Zach Braff Returns as J.D. for Scrubs Reboot at ABC.
Here’s some welcome news for Scrubs fans who have been holding out hope: Zach Braff is officially back as John “J.D.” Dorian in the upcoming Scrubs reboot at ABC. The project, which has been in the works for months, finally sealed the deal with Braff after what insiders say were some pretty intense negotiations.
Early on, the reboot hit a few roadblocks, especially over Braff’s salary demands and his insistence that filming happen in Los Angeles—not Vancouver, where the original plan was to shoot. At one point, the whole thing was in danger of being scrapped. Luckily, the stars aligned and everyone came to terms.
The show’s creator, Bill Lawrence, who’s since become a big name behind hits like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, won’t be running the new series because of his packed schedule. But he’s been involved behind the scenes, and he shared with Deadline his vision for the reboot. He sees it as a mix of the old and new—a revival that brings back the characters fans love while introducing fresh faces, particularly new surgical interns.
Lawrence said, “The only real reason to do it is a combo. People want to see what the world of medicine was like for the people they love, which is part of any successful reboot. But also, the show’s always worked because you get to see young people dropped into medicine, full of idealism and passion.”
If you’re not familiar, Scrubs originally aired from 2001 to 2010, capturing hearts with its unique blend of comedy and heartfelt drama set in Sacred Heart Hospital. Braff led the charge as J.D. for eight seasons and popped back for a handful of episodes in the ninth. And who can forget the legendary bromance between J.D. and Turk (Donald Faison)? Their friendship still stands as one of TV’s most iconic.
Braff and Faison have stayed close over the years, teaming up for the Scrubs rewatch podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends and even appearing together in a bunch of nostalgic T-Mobile ads.
With Braff officially on board, talks will soon kick off with other original cast members, including Faison, Sarah Chalke (Elliot Reid), John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox), and Judy Reyes (Nurse Carla), who’s currently shining on ABC’s High Potential.
Braff himself has been keeping busy directing Emmy-nominated episodes of Ted Lasso and working on other projects like HBO’s Shrinking. He also recently wrapped the indie film Clean Hands and will next appear in Girls Like Girls.
All told, this Scrubs reboot looks set to deliver the same heartfelt humor and genuine moments that made the original so beloved—while also breathing new life into the world of Sacred Heart with fresh faces and stories.
People Also Ask
What is Zach Braff's illness?
Zach Braff has been open about managing Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.
Did Florence Pugh and Zach Braff get back together?
No public confirmation of a reunion between Florence Pugh and Zach Braff has been made.
Is Zach Braff related to Jessica Kirson?
There is no known family relation between Zach Braff and comedian Jessica Kirson.
How old was Florence Pugh when she dated Zach Braff?
Florence Pugh was in her early 20s during her reported relationship with Zach Braff.
