The beloved medical comedy Scrubs is set to make a triumphant return to television screens, premiering on February 25 on ABC with a nine-episode revival season. Original stars Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison will reprise their iconic roles as the daydreaming Dr. John "J.D." Dorian, the ambitious Dr. Elliot Reid, and the surgeon Christopher Turk, respectively, as series regulars. The revival picks up 16 years after the original series concluded in 2010, bringing fans back to the chaotic halls of Sacred Heart Hospital with fresh stories centered on the now-seasoned medical professionals navigating life, work, and family.
Two other cornerstone cast members from the original run, Judy Reyes as the no-nonsense nurse Carla Espinosa and John C. McGinley as the irascible Dr. Perry Cox, are confirmed to appear in the revival but in recurring capacities. Their limited involvement stems from prior commitments: Reyes is a series regular on ABC's High Potential, while McGinley stars in HBO's upcoming series Rooster, created by Scrubs mastermind Bill Lawrence. According to Deadline, Reyes will appear in four episodes, and McGinley in three, allowing them to balance their schedules while contributing to the ensemble dynamic that defined the show.
The revival also welcomes back familiar faces in guest roles, including Neil Flynn as the enigmatic Janitor and Christa Miller as the sharp-tongued Jordan Sullivan, who will share scenes with her longtime on-screen partner, Dr. Cox. Among the new guest stars is Rachel Bilson, joining two other undisclosed actors for special appearances. These returns promise to recapture the quirky humor and heartfelt moments that made Scrubs a staple of early 2000s television, blending fantasy sequences with real-world medical drama.
Notably absent from the first season is Ken Jenkins, who portrayed the curmudgeonly Dr. Bob Kelso across all nine seasons of the original series. At 85 years old and retired from acting for several years, Jenkins will not participate in the initial revival batch. However, Bill Lawrence assured fans of his potential comeback, stating to Deadline, “Dr. Kelso will be back next year. It just didn’t work out this year but it will next year,” contingent on the show's renewal for a second season.
The revival's timeline deliberately aligns with the emotional Season 8 finale of the original Scrubs, effectively sidelining the polarizing ninth season, which featured a softer retool with new leads like Michael Mosley, Eliza Coupe, Kerry Bishé, and Dave Franco. Lawrence confirmed this approach, explaining that the story resumes as if Season 9's events never occurred. When asked about the possibility of those actors returning, he expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I would do it in a heartbeat because they’re such great performers. I’m a TV fan, I enjoy watching Scrubs uber fans’ brains melt a little bit, so I would be open to anyone coming back. Just this first year, nine episodes is such a tiny cup of coffee, we jammed in everybody we possibly could.”
Family life has evolved significantly in the intervening years, adding layers to the characters' arcs. At the end of the original series, J.D. and Elliot were newlyweds expecting their first daughter, while Turk and Carla already had two daughters. Fast-forwarding 16 years, J.D. and Elliot now share two children, with J.D. also co-parenting a son from his past relationship with Elizabeth Banks' character, Dr. Kim Briggs, as established in the original run. Turk and Carla's family has grown to four children, reflecting the passage of time and the challenges of balancing demanding careers with parenthood.
Judy Reyes, returning as Carla after her character's exit at the end of Season 8—explained in the show as her focusing on family—spoke candidly about portraying a working mother of four in the revival. In the original narrative, Carla stepped away to care for her kids, but her reappearance at Sacred Heart underscores the realities many parents face. “I think that it’s done all day long,” Reyes told Deadline, referencing her own makeup artist's experience juggling three children and long workdays. “My make-up artist has three kids, and she works on the set for 12-14 hours. Carla does it because she has to do it, Carla doesn’t really think about it. Caring for someone at a hospital makes caring for your kids at home more doable but it’s real life, it’s exactly what people do.”
Reyes elaborated on the acting challenges and inspirations behind Carla's return, emphasizing the character's passion for her profession. “It’s an interesting question to have as an actor, how do you do it when people do it every day? I think that’s the inspiration, it’s done because it has to be done. Carla’s passionate about her work, and it’s bound to get to her both sides.” Her comments highlight how the revival aims to ground its comedy in authentic depictions of work-life balance, drawing from everyday experiences to resonate with audiences.
Both Reyes and McGinley, whose recurring status means they're not contractually bound beyond this season, showed unbridled excitement about the project. When asked if they would return for future episodes, Reyes responded emphatically, “F*ck yeah.” McGinley echoed her sentiment, adding, “I echo that one. F*ck yeah, that’s as good as it gets.” Reyes further praised the collaborative spirit on set, describing it as a true ensemble effort. “The show is a true ensemble, so we’re always together, our days are long and the work is really hard, but when it’s there, the words are easy to remember, the scenes are fun to play, and the actors are great to be with, and everybody who works on the show is happy to be there,” she said.
She continued, noting the positive atmosphere that sets Scrubs apart: “So when you cut and you look behind the camera and people are smiling or they’re laughing, or you pass by saying, ‘Love that scene, I love when you said that,’ that makes your day, because it’s different from being on a stage where you get the accolades immediately. We have all different kinds of people and doing the work that you do, responding to what you give. What else do you need?” McGinley's portrayal of Dr. Cox, known for his profane rants and tough-love mentorship, remains a fan favorite, and his limited episodes are expected to deliver memorable outbursts amid the hospital's antics.
The original Scrubs, which aired from 2001 to 2010 on NBC and later ABC, revolutionized the medical sitcom genre with its blend of slapstick humor, voiceover narration, and poignant explorations of healthcare workers' lives. Created by Bill Lawrence, the series garnered critical acclaim, multiple Emmy nominations, and a dedicated fanbase for its character-driven stories. After its conclusion, attempts at spinoffs and revivals had been rumored for years, but this iteration marks the first official return, fueled by nostalgia and the enduring popularity of its cast reunions on platforms like podcasts and social media.
Production on the revival has already generated buzz, with cast members sharing anecdotes from the set. Braff, Chalke, and Faison, who have maintained close friendships post-show—evidenced by their joint podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends—described slaying their first run-through and even forgetting they were no longer filming in Los Angeles. An incident involving a stuntman injury with a retired eagle prop added to the chaotic, signature Scrubs vibe, underscoring the show's commitment to its whimsical roots.
As the premiere approaches, anticipation builds around how the revival will address modern healthcare issues while preserving the original's lighthearted tone. With only nine episodes in this limited season, the tight narrative focuses on core relationships and new dynamics, such as the adult children potentially entering the medical world or influencing their parents' decisions. Lawrence's openness to expanding the cast in future seasons suggests room for growth, potentially incorporating more original elements or fresh twists.
The return of Scrubs comes at a time when reboots of classic comedies are thriving, offering comfort amid shifting entertainment landscapes. Fans have expressed mixed feelings online, with some thrilled at the nostalgia and others wary of recapturing the magic. Comments on industry sites like Deadline reflect this divide, with one user noting, “Didn’t like it the first time,” highlighting skepticism among a portion of the audience. Nonetheless, the involvement of key creatives and performers signals a thoughtful revival aimed at honoring the legacy.
Looking ahead, the success of this season will determine its trajectory, including Jenkins' return and possible integrations of Season 9 characters. ABC's scheduling of the premiere on February 25 positions it for strong viewership, potentially leading to broader franchise expansions. For now, the ensemble's enthusiasm and the promise of laughter in the ER make Scrubs' revival a welcome addition to television lineups.