is not unusual for the show. Previous seasons have used special appearances to create fresh interactions between the regular cast and new characters. For the second season, Dr. Emerson’s arrival is one of the first casting announcements to be made public.
Character and confirmed role
The details released so far describe Madix’s part in the season as a guest appearance. While the role is confirmed, there is no official indication of the number of episodes or the specific arc. The character’s name is known, but her role within the story have not been disclosed by NBC or the production team. Guest stars in St. Denis Medical have typically been written into scenarios that fit the show’s style without shifting the focus from the main group.
There is no confirmed description of Dr. Emerson’s relationships or scenes with other characters. The information available simply confirms that she is part of the new season’s cast in a limited but highlighted capacity.

Series style and format
St. Denis Medical uses the mockumentary approach, with characters speaking directly to the camera in addition to participating in the main storyline. The style allows quick shifts between scripted action and moments that feel like unscripted commentary.
The fictional hospital setting serves as the backdrop for staff meetings, emergency cases and behind-the-scenes situations. Reviews and features from sources such as NBC Insider and People have noted the way the format combines fast exchanges with comedic interruptions, presenting hospital life in a more offbeat way than traditional medical dramas.
Background of the show
In its first season, the series introduced a mix of doctors and administrative staff managing the realities of a small community hospital. Resources are often limited, and the plot alternates between patient care and the internal dynamics of the team. This setup offers space for both ongoing character development and stories that resolve within a single episode.
While it includes familiar character types common to the genre, St. Denis Medical gives them an exaggerated, satirical twist that fits its documentary-style presentation. Special appearances in the first season were incorporated to spark short-term developments without changing the larger framework, which sets a precedent for how new characters might be used.

St. Denis Medical reception and audience
Critics were mostly on board with the first season. Rotten Tomatoes shows a strong approval score, and its summary points straight to the cast and the way they connect on screen as one of the high notes. Metacritic’s collected ratings tell a similar story, landing in the generally favorable range. In short, the outcome is the same: the debut found its mark with reviewers.
Commentary in these reviews points to a tone established early in the series, combining situational humor with a presentation that sometimes feels improvised. The audience size does not place it among the highest-rated NBC comedies, yet the show kept consistent engagement through its run.
Season 2 release plan
NBC has set November 3, 2025, for the premiere of the second season, starting with a double episode from 8/7c. The schedule has been confirmed by outlets such as TV Insider and NBC Insider. No announcements have indicated major changes to the show’s format or core setting for the upcoming episodes.
The news of Madix’s casting was shared before the broader promotional campaign began. Variety’s report on X marked the first public confirmation, placing her among the earliest revealed additions to the returning cast.

Summary of confirmed information
Ariana Madix will appear in St. Denis Medical season two as Dr. Emerson, confirmed as a guest star. Publicly available details include her role’s name, status as a special appearance and the premiere date for the season. No official information has been released regarding her storyline, screen time or connections to existing characters.
The mockumentary setup is staying in place, with the story still unfolding inside a made-up hospital in Oregon. Season two is lined up to carry over the tone and style that shaped its first run. Guest appearances, including Madix as Dr. Emerson, continue to be part of how the show injects new dynamics without shifting attention away from its main group.