ABC's 'Scrubs' revival brings back beloved characters

Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke reprise their roles in the updated medical comedy series.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The beloved sitcom 'Scrubs' has been revived by ABC, bringing back original stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke. The new season finds the characters in familiar roles, with J.D. working as a concierge doctor before being drawn back to Sacred Heart Hospital. The show maintains the fast-paced, joke-filled tone of the original, while also reflecting the changes in the world over the past 15 years. A new generation of interns join the veteran staff, providing both youth appeal and opportunities for the seasoned characters to impart their wisdom. Under the guidance of original creator Bill Lawrence and showrunner Aseem Batra, the revival aims to capture the spirit of the beloved series for both longtime fans and new viewers.

Why it matters

The return of 'Scrubs' marks the latest in a trend of successful revivals of popular sitcoms from the 2000s, tapping into nostalgia while also updating the shows for modern audiences. The series' blend of sentimental, satirical, and surreal comedy made it a standout during its original run, and the revival aims to recapture that unique tone and spirit. The show's exploration of the lives of young medical professionals also provides a fresh perspective on the medical drama genre.

The details

The new season of 'Scrubs' picks up 15 years after the events of the original series finale. J.D., played by Zach Braff, is now working as a concierge doctor when he's drawn back to Sacred Heart Hospital, where he's reunited with his former mentor Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) and his best friend Turk (Donald Faison), who is now the chief of surgery. The show introduces a new generation of interns, including the cocky Blake, the insecure Asher, and the socially media-savvy Amara, who provide both youthful energy and opportunities for the veteran characters to impart their wisdom. The revival maintains the fast-paced, joke-filled tone of the original, while also reflecting the changes in the world over the past 15 years.

  • The original 'Scrubs' series aired from 2001 to 2010, with a ninth season in 2010 that was considered a virtual spin-off.
  • The series finale of the original 'Scrubs' aired in 2010.
  • The new revival of 'Scrubs' premiered on ABC in February 2026.

The players

Zach Braff

An American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his role as J.D. in the original 'Scrubs' series.

Donald Faison

An American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Turk in the original 'Scrubs' series.

Sarah Chalke

A Canadian actress, best known for her role as Elliot in the original 'Scrubs' series.

John C. McGinley

An American actor, best known for his role as Dr. Cox in the original 'Scrubs' series.

Judy Reyes

An American actress, best known for her role as Carla in the original 'Scrubs' series.

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What they’re saying

“Two chiefs! Two chiefs!”

— Zach Braff and Donald Faison, as J.D. and Turk

“You're, like, the only Black surgeon in this place; the rest of them just got, like, Coldplay on loop in the ER and say things like, 'You're so articulate.'”

— Dashana, Intern

“I am now supposed to watch every word that comes out of my mouth because apparently they are all fragile little Christmas ornaments.”

— Dr. Cox, Veteran doctor

What’s next

The new season of 'Scrubs' will continue to air weekly on ABC, with the full season expected to consist of 9 episodes.

The takeaway

The revival of 'Scrubs' successfully captures the charm and humor of the original series, blending nostalgia for longtime fans with fresh perspectives and characters to appeal to new viewers. The show's ability to balance sentimental, satirical, and surreal comedy while exploring the lives of young medical professionals makes it a standout in the crowded medical drama genre.