Doogie Howser, M.D. centres around a brilliant teenage doctor who is also faced with the problems of being a normal teenager.
The concept for the show was allegedly inspired by the story of Dr. Howard A. Zucker who became an M.D. at age 22.
Trademarks of the show include Doogie's best friend, the fast-talking and mischievous Vinnie Delpino climbing in through his window, and Doogie writing in his diary on his computer at the end of each episode.
The show was notable in its time for portraying a genius youngster as a normal teenager, rather than having the stereotypical traits of TV "nerds".
Another was the decision of the writers to end the show when its lead character logically became an adult.