Scrubs is coming back nearly two decades after it originally ended — but what happened before its revival?
The medical sitcom, which originally aired from 2001 to 2010, followed the lives of employees at the fictional teaching hospital Sacred Heart Hospital. The hit series starred Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Judy Reyes, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins and John C. McGinley before it was brought back for a ninth season titled Med School.
In season 8, JD (Braff) left Sacred Heart while Elliott (Chalke), Turk (Faison), Dr. Cox (McGinley) and Carla (Reyes) remained at the teaching hospital. His final scene showed JD envisioning his future, which included a wedding with Elliott, them expanding their family, spending time with Turk and Carla and more.
The show’s final season moved the setting to a medical school to introduce new characters. Only Braff, Faison and McGinley remained regular cast members while others made guest appearances. Kerry Bishé, Eliza Coupe, Dave Franco and Michael Mosley were brought in, and Bishé became the show’s new narrator after Braff, but the concept only lasted one season.
JD and Elliott briefly returned in season 9 in a time jump where they were seen getting married and welcoming a baby. ABC confirmed in July 2025 that they were reviving the show for season 10.
“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,” Reyes exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2025. “And [they are excited[ that Turk and Carla are going strong. They’ve got a bunch of kids and [there’s interest in] how his relationship with J.D. continues to affect their marriage.”
Sarah Chalke, Zach Braff. Jeff Weddell/Disney
More recently, Reyes reflected on what made her sign onto the project.
“It was really important for us to continue that tone that made the show so special,” she told Us in January about finding out that creator Bill Lawrence “was still involved” with the revival.
The biggest challenge was bringing in familiar faces while ushering in newcomers to follow in their footsteps — including interns played by Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi and Amanda Morrow. Most of them weren’t even born yet when Scrubs was on the air but they were ready to hit the ground running.
Bill Lawrence‘s medical drama Scrubs is being revived over a decade after its finale season — but which stars are and aren’t reprising their roles? Scrubs, which originally aired from 2001 to 2010, followed the lives of employees at the fictional teaching hospital Sacred Heart Hospital. The hit series starred Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald […]
“To immediately be immersed in that community and watch the original cast reconnect was extremely magical. That mentorship is real on and off screen — with all of the OGs seeing that we’re in a position that they were in 25 years ago,” Morrow recalled while Mohammadi mentioned a “no a**hole policy” on set, saying, “It really does stand true. They’ve created such an environment where you could feel safe.”
Looking ahead, the cast was excited to welcome both longtime fans and new viewers looking for a medical show. McGinley promised “a lot of complications” coming up on the show, which will also stream on Hulu.
“I did want the characters to grow. You see that they are impacted by time passing – but with age and experience,” Reyes added. “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 revival will see “JD and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time.” The description noted that “medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.”
Scrubs airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.