Scrubs Revival Returns with Original Cast and Fresh Faces on ABC
In an era where television is saturated with nostalgic reboots mining the glory days of yesteryear, ABC's decision to resurrect the beloved 2000s sitcom Scrubs might have initially raised eyebrows among fans. After all, the show's misguided final season stripped away much of what made it special, leaving many to wonder if a revival could recapture the magic. However, this latest season, centered once again on the staff of Sacred Heart Hospital, deserves a fair shot as it feels like a true return to form, blending classic elements with modern tweaks.
A Bromance Rekindled and New Energy Injected
Fans will be delighted to see that the iconic bromance between Zach Braff's J.D. and Donald Faison's Turk is still alive and well, with the revival picking up where things left off. Yet, after more than a decade, things at Sacred Heart have naturally evolved. The teaching hospital now boasts a fresh crop of wide-eyed interns—Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi, and Amanda Morrow—who bring a dose of Gen Z energy and TikTok sensibilities to the series. Meanwhile, J.D., now divorced and absent from the hospital for years, sets up the revival's premise, which in its first four episodes feels heartwarmingly familiar.
Original Ensemble Returns with New Dynamics
Much of the original cast, now in their 50s, is back just as we remember them, including:
- Sarah Chalke as J.D.'s former love and now ex-wife, Dr. Elliot
- Judy Reyes as the no-nonsense nurse Carla
- Robert Maschio as the sex-obsessed surgeon Dr. Todd
- Phill Lewis as the still unhinged Dr. Hooch
- John C. McGinley recurring as the soon-to-retire chief of medicine, Dr. Perry
The feel-good sitcom remains as sweet and silly as ever, now peppered with Gen X vs. Gen Z humor that aims to reel in a younger audience, even if it occasionally feels cringey. This modern-day version slides right back into old times, from J.D. and Turk's signature "Eagle" move—which humorously doesn't hit the same now that they're older—to the former's iconic narration and dream sequences, and the series' medically accurate storylines that showcased hospital workers' day-to-day long before shows like The Pitt emerged.
Growth and New Additions Keep the Series Fresh
What keeps the sitcom engaging is how it reunites with old characters who have grown in their own ways since we last saw them. For instance, Turk embraces being a girl dad of four, and Dr. Perry passes the baton to J.D. as mentor of the new interns. On the other hand, new faces add intrigue and humor, such as:
- Joel Kim Booster as J.D.'s adversary, Dr. Eric Park
- Vanessa Bayer as Sibby, the hospital's vigilant HR and wellness manager
- X Mayo as the hilarious and gossipy charge nurse, Pippa Raymond
These elements push the revival forward without losing its identity, a balance that longtime fans will likely appreciate. Too often, revivals drown in nostalgia, feeling redundant and out of step, but Scrubs avoids this pitfall by sticking to its tried-and-true format.
Why This Revival Works
Rather than attempting another overhaul—as the infamous ninth season did—the series maintains the same camaraderie, slapstick comedy, and heart that made it a TV classic, with the original ensemble rightfully steering the ship. Writing Scrubs as a continuation of what's familiar was probably the best approach, offering a snappy comfort show that sometimes is all you need. Hopefully, this nostalgic homecoming won't be short-lived.
New episodes of Scrubs air on ABC on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET and stream on Hulu the next day.
