Previously On… Scrubs

Whilst most of our favourite hospital shows take on the ‘medical drama’ label (most notably the likes of Grey’s Anatomy and ER) Scrubs, Bill Lawrence’s 17-time Emmy-nominated show, took on the more niche genre of the ‘medical sitcom’. With the series in the process of a reboot, currently set to premiere in just under a month (25th February), we have to question whether the imaginative and unorthodox style of comedy will be successfully returning to our screens.

The generally doomed class of television known as the reboot has, in the past, given audiences a genuine reason to not trust TV producers. Whether this be the ruination of our beloved Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte in And Just Like That…, or the lack of charm and cast chemistry that failed the revival of Frasier in 2023, there is a very real possibility that Scrubs could face the same short-lived and unpopular future as these previously loved series. Despite this however, we should definitely look forward to some of our favourite parts of the original series that we should hopefully see returning with the show.

Perhaps being the most unique (and most iconic) part of the show, main character J.D.’s (Zach Braff) daydreams, should without a doubt be making a comeback. Some of the funniest and most surreal fantasies, including the reimagining of the cast in Star Wars, or best friend Turk (Donald Faison) as Indiana Jones performing ‘exploratory surgery’, really show why J.D. is one of the most beloved TV characters.

The pair maintain a ride-or-die, codependent bromance throughout the series

In fact, the friendship (or even ‘best friendship’) between J.D. and Turk is a hugely integral part of the series. Helped by actors Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s actual 25-year-long friendship, the pair maintain a ride-or-die, codependent bromance throughout the series. This is just one example of the incredibly written character dynamics though, with J.D.’s on-and-off relationship with fellow Doctor, the lovable but messy Elliot (Sarah Chaulke), Turk and his wife, the compassionate, no-nonsense nurse Carla (Judy Reyes), or even Elliot and Carla’s, developing into best friends themselves throughout the show’s run. The harsh, mentor-mentee interaction between J.D. and the sarcastic and cynical Dr Cox (John C. McGinley) is another beloved part of the series. Despite the pretty degrading treatment, under the hilarity of their exchanges lies a true, but rarely acknowledged, affection and care for each other.

Something that could hurt the reboot, however, is the loss of some major characters in the series. Notably Neil Flynn, as ‘The Janitor’, J.D.’s nemesis, who continuously terrorises him throughout the show’s original run, pulling ridiculous pranks to sabotage his work, has not been confirmed (or though also not denied) to be coming back. Additionally, Ken Jenkins who played Dr. Kelso, Sacred Heart’s folksy, but cruel Chief of Medicine, has been mostly retired from acting since 2018, with no announced plan for any appearance in the season 9 run. The hospital’s continuously soul-crushed lawyer, Ted Buckland, also won’t be returning due to actor Sam Lloyd’s passing in 2020.

On the other hand, some fan favourite side characters have been confirmed to be returning with the show, including ‘The Todd’ (Robert Maschio), one of Sacred Heart’s orthopaedic surgeons who ends almost every sentence with some sort of sexual innuendo, and my personal favourite character, Jordan (Christa Miller), the unapologetically ruthless and brutally honest partner of Dr. Cox. Making sure that most of the main cast is able to return, especially those loved by the fans, is definitely a good sign for the reboot.

He displays a clear ability to translate his esteemed early-2000s comedy to a modern audience

Another big hope for season 9, is the return of creator, writer and showrunner, Bill Lawrence. As demonstrated by some of his recent projects, including the multi-award winning shows, Ted Lasso and Shrinking, in which he displays a clear ability to translate his esteemed early-2000s comedy to a modern audience, he appears more than capable of securing the show’s return and saving it from a tainted reputation.

So, while some fan favourite characters remain missing, we hope that the wacky and absurd nature of the show, and the clear chemistry between the other cast members, will still be able to translate to a world 15 years after the show’s original cancellation. And if it doesn’t, we always have the option of pretending it was one of J. D.’s elaborate daydreams.