Missed ‘Scrubs’? They did too, and now they’re back making the rounds

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The actors from “Scrubs” say the show’s creator, Bill Lawrence – who also made “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking” – is known for creating a strong sense of community among his casts. However, the “Scrubs” team believes their connection is particularly special.

Zach Braff, speaking with his former ‘Scrubs’ co-stars Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison, explained that they’ve remained very close over the years. He shared that they still spend time together, even going on vacations as a group.

The next day, Lawrence acknowledged that Braff was right. “It’s frustrating to admit, but they have a point,” he said. “We’re still so close because we spend a lot of time together.”

The cast of “Scrubs” is reuniting for a new season of nine episodes, launching February 25th on ABC and the following day on Hulu. The original series, which premiered in 2001, followed J.D., Turk, and Elliot as hospital interns. Now, J.D. works as a concierge doctor, while Turk and Elliot have become leaders at Sacred Heart Hospital. This season introduces a fresh group of interns, a new hospital representative focused on avoiding offense (played by Vanessa Bayer), and a doctor (Joel Kim Booster) who doesn’t quite get along with J.D. Beloved characters like Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley), J.D.’s often-critical mentor, and Carla Reyes (Judy Reyes), Turk’s wife and a seasoned nurse, will also return.

A comparison of the original “Scrubs” series, featuring Sarah Chalke, Zach Braff, and Donald Faison, with the recent revival on ABC. (Photos: Chris Haston/NBC and Brian Bowen Smith/Disney)

In the final episode of Season 8—before the show changed direction with a medical school storyline—J.D., known for his vivid daydreams, imagines his future. However, life doesn’t unfold quite as he pictured.

Showrunner Aseem Batra explains that what people often call a ‘midlife crisis’ is actually a period of self-reflection and evaluation. He feels this is a great time to revisit the characters because we last saw them navigating their twenties and early thirties, and a lot has likely changed since then.

It’s fascinating to see how much of creator Liz Batra’s own journey is reflected in the show. She, like her characters, started as an assistant – her first writing job was actually on ‘Scrubs’! Now she’s calling the shots, and she admits she took this project on out of pure affection for the original. It’s a full-circle moment for her, and a testament to how much that show meant to her. Interestingly, Tim Hobert, a veteran ‘Scrubs’ writer, was initially slated to co-run things but ultimately moved on.

Lawrence, the executive producer of the show’s revival, sees a connection between his own experiences and those of the characters. He explains, “I only write well about things I’ve experienced in some way, and the idea of students becoming teachers is something I’m going through right now.”

Lawrence believes the recent success of the show’s revival is due to the strong bond between the original cast members. Faison and Braff continue to work together on projects like podcasts and commercials, and Chalke, even after moving to Canada, stays connected with everyone. We chatted with them on a lively Zoom call about revisiting their well-loved characters.

What were your reactions coming back to this world?

Donald Faison: Please. Please. Revive it. Do me that solid and revive it.

Sarah Chalke believes she essentially willed a new project into existence. She explained that a few years ago, she started wishing for a comedy similar to ‘Scrubs’ that would be filmed in Vancouver, and surprisingly, that’s exactly what ended up happening.

I was honestly shocked when ABC decided to air the show on network television. I initially expected it to premiere on Hulu, but they clearly saw a large potential audience there and really believed in the project, which was incredibly exciting.

Why do you think the show’s legacy is so strong that there is that belief?

I believe Bill’s shows are special because he blends humor with heartfelt emotion and imaginative storytelling – it’s a really distinctive combination. Like the original pilot, this new show is undeniably innovative. It was truly groundbreaking for network television at the time, especially since streaming didn’t exist yet. He was pushing the boundaries of what you could get away with on traditional TV, making it a bit more daring than what we see now. Now, the aim is different. With streaming services offering edgier content, we wanted to create a show that could air at 8 PM and complement “Abbott Elementary,” something families could enjoy together. It’s meant to be funny for adults, with maybe a few jokes kids won’t get, but it’s not trying to compete with the more mature shows on streaming platforms.

What do you remember about getting cast? You were all in your 20s.

As the oldest of the cast, I definitely remember the buzz around the pilot episode. Honestly, it was huge! Everyone was talking about how fantastic the script was and desperately wanting to be a part of it. My agent really emphasized how important this role was, telling me the show’s creator was a fan and eager to see what I’d bring to the table. It felt like a real opportunity.

I recently learned something amazing. Our casting director told me I was the very first person to audition for the role. The character was described as being quick and fast-paced, which was funny because I’m always being told to slow down! It felt incredibly lucky – I’ll never forget getting the call from Bill saying I’d been cast; I was completely stunned. And honestly, the whole experience has been even better than I could have imagined.

Looking back, I mostly remember the feeling of being at work and truly enjoying myself – laughing so much that the late hours flew by. Zach and Donald had this one particular thing they’d do that always cracked me up.

What was the sound?

Faison: It’s almost like a fart.

Braff: No, it’s not a fart.

Okay, look, I know this sounds strange, but stick with me. The director was explaining the film’s central sonic motif, and it’s… well, it’s the sound of a fart. Not intentionally comedic, he assured us, but he noticed that a fart often sounds like a question mark. And that, apparently, is the core sound design element of this movie. It’s… unusual, to say the least.

Zach Braff asked Esther not to use a specific sound effect – a high-pitched noise he demonstrated. The idea was to create a subtle reaction from Sarah, making her laugh unexpectedly and potentially ruining the scene. They’d then have to ask her what she was doing, especially since they were tired and wanted to finish filming for the day.

Zach, what were your initial thoughts about the project?

I was working as a waiter at a French-Vietnamese restaurant, Le Colonial, in Los Angeles. They made us wear tunics, which actually ended up in the movie “Garden State.” I’d been going to a lot of auditions, mostly for sitcoms, but wasn’t having much luck. When I read this script, I immediately thought it was hilarious and that I could really nail the part because I genuinely found it funny.

How did you know the chemistry between the three of you was going to work?

When we filmed the pilot episode, I immediately connected with everyone. I quickly became close to Sarah, and I thought Donald and Bill were both incredibly funny – Bill, actually, was the funniest person I’d ever worked with. I felt really confident and comfortable working with them all.

Everyone was thrilled to be on set, and we loved watching the scenes we weren’t a part of. I specifically remember standing by the monitor, observing the other actors and crew, and being incredibly impressed by their work.

After filming wrapped for the day, Sarah and I would often hang out, and she still does sometimes. This time, Donald started showing up early because he was fascinated by a strange coffee-making robot in the office. I noticed him coming in a few times just to get coffee from it.

I didn’t come in early for that reason. I was famously late and unprepared during the first season of “Scrubs.” I once heard Tom Hanks share a story about being a young actor and how an experienced actor kept messing up their lines. The director eventually said, “Look, three things: be early, know your lines, and have a general idea of what you’re doing.” Then he just walked away. Tom Hanks said that made him realize, “If that’s all it takes, I can handle that.” I remembered that story, and I’m trying to apply it now with this second chance.”

Braff: I thought it was the coffee robot.

You know, filming the pilot for the show was amazing. I instantly connected with everyone. I was completely smitten with Sarah, and I honestly thought Donald was the funniest person on the planet. It was just a really special vibe right from the start.

But Sarah would hang out after you wrapped?

We’re all involved as executive producers on this project. Zach is handling pretty much everything – producing, directing, editing, and writing – and it’s been amazing to see him do it all. I’m really eager to learn from the process, though it’s a balancing act with returning to full-time work and raising my two kids.

You know, Sarah came to me before we even started filming and basically said she really wanted to get involved in the directing and producing side of things – not just as a formality, but to really learn it. She wanted to be right there, asking questions, seeing how everything worked. I was totally on board! So, the very first week, I started throwing her right into it – like, a huge tech scout, probably lasting…

Chalke: “In a van for seven hours.”

I told her she’d learn more during the tech scout than she would in film school, but she didn’t think that was possible. By the end of the nine episodes, though, Sarah realized her main role was boosting everyone’s spirits.

I’d like to add to what Sarah mentioned. Zach has really carried these nine episodes, and for this revival, he’s put in an incredible amount of effort. That’s been reassuring for all of us, knowing the lead actor, who truly cares about the show, is completely dedicated to making sure we start strong and deliver something amazing for the fans.

What were your conversations about where your characters would be after all these years?

We really wanted to refocus the show, because it had become quite expansive over time. We aimed to return to its original roots, keeping it set in a relatable, realistic world. We still have room for fun and fantastical elements, and we occasionally get a little over-the-top, but overall, the new season feels more like the first – much more grounded and authentic.

You know, as you get older, you realize life rarely goes according to plan. That’s why we started the show with J.D. imagining himself as some amazing emergency room doctor – a total fantasy, considering he’s actually treating foot problems in a quiet suburb! And with me and Donald, Bill [Lawrence] really wanted to capture our real-life goofiness, but also show that when we stepped into those teacher roles, we were genuinely good at it.

Was it easy to fall back into your rhythms?

I was at the table read, and I seriously couldn’t stop laughing when Zach did the first voice-over – it was hilarious!

Everyone in the room reacted. It was pretty funny, actually, because I hadn’t used that voice in twenty years.

One of the best things about working on the show was that Bill always tailored the writing to each actor’s individual strengths, unique qualities, and personality. He did this throughout all eight seasons, and even in the current season. Because of that, it sometimes felt like the line between us as actors and our characters became blurred. That’s why it felt so comfortable to revisit these roles.

Braff: Sarah is a fast-talking klutz.

Apparently, someone predicted I’d cause trouble! Before we started filming, Zach joked that I’d come in daily with a new mishap. And sure enough, the day before we began, I tripped and broke my finger! So, my first day on set involved explaining that, yes, I had, in fact, broken my finger.

How did you break your finger?

Braff: Walking.

Chalke: It’s part of who I am, but it’s also part of who Elliot is.

Braff: I think if we put in the show how really klutzy you are, people would think it’s too much.

Was there anything you were nostalgic for that wasn’t in the new incarnation?

Chalke: Sam Lloyd.

Zach Braff fondly remembered Sam Lloyd, who played the lawyer on the show, as both a fan favorite and a personal favorite. He described Sam as incredibly funny and kind, and praised his ability to deliver a single line that would instantly make people laugh. Braff’s co-star, Bill, affectionately called people like Sam ‘comedy assassins’ – masters of comedic timing who could steal a scene with just a few words, and Braff considered Sam one of the best.

I think this new season of ‘Scrubs’ feels different, and honestly, I sometimes long for the way the show used to be. We’re telling new stories now, which is great, but seeing those older episodes makes me a little nostalgic. We really captured something special before, and I hope we can recreate that magic again. I’m hoping this isn’t the final season, but it’s important to remember that we’ve all aged. I’m not the young guy I was when we started – I’m 50 now!

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2026-02-20 14:37