Scrubs: Production Start and Launch Date Announced for Cult Series Revival

One of the most important comedy series of the 21st century is celebrating its comeback: production of the "Scrubs" revival has begun – and a start date has already been announced! The start of filming was announced by the cast themselves via social media. In a clip, we get a good overview of which stars from the original series are back.

The main cast once again includes Zach Braff as John Dorian (J.D.), Donald Faison as Christopher Turk and Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid. The cast also includes Judy Reyes as Carla, John C. McGinley as fan favorite Dr. Cox, Robert Maschio as Todd and Phill Lewis as Hooch. However, they are not part of the main cast. Series creator Bill Lawrence recently hinted to TVLine that other actors could also return.

"My hope would be that we establish where everybody from [the original show] is, whether they're still with us at the hospital or not. I hope Ken [Jenkins] is able to come play with us a little bit. He's a little older, but we love him so much."

Jenkins starred as Bob Kelso in the original series. Neil Flynn as the janitor could also return. Lawrence himself is not involved as showrunner this time, but only as a producer. He recently celebrated success with his Apple TV Plus shows "Shrinking" and "Ted Lasso".

First plot details and start date

The new "Scrubs" series is said to be a mix of revival and reboot. It will feature familiar characters as well as introducing new ones. The new series will also be set in Sacred Heart Hospital. A lot has changed – but the bromance between J.D. and Turk has remained.

Braff and Faison have remained closely associated with "Scrubs" even after the original ending. They can be heard together in "Fake Doctors, Real Friends". In the rewatch podcast, the two discuss all the "Scrubs" episodes. Next year, the two will be back in their iconic roles. The "Scrubs" revival will be broadcast on ABC from February 25, 2026.

Scrubs: A timeless cult phenomenon

Hardly any other comedy series in the 2000s touched as many people, made them laugh and made them think as much as "Scrubs". What began as a classic hospital sitcom quickly developed into one of the most influential series phenomena of its time. Between absurd humor, sincere emotions and unforgettable characters, "Scrubs" created a unique series universe that continues to delight fans around the world to this day.

A hospital full of chaos and heart

"Scrubs" ran in the USA from 2001 to 2010, first on NBC and later on ABC. The focus is on the young doctor John Dorian, who works at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital together with his friends and colleagues. There he tries to find his place between medical seriousness, emotional challenges and everyday madness.

In addition to J.D., numerous iconic characters shaped the series: Dr. Cox as a cynical mentor, Elliot as an ambitious and insecure doctor, Turk as J.D.'s congenial partner in crime, Carla as a warm-hearted and down-to-earth nurse or the legendary janitor as J.D.'s eternal adversary. The mixture of quirky characters, quick dialog, visual gags and inner monologues made "Scrubs" something completely new in the series cosmos.

The perfect balance between humor and heart

What sets "Scrubs" apart from many other comedy series is its extraordinary emotional balance. The series was never just slapstick or pure situation comedy – it combined hilarious humor with genuine, often tragic moments. Each episode was a balancing act between laughter and tears: death, illness, friendship and growing up were told with sensitivity and humanity. At the same time, the series never managed to make serious topics seem preachy. Instead, the emotional moments felt honest and earned – a rare feat in comedy.

A style that set standards

Visually and narratively, "Scrubs" was ahead of its time. The use of daydreams, voice-over narration and surreal montages gave the series an unmistakable dynamic. This mixture of real hospital world and over-the-top fantasy reflected J.D.'s inner world of thought – and made the series a stylistic pioneer for many later formats. The soundtrack also contributed significantly to the atmosphere: Songs such as "How to Save a Life" (The Fray) are inextricably linked to the series' most emotional moments.

Why Scrubs is still so popular today

There are several reasons for the enduring success of "Scrubs". One of them is the authentic characters: each character is multi-layered, human and develops over the course of the series. The jokes also work decades later – some absurd, some subtle. And despite all the irony, "Scrubs" always conveys empathy and humanity. This makes the series a piece of television history from the early 2000s.