The beloved medical sitcom Scrubs is making a comeback nearly two decades after its original conclusion. The show, which aired from 2001 to 2010, centered around the lives of staff at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital. Following its initial run, a ninth season titled Med School was produced, which introduced new characters while retaining a few from the original cast.
In its eighth season, the main character, J.D., portrayed by Zach Braff, departed from Sacred Heart. His exit was marked by a poignant final scene where he envisioned his future, including a wedding with Elliott (played by Sarah Chalke) and a growing family. Remaining cast members such as Turk (played by Donald Faison), Dr. Cox (played by John C. McGinley), and Carla (played by Judy Reyes) continued their stories at the hospital.
The show’s ninth season shifted its focus to a medical school setting, introducing a new cast of characters. Only Braff, Faison, and McGinley retained their regular roles, while others made guest appearances. Newcomers included Kerry Bishé, Eliza Coupe, Dave Franco, and Michael Mosley. Unfortunately, the new format struggled to capture the audience’s attention, lasting just one season.
In a significant announcement made in July 2025, ABC confirmed the revival of Scrubs for a tenth season. Reyes expressed excitement about the renewed interest in the show, stating, “After COVID and the [SAG-AFTRA] strike, the show found new life with younger people. Med students love the show. I feel honored that people were so excited with the return.” She also noted the ongoing strength of the relationship between Turk and Carla, who have expanded their family.
Reyes emphasized the importance of maintaining the show’s original tone in the revival, particularly since creator Bill Lawrence is still involved. The challenge lies in balancing familiar faces with new talent, as the series welcomes a new generation of interns portrayed by actors such as Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi, and Amanda Morrow. Morrow reflected on the unique experience of joining the cast, noting that many of the new stars were not even born when Scrubs first aired.
The revival aims to cater to both long-time fans and newcomers, with McGinley hinting at “a lot of complications” in the upcoming episodes. The series is set to stream on Hulu, expanding its accessibility. Reyes further explained, “I did want the characters to grow. You see that they are impacted by time passing – but with age and experience. The challenge is always going to be with the characters and the story lines. I’m so proud that that was achieved.”
According to the official synopsis, the new season will feature J.D. and Turk reuniting in the operating room for the first time in years. The description adds that while medicine and interns have evolved, the enduring friendship between the two characters remains strong. As they navigate their roles at Sacred Heart, viewers can expect a blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and unexpected twists.
Scrubs will air on ABC every Wednesday at 20:00 ET.
