Sixteen years after its final season, Scrubs is returning to television — and it’s bringing the full Sacred Heart crew with it. ABC has confirmed that the hit comedy-drama will premiere its revival, billed as Season 10, on February 25, 2026, marking the show’s official return to network TV.
A 30-second teaser released on the official Scrubs Instagram page sent fans into a frenzy. Set to Quise. B’s track “Big Dawg,” the clip shows John “J.D.” Dorian (Zach Braff), Christopher Turk (Donald Faison), and Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke) walking confidently down the hospital hallways.
“I’m back, baby,” J.D. exclaims — before Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) cuts in with his trademark sarcasm: “Really super start there, scooter.”
The teaser ends with J.D. smiling and declaring, “It’s good to be back.”
“It feels like stepping back into a time capsule — except now everyone’s a little older, a little wiser, but still just as weird,” Braff said in a recent interview.
The Return to Sacred Heart: What Fans Can Expect?
ABC’s revival is being billed as the 10th season of Scrubs, continuing from where the series left off in 2010. The show will explore how the doctors have evolved personally and professionally over the past decade and a half.
While plot details are still tightly under wraps, insiders suggest the revival will blend nostalgia with fresh perspectives. Sacred Heart Hospital has undergone changes — new leadership, new medical technologies, and a new batch of interns.
“We wanted to bring back the warmth and humor fans love, but through the lens of today’s healthcare realities,” said Bill Lawrence, original series creator and showrunner. “It’s still the same heart, just beating in a slightly different world.”
Confirmed Returning Cast Members
Every key Scrubs veteran is officially on board for the revival:
| Actor | Character | Status in Revival |
|---|---|---|
| Zach Braff | Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian | Lead |
| Donald Faison | Dr. Christopher Turk | Lead |
| Sarah Chalke | Dr. Elliot Reid | Lead |
| John C. McGinley | Dr. Perry Cox | Returning |
| Judy Reyes | Nurse Carla Espinosa | Returning |
| Neil Flynn | The Janitor | Returning |
| Ken Jenkins | Dr. Kelso | Guest Appearance |
Fans can expect the same dynamic chemistry that defined Scrubs’ unique tone — a balance of laugh-out-loud absurdity and emotional depth.
“It’s not just a reunion. It’s a continuation of something special,” said Donald Faison. “We’re showing how friendship, mentorship, and humour still matter — even in a world that’s changed so much since 2010.”
New Faces Join the Hospital Floor
The Scrubs revival also introduces several new cast members, expanding the world of Sacred Heart with a new generation of medical professionals and nurses.
| New Cast Member | Role | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michael James Scott | Nurse Francois Dubois | A judgmental yet lovable co-charge nurse who runs a tight ship alongside Nurse Pippa. |
| X Mayo | Nurse Pippa Raymond | A sarcastic, sharp-witted co-charge nurse who keeps everyone on their toes. |
| Vanessa Bayer | TBD | Rumored to play a hospital administrator with unconventional management methods. |
| Joel Kim Booster | TBD | A young attending known for social media fame. |
| Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi, Amanda Morrow | New interns | Representing the next generation of Sacred Heart doctors. |
Scott, currently starring as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, described joining the show as “a surreal dream come true.”
“This show inspired an entire generation of healthcare workers,” Scott said. “Getting to step into that world is both hilarious and humbling.”
A Revival for the Modern Era
Zach Braff and Donald Faison have both emphasised that while Scrubs will retain its signature humour and emotional beats, it will also reflect modern-day healthcare and social issues.
“We’ve brought in a very young, diverse writers’ room,” Braff explained. “They’re bringing fresh stories and perspectives while keeping the original DNA of the show intact.”
According to Faison, the revival won’t ignore the passage of time:
“We’re all different now — as people and as doctors. But the heart of Scrubs has always been about growth, connection, and learning to laugh through chaos. That part hasn’t changed.”
Why Now? The Perfect Time for a ‘Scrubs’ Comeback
Since going off the air in 2010, Scrubs has maintained a passionate global following. Its enduring presence on streaming platforms, combined with the success of the “Fake Doctors, Real Friends” podcast hosted by Braff and Faison, helped reignite interest in a revival.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Scrubs airs its final episode on ABC |
| 2020 | Braff and Faison launch the Fake Doctors, Real Friends rewatch podcast |
| 2023 | Rumors of a Scrubs revival begin circulating |
| 2024 | ABC officially confirms Scrubs revival |
| 2026 | Scrubs Season 10 premieres February 25 |
ABC executives have described the revival as part of a broader push to bring back legacy comedies that “balance nostalgia with modern relevance.”
“People are craving comfort television,” said Craig Erwich, President of ABC Entertainment. “Scrubs represents the kind of heartfelt humour that feels timeless — and timely.”
Fan Reaction: A Warm Welcome Back
Within hours of the teaser’s release, fans flooded social media with emotional reactions.
“Scrubs convinced me to become a doctor when I was a teenager,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “I’m so happy they’re back!”
Others speculated about whether the teaser’s hallway was the original Sacred Heart set, noting similarities in design and lighting.
On Reddit, longtime fans debated which of the original interns might appear, with some hoping for cameos from secondary characters like The Todd (Robert Maschio) or Ted (Sam Lloyd) via archival footage or tribute.
What the Revival Could Mean for ABC?
For ABC, the return of Scrubs isn’t just a nostalgia play — it’s a strategic move. The network aims to anchor its 2026 primetime lineup with established IP, leveraging built-in fan bases in the streaming era.
Industry analysts suggest that the Scrubs revival could serve as a model for hybrid distribution, premiering on broadcast before arriving on Hulu and Disney+ internationally.
“Scrubs has multi-generational appeal,” said Lara McKenzie, a TV analyst at Media Insights. “It’s one of those rare comedies that’s both silly and sincere, and ABC knows audiences are ready to laugh again.”
Why This Reunion Matters?
When Scrubs first aired in 2001, it redefined medical comedy — equal parts absurdist humor and raw emotional honesty. Now, two decades later, it’s poised to resonate with a new generation while comforting old fans with the familiar rhythm of life at Sacred Heart.
The revival isn’t just a reunion; it’s a return to the spirit of resilience and empathy that defined Scrubs.
“At its core, Scrubs was never about medicine,” said Bill Lawrence. “It was about growing up, making mistakes, and learning how to care for your patients, your friends, and yourself.”
As the premiere approaches, one thing is certain: for millions of fans around the world, it’s good to be back.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Scrubs revival premieres on February 25, 2026, on ABC.
Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley, Judy Reyes, Neil Flynn, and Ken Jenkins are all confirmed to return.
Yes. Michael James Scott, X Mayo, Vanessa Bayer, Joel Kim Booster, and others join the ensemble as new doctors and nurses.
It’s a continuation of the original series, set 16 years later, following the same characters in new stages of their lives.
Original creator Bill Lawrence and stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison are executive producers.
The show will be available to stream on Hulu the day after its broadcast debut.
