ABC is starting 2026 with an ambitious and nostalgia-fueled lineup. The network has announced release dates for 16 major shows, including the most talked-about revival of the decade — Scrubs.
After years of speculation, ABC finally confirmed that Scrubs will return on February 27, 2026, with a two-episode premiere. The revival, developed by original series creator Bill Lawrence, reunites the beloved cast for a new chapter at Sacred Heart Hospital.
“It feels surreal to see everyone back in scrubs again,” said Scrubs star Zach Braff. “We wanted to honour what fans loved about the original while showing how much medicine — and friendship — have evolved.”
The network’s early 2026 schedule also includes Grey’s Anatomy’s record-breaking 22nd season, new hits like Will Trent and High Potential, and the return of reality staples The Bachelorette and American Idol.
Full ABC 2026 Midseason Schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Show | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, January 4 | 7 PM | America’s Funniest Home Videos | Season 36 Return |
| Tuesday, January 6 | 8 PM | Will Trent | Season 4 Premiere |
| 9 PM | High Potential | Season 2 Midseason Return | |
| 10 PM | The Rookie | Season 8 Premiere | |
| Wednesday, January 7 | 8 PM | Shifting Gears | Season 2 Midseason Return |
| 8:30 PM | Abbott Elementary | Season 5 Midseason Return | |
| 10 PM | Shark Tank | Season 17 Midseason Return | |
| Thursday, January 8 | 8 PM | 9-1-1 | Season 9 Midseason Return |
| 9 PM | 9-1-1: Nashville | Season 1 Midseason Return | |
| 10 PM | Grey’s Anatomy | Season 22 Midseason Return | |
| Friday, January 9 | 8 PM | Celebrity Wheel of Fortune | Season 6 Midseason Return |
| 9 PM | 20/20 | Season 48 Midseason Return | |
| Monday, January 26 | 8 PM | American Idol | Season 24 Premiere |
| Wednesday, February 25 | 8 PM | Scrubs | Two-Episode Series Premiere |
| Friday, February 27 | 8 PM | Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars | Season 4 Premiere |
| Sunday, March 22 | 8 PM | The Bachelorette | Season 22 Premiere |
Scrubs Reboot: What Fans Can Expect?
Nearly 15 years after its finale, Scrubs is returning with a blend of humour, heart, and nostalgia. The 2026 reboot brings back original stars Zach Braff (J.D.), Donald Faison (Turk) and Sarah Chalke (Elliot) in leading roles, with Judy Reyes (Carla) and John C. McGinley (Dr Cox) appearing as special guests.
The revival’s synopsis teases:
“J.D. and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time: medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart, and some surprises along the way.”
Key Details of the Scrubs Revival
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Episodes | Two-episode premiere; weekly thereafter |
| Runtime | 30 minutes per episode |
| Showrunner / Creator | Bill Lawrence |
| Returning Cast | Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke |
| Guest Appearances | Judy Reyes, John C. McGinley |
| Tone | Comedy-drama with updated medical realism |
| Network | ABC (with next-day streaming on Hulu) |
The reboot will explore how modern medicine, diversity in healthcare, and social media influence the hospital environment — while keeping the show’s signature blend of humor and emotional storytelling intact.
“Scrubs was always about the people, not just the medicine,” said creator Bill Lawrence. “This new version is for fans who grew up with it and for a new generation discovering it.”
ABC’s Strategy for 2026: Blending Legacy with Innovation
ABC’s early 2026 schedule shows a clear strategy: balance nostalgia-driven reboots with strong, ongoing franchises. The network’s mix of legacy hits (Grey’s Anatomy, Shark Tank, The Rookie) and buzzy comedies (Abbott Elementary) ensures wide audience appeal.
Media analyst Tara McMillan explained:
“ABC is leveraging familiar IPs like Scrubs while nurturing new shows that speak to today’s audience. It’s smart programming — emotional comfort with a modern edge.”
The February premiere of Scrubs also strategically fills a midseason gap between American Idol’s debut and The Bachelorette’s spring return, keeping ABC’s schedule competitive against streaming platforms and other networks.
Returning Fan Favorites to Watch
While Scrubs is grabbing headlines, several other ABC favorites will also mark major milestones:
- Grey’s Anatomy (Season 22): Now officially the longest-running primetime medical drama, it continues to explore new characters at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
- Abbott Elementary (Season 5): Quinta Brunson’s award-winning sitcom remains a staple of network comedy with critical acclaim and strong ratings.
- Will Trent (Season 4): Based on Karin Slaughter’s novels, this procedural hit returns with more character-driven crime storytelling.
- The Rookie (Season 8): Nathan Fillion’s police drama remains one of ABC’s most consistent performers.
- Shark Tank (Season 17): The entrepreneurial juggernaut continues to evolve with younger investors and global guest sharks.
Reality TV Powerhouses
ABC’s unscripted slate remains as strong as ever heading into 2026.
- American Idol launches its 24th season on January 26. Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are expected to return.
- The Bachelorette returns on March 22 for its 22nd season, continuing its streak as one of the most-watched dating franchises on television.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars maintain ABC’s Friday night dominance, delivering family-friendly entertainment to end the week.
TV critic Jason Wheeler praised the lineup:
“ABC’s 2026 slate is a perfect mix of fresh content and nostalgia. The Scrubs revival will pull in older fans, while Abbott Elementary keeps younger viewers engaged. It’s one of the network’s most balanced schedules in years.”
Why the Scrubs Reboot Matters?
Scrubs remains a cultural touchstone — a show that blended slapstick comedy with heartfelt realism. The reboot’s arrival in 2026 marks both a revival of a fan favourite and a symbol of ABC’s renewed investment in character-driven storytelling.
The original series’ finale aired in 2010, leaving behind a devoted fanbase that’s stayed loyal for over a decade. Now, the revival will not only revisit that legacy but also bridge generational audiences — especially as classic Scrubs episodes continue to trend on streaming platforms like Hulu.
FAQs
The Scrubs revival premieres on February 27, 2026, with a two-episode debut on ABC.
Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke return as leads, with guest appearances from Judy Reyes and John C. McGinley.
ABC will launch or continue 16 shows between January and March 2026.
The revival will tackle modern-day medicine, diversity in healthcare, and the changing culture of hospitals, while keeping the humor and emotional depth of the original.
Yes. Episodes will air on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu in the U.S.
