‘Scrubs’ creator says reboot is a ‘no-lose’ situation: ‘I’ll deal with the consequences’

In my humble opinion, listening to Bill Lawrence, co-creator of Apple TV+’s “Shrinking,” is like sitting down with an old friend who has an endless well of stories and insights from his incredible journey in the world of television comedy. His passion for the craft shines through in every word he speaks, and it’s clear that he’s not just a storyteller but a master of his craft.

Bill Lawrence has had a career that spans long enough to hear people claim that comedy, multi-camera sitcoms, and pretty much everything else is no longer viable. Yet, for just as long, he’s chosen to focus on his work, producing shows such as “Spin City,” “Scrubs,” and “Cougar Town.

Over three decades and various Hollywood business models, he’s experienced good times and bad.

But these days, Lawrence is very squarely in an upturn.

At his office on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, he remarks that he wasn’t anticipating a second chance at a successful career at the age of 55.

In summary, several intriguing shows are on the schedule. First, there’s “Shrinking,” where Jason Segel plays a grieving widower and therapist who adopts an unusual method, alongside Harrison Ford as his grumpy mentor. This Apple TV+ series, co-created by Lawrence with Segel and Brett Goldstein, wraps up its second season this Wednesday and has been granted a third season.

Then there are the shows many thought were over for good. After years of being asked about a reboot of “Scrubs,” his NBC medical comedy starring Zach Braff and Donald Faison that ran from 2001 to 2010, one is finally in development, with Lawrence attached as an executive producer. And a year after “Ted Lasso,” the feel-good comedy about a British soccer team and their wholesome coach, aired what appeared to be its series finale, it was announced that the series — co-created by Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly — will actually return for a fourth season.

Stepping away from the writers’ room for the Carell-starring series, Lawrence shared insights with The Times about the season finale of “Shrinking”, what ultimately prompted him to reboot “Scrubs”, and if television can return to its golden era of nurturing stars.

The final episode of Season 1 left us on a nail-biting edge, literally. However, the conclusion of this season seems to be more of an emotional rollercoaster, as we begin to see some resolution between Jimmy and Louis, who was involved in Jimmy’s wife’s demise.

To create anticipation for a potentially grim event in the second season, we purposefully crafted the final scene of the first season so that it hinted at impending doom. This was achieved by having Brett Goldstein’s character, Louis, experience troubling moments at the train station with Alice [Lukita Maxwell], as a reminder of his past struggles there.

In a narrative centered around forgiveness, our intention was to conclude the series by illustrating how forgiveness can erase numerous wrongs. From the outset of the season, this was our plan for the finale. The online chatter about Louis’ wellbeing reflects the emotions we aimed to evoke in viewers. We hope they feel emotionally satisfied, but it’s also possible they might encounter Brett again – since Brett is one of the show’s creators, giving us the opportunity for continuation if desired.

So, this opens the door for more Louis?

I think the audience would feel cheated if that were not the case. Obviously, Brett’s got tons of s— he’s working on, but he is so good in the show this year, so the idea of getting to show how he [Louis] moves forward interests us. Don’t forget, we pitched this show where the first year is about grief, second year is about forgiveness, [the] third year is about moving forward. It would be weird to not include his character as part of that.

Are you still thinking in terms of three seasons? Can you see the show going beyond that?

Yes and no. I think that this story is over in three seasons because if we started the fourth season with Jason Segel going, “I’m still so sad about my wife dying and I really messed up with my daughter,” people would be like [contorts face into a look of agony]. One of the fun things that we’ve done, because we’re in the writers room already for Season 3, is we’re putting Easter eggs in it as to what the new story that starts Season 4 is about. One of the cool things about streaming, what you can do now, is do a three-season story that has a beginning, middle and end. If people love those characters, there’s plenty stories to tell.

The actress contemplates life in Los Angeles, her passion for pottery, and her leading part in “Shrinking” on Apple TV+, currently in its second series – all amidst the struggle with city traffic.

Oct. 16, 2024

As a devoted cinephile, I’m always interested in understanding the creative decisions behind movie characters. In the case of Louis, I often wonder why it was important for the writers to involve him in Jimmy and Alice’s journey towards closure, especially since many individuals in similar circumstances never get the chance to confront the person responsible for their loved one’s demise. What factors influenced this choice?

Without revealing too many personal anecdotes and relationships, let me say that the narrative was only loosely based on a true tale of a family who welcomed a young individual they referred to as their “Louis.” This person had gotten drunk and made a mistake. It was captivating for us writers to imagine a scenario where someone had to confront such a predicament, and strive towards forgiveness – something that seemed unattainable at first glance. I found it intriguing as a writer to present this challenge, even when internet critics might say, “I could never forgive.” However, keep watching to see how the story unfolds.

Let’s talk about Paul. Another emotional moment from the finale is the speech he gives at Thanksgiving. It’s so powerful and tender. We know his Parkinson’s disease will continue to progress. And I know that character’s story is a personal one for you.

The upcoming third season will explore where things go from here, but “moving forward” doesn’t always have to signify an end. Instead, it can ask, “What lies ahead for you? Can you press on?” My father is battling Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s, while Brett’s father also has Parkinson’s. I recently conversed with Michael J. Fox, who has been a significant mentor to me since the start of my career. While these diseases don’t have a happy conclusion, that doesn’t mean the story won’t be motivational and heartwarming. It’s essential to remember that Harrison Ford’s character may not necessarily meet his end in this narrative, as we want to avoid causing unnecessary sadness.

Has Michael seen the show? Has he given any feedback?

Mikey contacted me since – he’s such a kind soul, we were just exchanging pleasantries. We reconnected over the summer, and he reached out because he’d watched the show. Polite as ever, he complimented us on getting many things correct. Despite his youth, he continues to shine like a rock star while battling that illness.

Have you thought about finding a way to have him in the show?

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me express my fervent desire: I long to collaborate with the remarkable Mike, who graced us with his talent in “Scrubs.” If given the opportunity, I’d leap at the chance to bring him into this cinematic universe. He’s an exceptionally busy individual, and peeking into his professional endeavors is like trying to catch a swiftly moving shadow. Yet, the invitation remains open for him to join our team whenever he has a moment.

Could it be possible that Cobie Smulders, who previously acted alongside Jason on “How I Met Your Mother” and made an appearance this season, might reappear in the next season? Is there a desire to delve into that relationship dynamic for Jimmy’s character as the upcoming season is themed around progression?

Good idea.

What is Jimmy to you? What are you working through in Jimmy?

In an effort to keep some secrets about the third season, let me put it this way: Jimmy has formed a supportive group around him, much like a chosen family. On the other hand, I’ve got my own flesh-and-blood family. My youngest is almost out of the house, and my older kids have moved on. My wife seems to be handling it all well, but I am struggling. So, an essential part of this narrative journey involves considering what it would mean for Jimmy if he were to find himself alone. We purposefully introduced a daughter who’s going off to college, and currently, there’s someone living in his guest house that might not be ideal. This situation is making me ponder: how do you maintain the things that provide a sense of security and familiarity?

In an Apple TV+ comedy series, Jason Segel plays a grieving therapist alongside Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams; he also helped create the show.

Jan. 27, 2023

Apart from your other works, you introduced “Bad Monkey” this year too. This piece seemed quite different in terms of tone compared to your previous writings. Could you share how this shift in writing style challenged you?

I found inspiration in Harrison Ford, who recently starred in a Marvel production. Curious about his decision to join the project, I inquired, “What made you take on this role?” His response was, “I wanted to try something new and we’ll see how it unfolds.” In a similar vein, I’ve been seeking out experiences that once frightened me as they did when I was younger. For years, Carl Hiassen has been my favorite author, and the thought of reworking one of his books by inserting new chapters and altering elements seemed absurd. However, the thrill of attempting to imitate someone else’s style while maintaining my own voice proved incredibly enjoyable.

The media buzzed about the return of “Scrubs.” For a long time, people have been asking if this would happen. Can you tell us what ultimately convinced you to support the idea?

It’s so interesting because you can’t give an answer that makes everybody happy. I’ll start with, if I thought it was a bad idea, I wouldn’t do it. I’m not chasing commerce and without being self-aggrandizing, I don’t need to. Creatively, if somebody said, “Do you want to pick ‘Scrubs’ up right back in the same hospital with the same people on a normal day, everything’s back to normal?” No, that would be disingenuous to the story. Am I curious and can I think of a bunch of stories about where some of these characters are years later, not being kid interns anymore, and having new young people around them, with the way the medical world has changed — yeah, without a shadow of a doubt. That creative answer was easy. The complicated thing, and why I was always hesitant, was I don’t work for Disney anymore. I work here [Warner Bros.], and it’s not really, business-wise, a show I was allowed to go do. It’s not jerky for Warner Brothers to say, “We’re not employing you to go do a Disney show.”

The key difference is that the cast members have a strong bond off-screen, and many of us can relate to wanting to recapture such an enjoyable experience. This sentiment is particularly relevant in Hollywood where friends, both on and off camera, are struggling to find work. Despite concerns about a potential decline in quality, the return of the show offers opportunities for both original “Scrubs” writers and new ones. One person even expressed apprehension, but I found that surprising since shows that people cherish have been rebooted before. My perspective is: if it’s a show I adore, I will watch it. If it’s excellent, I’ll be overjoyed. If it’s just good, I don’t mind. At least it won’t offend me. And if it’s terrible, I’ll be thrilled to discuss how bad it is with my friends, not on the internet though. That’s how I consume television. To me, that’s a risk-free scenario. Why all the fuss?

I don’t want to delve too deeply into personal matters, as I have some things of my own to handle. Earlier, you may have picked up on it, and if so, I can simply say that this is something that holds significance for me personally. I’m prepared to face the repercussions.

I know you’re not going to be the showrunner, but when do things start up in the writers room?

In the upcoming year, I’m unable to reveal their identities yet since the showrunner contract is being finalized right now, but once that’s sorted, we’ll begin working together. We’ve been brainstorming already because we’re long-time buddies, but we’ll start defining the setting and characters for the story. They’ve found it strange revisiting every episode. My primary ambition for this project is to reinstate the original music in the old episodes.

In addition to making a comeback is the series “Ted Lasso,” where you serve as an executive producer. As we moved through its third season, there was speculation whether it was the final episode or just another season ender. Initially, Jason Sudeikis planned it as a three-season project, but circumstances evolved. Can you share what transpired?

I’m meticulous about not making the show feel like my personal production, as I’m incredibly honored to be involved. However, it’s Jason who steers the ship. One thing Jason was consistently clear about, without revealing any details, is that the initial three seasons of Ted Lasso had a definitive beginning, middle, and end. There was no question that it ended; you saw him leaping and returning home. This clarity solidified my beliefs, though I wouldn’t presume to speak for him, but it would be intriguing to explore if there are more tales to tell with beloved characters, although they would be different stories. Essentially, it feels like a fresh start or reboot. I believe Jason always had another story he wanted to share.

When I revisited our past discussions about you, a statement from 2013 caught my attention that I’d like to share with you. It’s intriguing to know how your perspective on this quote has evolved over time. Here it is: “There are two primary ways to thrive in television now, and one is extremely challenging, and I haven’t managed it yet – creating a massive cultural phenomenon like ‘Modern Family,’ where the entire world is drawn to it, and you effectively write your own destiny. The other approach is to cater to a highly dedicated, devoted audience, and if you establish this bond, you can sustain a show like ‘Scrubs’ for nine years.” I wonder how you might update or expand upon this thought now.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed that what sets each streaming platform apart is a distinctly unique show tailored perfectly to their specific niche or identity. Each one has its own flavor.

In modern times, it appears that many productions focus on casting the biggest and most accomplished Hollywood stars – and it’s truly an honor to collaborate with such talented individuals. Regardless of future achievements, being part of Harrison Ford’s current career phase is a significant milestone in my professional journey.

As a devoted spectator peeking from behind the scenes, I’ve come to realize the immense cost involved in producing these shows. Success becomes not just an aspiration, but a necessity to continue production. I often ponder if there’s a third path: creating a show that fosters new talent instead of relying on established stars. A production that is economical yet impactful, freeing us from the weight of financial burden associated with mainstream success. This concept intrigues me, and I’m eagerly exploring ways to make it a reality. The industry-wide strike has opened up numerous possibilities, one of which is this question: “Could this be the solution we’ve been seeking?” The moment someone successfully navigates this path, it will undoubtedly be a game changer for all of us.

In a chat, the co-creator of the Apple TV+ series delves into the final episode of Season 1, shares insights on Harrison Ford’s humorous delivery, and reveals his fondness for Fun Dip.

March 24, 2023

When it comes to collaborating with A-list celebrities, your upcoming comedy show on HBO features Steve Carell in the lead role.

Among all the individuals I’ve encountered, he stands out as one of the kindest souls I’ve ever come across. At first glance, I found it hard to believe such genuine warmth could truly exist, given my skeptical nature. Yet, his kindness and ability to create a positive atmosphere are unparalleled. As a movie enthusiast who appreciates performers that can deliver humorous scenes with depth and emotional resonance, I’m captivated by him. After all, the success of “The Office” lies in its comedic genius, but his character managed to tug at my heartstrings despite his seemingly absurd and outdated perspective. There’s simply no one else who can master this art quite like him.

At present, working alongside a renowned star feels more rewarding than my time during “Spin City” with Fox, given the extensive practice hours I’ve accumulated. When someone as accomplished as Harrison Ford questions my abilities, it’s a testament to the confidence and respect I’ve earned through dedication and experience, making me feel like a seasoned professional in my own right.

You directed the Season 2 finale of “Shrinking.” How was it to direct Harrison Ford?

The experience was delightful when working together with Harrison, as some of the final beats were improvised spontaneously. I recall saying something like, “I need an ending point. And I think it would be amusing to suggest that everyone’s departing by showing Alice (Lukita Maxwell) wearing your hat.

I love the peck on the cheek that he gives her.

Look here! That’s him. I had said, “And you return to claim your hat, aren’t you upset with her?” To which he replied, “I adore that, but I’d have to give her a kiss.” This is the best motivation for doing it because not only did he adopt my idea, but he enhanced it. He’s truly a master at his craft. At one stage, he hesitated about using this joke with the term “raw dogging” in it. As he wasn’t familiar with its meaning. Then we explained it to him. And he responded, “Oh, that’s quite amusing.” And he went ahead with it. It was the funniest moment of all time. I recall sitting behind the monitors thinking, “I’m so delighted Harrison Ford is saying this, it brings me immense joy.

Now, I’m just imagining the process of you explaining to him what it is.

No, no, not me. Someone else had to tell him.

Read More

• MANA PREDICTION. MANA cryptocurrency
• SUPER PREDICTION. SUPER cryptocurrency
• DEXE PREDICTION. DEXE cryptocurrency
• Silver Rate Forecast
• COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
• ASTR PREDICTION. ASTR cryptocurrency
• GBP EUR PREDICTION
• GFAL PREDICTION. GFAL cryptocurrency
• QANX PREDICTION. QANX cryptocurrency
• CHR PREDICTION. CHR cryptocurrency

2024-12-25 14:34