What’s actually happening?
Good news for nostalgic fans: Scrubs is returning to broadcast TV in 2026, and the new episodes are being treated as a fresh start — not as Season 10. The cast and creators have been clear that this is a revival that leans into the vibe viewers fell in love with during the show’s early years.
So… what about Season 9?
If you grimaced at the show’s later-med school detour, you’re not alone. The new batch of episodes essentially sidesteps that era, treating it like a side project rather than the main story. In other words, expect the revival to pick up from the emotional finish line fans remember, not from the spin-off direction the show briefly took.
Who’s back (and who’ll pop in)
The core trio — Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke — are returning as series regulars, so J.D., Turk and Elliot should be front-and-center for whatever shenanigans the writers cook up. Judy Reyes and John C. McGinley are listed as recurring, so don’t be surprised to see Carla and Dr. Cox drop by for a cameo or two. And yes, The Todd makes an appearance in the promo — of course he does.
How the revival ties to the original ending
Rather than leaning on the events of that later season, the revival uses the hopeful, almost dreamlike beats from the original finale as its jumping-off point. Think of it as continuing the wishes and possibilities that J.D. imagined, years later — a way back into the original world that keeps the tone familiar without retconning everything.
SCAD TVfest and the cast award
Before the premiere, Braff, Faison and Chalke showed up at SCAD TVfest in Atlanta to accept a Cast Award — a nice reminder that these actors spent most of the show’s run together and that fans still care. Their appearance was part celebration, part reminder that the old chemistry is coming back.
Tone and expectations
From what we’ve seen so far, the humor seems to harken back to the show’s earlier seasons: goofy beats, heartfelt moments and quick-witted hospital chaos. Characters might be older and a little battered, but the comedy feels true to the original spirit rather than the later experiment.
When to watch
Mark your calendar: Scrubs lands on ABC on Wednesday, February 25 at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes also available via Hulu. It will share the hour with another medical show, but rest assured — this revival plays the lighter, weirder cousin to the serious hospital drama down the dial.
Bottom line
If you missed the show and hated the med-school pivot, or if you were one of the fans who loved the original crew, this revival is designed to give you the Scrubs energy you remember — familiar faces, old jokes, and a fresh-ish start that politely shrugs at Season 9.