‘Scrubs’ revival brings back what made the original work, along with brilliant additions

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It feels like we’ve stepped back into the 2000s! Both ABC and NBC are bringing back classic network TV vibes: “Scrubs” is premiering on ABC, and Tracy Morgan’s new show on NBC, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” feels like a spiritual successor to “30 Rock.” It’s a reminder of a time before streaming dominated how we watched TV – back when streaming meant something completely different.

Initially presented as a funny and heartwarming story about young doctors navigating work and relationships, “Scrubs” can also be seen as a precursor to “Grey’s Anatomy” – though since it aired first, it’s more accurate to say “Grey’s” is a more serious version of “Scrubs.” The show blends emotional, witty, and sometimes bizarre humor with realistic medical drama. Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke are returning as regulars, with familiar faces like Judy Reyes and John C. McGinley appearing throughout the season, and other past cast members making guest appearances.

The series ended in 2016 after nine seasons, and a subsequent season was considered separate from the main storyline. The eighth season finale showed the main character, J.D. (played by Braff), imagining a happy future with his wife, Elliot (Chalke), and a child. However, this turned out to be just a fantasy. The new season finds J.D. and Elliot struggling in their relationship, and while they talk about having a child, it hasn’t been shown yet in the first four episodes available.

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Donald Faison, Zach Braff, and Sarah Chalke discussed coming back together for the new season of the popular medical comedy, originally created by Bill Lawrence and now led by Aseem Batra.

The show begins with J.D. working as a personal doctor for wealthy patients, dealing with everyday issues. He’s soon pulled back to Sacred Heart Hospital to check on a patient, and quickly offered a job by his old mentor, Dr. Cox – a tough but kind doctor who recognizes J.D.’s talent for teaching. This reunion also brings J.D. back together with his close friend, Turk, who is now the chief of surgery. The two playfully celebrate their positions with a motto – “Two chiefs!” – and a special handshake, maintaining their youthful bond. Turk remains happily married to head nurse Carla, and they have four daughters who make brief appearances. J.D.’s new position doesn’t sit well with Dr. Park, who quickly establishes himself as the show’s resident antagonist.

A fresh group of interns are now working in the same hospital space J.D. and Elliot did 25 years ago, bringing a mix of youthful energy and inexperience. Among them is Blake, who starts out overly confident but quickly learns humility; Asher, a British intern who struggles with self-doubt and develops a crush on Amara. Amara was homeschooled and jokingly laments missing out on prom queen (“I almost won twice, but my brothers voted for my mom!”) and is a big fan of Sam, a popular social media influencer with a quirky style. Dashana is the most serious of the group and sees a potential ally in Turk, noting the lack of diversity among the surgeons and their tendency to make unintentionally insensitive comments. Turk playfully responds by playing Coldplay, highlighting another teachable moment.

The show remains quick and funny, filled with quick jokes, playful tangents, and surprising physical comedy. It knows when to slow down for more serious moments, though. Fifteen years have passed, and as Dr. Cox points out, everyone is more careful with their words. The show handles mature themes through its established characters, but the focus has shifted from explicit jokes to jokes about a lack of intimacy. For example, Turk observes that Carla isn’t as excited about romance now that a popular show she enjoys won’t have a new season for a while. Vanessa Bayer joins the cast as Sibby, a stressed-out administrator who constantly monitors everyone’s feelings – Turk jokingly calls her “the feelings police.” Bayer is a fantastic addition to the show, and her character’s deadpan delivery is consistently hilarious – when told Tarzan is fictional, she replies with a perfectly straight face, “I wouldn’t be so sure. They did make a movie about his life.”

The saying goes that you can’t truly recapture the past, but with the right planning and team, you can get remarkably close. Reviving old TV shows isn’t always successful, but often it is – just look at examples like “Arrested Development,” “Veronica Mars,” “Party Down,” “Roseanne/The Conners,” “Frasier,” and even “Dallas.” “Twin Peaks: The Return” is a particularly stunning example. The new version of a beloved sitcom, overseen by creator Bill Lawrence (who would later co-create “Ted Lasso,” which is getting a fourth season despite feeling complete after three) and showrun by Aseem Batra, a writer from the original, feels very much like the show fans remember – and everyone involved still looks great!

While some might find minor flaws, it’s hard to believe any dedicated fan wouldn’t enjoy this bonus content, even if it’s shorter than expected. Even without knowing the original series—references to things like appletinis, “Star Wars,” and a specific closet aside—it’s funny and stands on its own, and it’s still full of heart. As the narrator, J.D., puts it, “When this makes you fall apart, someone is there to help you feel better.”

New viewers will not be shut out.

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2026-02-24 23:31