ABC has officially ordered a Scrubs reboot for the 2025–26 season, marking a major return for one of TV’s most beloved medical comedies. The new series will reunite Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke—three core members of the original cast—with creator Bill Lawrence back at the helm as executive producer. After years of teases, podcast nostalgia, and reunion chatter, Scrubs is scrubbing back in for a fresh era of medicine, mentorship, and mayhem.
What’s Official So Far
This new reboot isn’t just a nostalgic cash-in—it’s a full series commitment. Braff returns as Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian under a limited contract, while Faison (Dr. Christopher Turk) and Chalke (Dr. Elliot Reid) are locked in as full series regulars. The show’s new premise blends returning fan favorites with a younger ensemble of interns navigating a post-pandemic healthcare system, for-profit medicine, and modern hospital bureaucracy.
According to the official logline:
“JD & 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.”
Lawrence has promised that the reboot will maintain the show’s signature mix of absurd comedy and heartfelt moments, while also exploring more contemporary healthcare issues. Expect commentary on AI in medicine, profit-driven hospital systems, and a more diverse cast of interns that reflects today’s workforce.
Cast: Who’s Confirmed, Who’s Circling
- Zach Braff (J.D.): Limited appearance deal, potentially recurring
- Donald Faison (Turk): Full return, key lead
- Sarah Chalke (Elliot): Full return, lead
- Bill Lawrence: Executive Producer, showrunner duties
John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox), Judy Reyes (Carla), and Neil Flynn (Janitor) are all in early talks to return in guest or supporting roles. While nothing is official yet, insiders suggest the production team is eager to bring back as much of the original ensemble as possible—pending availability and scheduling.
A Long Time Coming
The Scrubs reboot has been a frequent topic in interviews and podcast discussions over the last five years. Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s popular rewatch podcast, Fake Doctors, Real Friends, helped revive interest in the franchise. It also gave fans behind-the-scenes stories and rekindled chemistry among the original cast—something that clearly resonated with ABC.
This reboot has reportedly been in development since at least 2023, delayed partly by last year’s writers and actors strikes. But ABC is betting big on the resurgence of comfort TV, with Scrubs joining other legacy comedies like Frasier, That ‘90s Show, and Night Court in the current reboot renaissance.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans on Reddit’s r/television are largely optimistic:
- “2000s nostalgia is hot right now—if it’s half as charming as the original, I’m in.”
- “I hope they don’t shy away from real issues in modern healthcare. J.D. and Dr. Cox clashing over AI and private equity ownership? Yes, please.”
- “Sacred Heart is like comfort food. I’ll take another helping.”
There’s also plenty of buzz around how the show will balance comedy with today’s more complicated medical world. With Lawrence’s recent success on Ted Lasso, many viewers believe he can strike the right tone between heartfelt and hilarious.
Looking Ahead
No premiere date has been set yet, but filming is expected to begin by early 2026. Given ABC’s straight-to-series commitment, a mid-to-late 2026 debut seems likely, possibly as a fall tentpole or spring midseason anchor.
Here’s what’s confirmed:
✅ Series ordered by ABC
✅ Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke returning
✅ Bill Lawrence executive producing
✅ New ensemble of interns joining the cast
🩺 Potential returns from Dr. Cox, Carla, Janitor still in negotiation
🧠 Themes include modern healthcare challenges, mentorship, and legacy
Whether you watched Scrubs during its original NBC/ABC run or caught up on streaming, this reboot promises to blend that same quirky emotional resonance with timely, relevant storytelling. In an era of dark prestige dramas, Sacred Heart is ready to make you laugh—and cry—all over again.
Stay tuned for more casting updates, trailer drops, and behind-the-scenes exclusives as Scrubs 2.0 takes shape.
Our Favorite TV Show and Movie Characters
1. Guy Fieri on Flavor Town
Guy Fieri has made “Flavortown” famous through his popular TV shows and catchphrases. This mythical place isn’t on any map—it’s a state of mind where food and fun meet perfectly, as Fieri often explains to his fans.
When visiting restaurants on his hit show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Fieri brings Flavortown to life with his colorful reactions. His excitement for good food shows in his memorable one-liners that fans love to quote.
“I could put this on a flip-flop” is just one of many catchy phrases he uses when tasting something amazing. These sayings have helped build his food empire and personality brand.
The Flavortown concept has grown from TV catchphrase to actual business ventures. Fieri has opened Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where visitors can enjoy his food alongside arcade games and bowling.
His restaurants try to capture the Flavortown spirit, though results can vary. Some visitors to his establishments have reported that the real experience doesn’t always match the hype shown on TV.
The Las Vegas Strip hosts several of Fieri’s restaurants, each promising the Flavortown experience. Not all deliver the same quality, with some visitors noting inconsistencies across his many food spots.
Despite mixed reviews, Fieri continues to expand his Flavortown brand. He calls himself the “Mayor of Flavortown” and has built this concept into a recognizable part of American food culture.
The spiky-haired chef uses Flavortown as more than just a slogan—it represents his approach to food. He believes meals should be fun, flavorful, and without pretension.
What started as a simple saying has become a food philosophy that resonates with many Americans who share his love for comfort food and bold flavors.
2. Bryan Cranston as Walter White
Bryan Cranston’s role as Walter White in “Breaking Bad” stands as one of the most remarkable acting performances in television history. His portrayal of a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin captivated audiences worldwide.
Many fans and critics consider Cranston’s performance to be the best acting they’ve ever seen. The depth and range he brought to the character helped create one of television’s most complex anti-heroes.
Cranston earned four Emmy Awards for his work on “Breaking Bad.” This recognition highlights how his talent stood out even among the industry’s finest actors.
The character’s evolution from “Mr. Chips to Scarface” required extraordinary skill. Cranston mastered subtle facial expressions and body language that told Walter’s story beyond just the script’s words.
What makes his performance special is how he showed Walter’s slow change over five seasons. Viewers watched as pride, greed, and power gradually corrupted the once sympathetic character.
GQ magazine described Cranston as TV’s greatest leading man. His ability to make viewers sympathize with Walter while also showing his darkest traits showcases his exceptional range.
The famous “I am the one who knocks” speech shows how completely Cranston embodied the role. He delivered these lines with a chilling intensity that revealed Walter’s true nature.
Critics praise how Cranston balanced Walter’s two sides. He could switch from loving family man to calculating criminal mastermind with convincing ease.
Many acting students now study his work in “Breaking Bad.” His performance demonstrates how to build a complex character over multiple seasons with incredible consistency.
Even legendary actors recognize his achievement. Anthony Hopkins wrote Cranston a fan letter, calling his performance as Walter White the best acting he had ever seen.
Cranston’s preparation for the role was thorough. He spent time understanding both chemistry and the mindset of someone facing a terminal diagnosis.
His portrayal of Walter White has left a lasting mark on television history. Years after the show ended, it remains the standard against which other dramatic performances are measured.
3. Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks delivered one of his most iconic performances in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump.” His portrayal of a man with below-average intelligence who unwittingly influences several defining historical events won him his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor.
In the film, Hanks plays a character who has “no urge to control any aspect of his life” and simply goes with the flow. This role showcased his remarkable ability to transform completely into a character unlike himself.
The famous bench scene where Forrest says “Life is like a box of chocolates” has become one of the most quoted movie lines in film history. Hanks delivered this line with such sincerity that it remains etched in popular culture nearly thirty years later.
What makes this performance stand out is how Hanks maintained the character’s innocence and warmth throughout the film. He never played Forrest for laughs or mockery, instead giving him dignity and depth.
Hanks mastered the physical aspects of the role too. From Forrest’s distinct walking style to his Southern accent, every detail felt authentic and well-researched rather than caricatured.
During his Oscar acceptance speech, Hanks emotionally stated he felt like he was “standing on magic legs in a special effects process shot.” This heartfelt moment showed how deeply connected he felt to the role and the film’s success.
The film itself collected six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Hanks’ performance was central to this success, anchoring the story through decades of American history.
What’s particularly impressive is that Hanks filmed many complex scenes that required him to interact with historical footage. These visual effects placed Forrest in meetings with presidents and at historical events, all made believable through his committed acting.
Hanks brought a rare combination of vulnerability and strength to the character. He showed how Forrest navigated a complex world with simple wisdom and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.
Many actors might have overplayed the character’s disability, but Hanks found the perfect balance. He focused on Forrest’s humanity rather than his limitations, creating a character viewers connect with on a deep emotional level.
4. Dwayne Johnson in Fast & Furious
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joined the Fast & Furious franchise as Luke Hobbs, bringing his star power to the series. He first appeared in Fast Five (2011) as a Diplomatic Security Service agent hunting down Dominic Toretto and his crew.
Johnson’s character quickly became a fan favorite. His tough-guy persona and witty one-liners added a new energy to the films that fans loved.
The physical presence Johnson brought to the role made his action scenes stand out. In many scenes, he showcases his impressive strength, making his character one of the most powerful in the series.
His rivalry with Jason Statham’s character, Deckard Shaw, created some of the most memorable moments in the franchise. Their first fight scene in Furious 7 showed off both actors’ skills and set up their future team-up.
Johnson even used moves from his wrestling days in the films. During one fight with Jason Statham in Furious 7, he performs his famous wrestling finisher, The Rock Bottom.
The chemistry between Johnson and the rest of the cast added depth to the series. His back-and-forth banter with other characters, especially Shaw, became a highlight for many viewers.
Johnson’s Hobbs character grew from a strict lawman to someone who values family just as much as Toretto does. This change made his character more complex and interesting over time.
His popularity in the Fast saga led to a spin-off film. “Hobbs & Shaw” paired him with Jason Statham, expanding the Fast universe beyond the main series.
Some of his best moments in the franchise include his prison break scene, the tower jump in Fast Five, and his hospital fight with Shaw. These scenes show why fans love his character.
Johnson brought both humor and heart to the role. He could deliver funny lines but also handle emotional scenes when needed, showing his range as an actor.
His character’s evolution through the series shows how the Fast franchise grew from simple street racing to global adventures. Hobbs represents the bigger, more action-packed direction the series took.
5. Jimmy Fallon on Tonight Show
Jimmy Fallon has made his mark as the host of “The Tonight Show” since 2014. His energetic personality and creative segments have helped him build a strong following among late-night viewers.
Fallon’s comedy style mixes celebrity interviews with fun games and musical performances. Many clips from his show become viral hits on social media, extending their reach beyond the TV audience.
The funniest moments on Jimmy Fallon’s show often involve celebrities participating in silly games or challenges. These segments showcase his talent for making famous guests feel comfortable while entertaining viewers.
Musical bits are another standout feature of Fallon’s hosting style. His collaboration with Justin Timberlake stands out, especially when they face off picking perfect songs for different situations.
Celebrity entrances on Fallon’s show sometimes become memorable moments themselves. For instance, Paul Rudd’s entrance on a February 2014 episode became a fan favorite.
The show’s YouTube channel features many popular segments. “Live Performances On Fallon” showcases musical guests like Dove Cameron performing her song “Too Much.”
Fallon’s friendly approach makes celebrities feel at ease. This has helped him secure interviews with major stars who might otherwise avoid late-night TV appearances.
His comedy background from Saturday Night Live prepared him well for this role. The skills he developed as an SNL cast member translate effectively to his hosting duties.
Fans appreciate Fallon’s genuine enthusiasm during interviews. He appears genuinely excited to meet his guests, creating a warm atmosphere that viewers enjoy.
The Tonight Show continues to evolve under Fallon’s leadership. While maintaining traditional elements of late-night TV, he has added his own unique stamp to the long-running format.
6. Ryan Gosling in La La Land
Ryan Gosling delivered a standout performance in the musical film “La La Land.” As Sebastian, a jazz pianist with big dreams, Gosling showed his versatility as an actor. He lost the Best Actor Oscar to Casey Affleck that year, but his work remains memorable.
What makes Gosling’s performance special is how he learned to play piano for the role. He practiced for hours daily over several months. This dedication allowed him to perform all the piano sequences without a double.
His acting talent shines in both the upbeat and sad moments of the film. In one scene, Sebastian says, “I’m letting life hit me until it gets tired. Then I’ll hit back. It’s a classic rope-a-dope.” This line captures his character’s stubborn determination.
Gosling’s chemistry with Emma Stone creates the heart of the movie. Their dancing and singing scenes show a natural flow between them. This partnership earned them both award nominations.
He won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role. His acceptance speech was as charming as his on-screen character.
The “And I Ran” scene shows Gosling’s ability to mix humor with genuine emotion. His facial expressions tell as much of the story as his words do.
What sets this performance apart is how Gosling balances confidence with vulnerability. Sebastian is passionate about jazz but fears failure. This conflict gives the character depth.
Gosling’s singing voice, while not professionally trained, fits the character perfectly. It has an authentic quality that makes Sebastian feel like a real person rather than a polished performer.
His portrayal helps make “La La Land” more than just a typical musical. The character’s journey mirrors many artists’ struggles between commercial success and artistic integrity.
Through subtle acting choices, Gosling makes Sebastian’s love for jazz feel genuine. His eyes light up when talking about music, showing his character’s passion without needing words.
7. Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark in Iron Man stands as one of the most iconic casting decisions in film history. His quick wit and charm brought the character to life in a way that few actors could match. Christopher Nolan even called this casting choice “one of the most consequential decisions” ever made in movies.
What made Downey so perfect for the role was how his personal story mirrored Tony Stark’s journey. Both men faced public struggles and redemption. This real-life parallel added depth to his performance that felt genuine to viewers.
The risk Marvel took on Downey paid off beyond anyone’s expectations. At the time, his career was still recovering from earlier troubles, making him far from the safe choice. Yet this “gutsy casting choice” helped launch the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Downey’s talent shines in how he balances Tony’s swagger with vulnerability. He shifts from cocky jokes to moments of genuine emotion without missing a beat. This range made audiences connect with a character who might otherwise seem too arrogant.
The actor himself has reflected on his Marvel journey with pride and humility. He once described being “the frontman of a band that was gonna be in the Hall of Fame no matter what.” This shows his understanding of the larger story being told.
Iron Man gave Downey a chance to showcase his full range as an actor. Some of his best work in the role “went a little bit unnoticed,” as he later mentioned. The subtle moments between big action scenes reveal his skill.
The character of Tony Stark has become “the personification of Robert Downey Jr.’s life” to many fans. Both share brilliant minds, sharp humor, and paths of recovery. This connection made his acting feel less like a performance and more like a natural extension of himself.
Downey’s eleven-year run as Iron Man changed superhero movies forever. His approach proved that comic book characters could have depth, growth, and real human struggles. The success of his performance opened doors for more complex heroes on screen.
8. Chris Pratt in Guardians of the Galaxy
Chris Pratt played Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. His portrayal of the space adventurer won fans over with a perfect mix of humor and heart.
Pratt showed his acting range throughout the series. In the first film, he established Quill as a lovable rogue with a hidden emotional depth. His dance moves during the opening credits set the tone for his character’s playful spirit.
One of his standout performances came in Vol. 3 when Rocket appears to die and Quill tries desperately to bring him back. The raw emotion displayed in this scene showed Pratt’s ability to move beyond comedy into true dramatic acting.
The actor also shined in a powerful scene from Vol. 2. When Ego reveals how Peter’s mother died, Pratt conveys years of buried pain and rage. This moment highlighted his skill at handling complex emotional material.
Pratt’s chemistry with the cast helped make the Guardians feel like a real family. His interactions with Dave Bautista (Drax) were especially memorable, with Pratt noting that Bautista was “the best prop” during filming of Vol. 2.
The famous “Kevin Bacon” scene showcased Pratt’s gift for delivering odd dialogue with complete conviction. When explaining Earth culture to his alien friends, Quill describes Bacon as “a great hero” who taught people that “dancing is the greatest thing there is”. Pratt’s earnest delivery made this absurd monologue both funny and somehow believable.
Throughout the series, Pratt balanced humor with heroism. He made Star-Lord both funny and brave, often in the same scene. This duality helped make the character relatable despite the cosmic setting.
Pratt’s physical commitment to the role was also impressive. He transformed his body for the part and performed many of his own stunts. His dedication showed in the fluid action sequences throughout the films.
By the end of the trilogy, Pratt had created one of Marvel’s most beloved characters. His Star-Lord journey from selfish outlaw to true hero ranks among the most satisfying character arcs in the franchise.
Understanding the Concept of ‘Best Guy’
The term ‘best guy’ extends beyond simple friendship labels. It represents someone who stands out through their actions, character, and how they treat others in their social circles.
Defining ‘Best Guy’
The phrase ‘best guy’ often appears in casual conversations but carries deeper meaning. Unlike the myth of the “perfect guy” created by Hollywood, the best guy concept is more realistic and attainable.
In online communities, terms like “The Real Guy. The Best Guy.” have become popular ways to recognize standout individuals. This title isn’t about perfection but authenticity.
The best guy in a friend group isn’t always the loudest or most popular. Instead, he’s the one friends trust and respect for his consistent positive qualities.
Characteristics of a ‘Best Guy’
What makes someone earn the title of best guy? Several key traits stand out:
- Reliability: Shows up when needed without being asked
- Respect: Treats everyone with dignity regardless of status
- Emotional maturity: Handles conflicts calmly and fairly
- Authenticity: Acts the same regardless of who’s watching
Health matters too – both physical and mental wellness contribute to being a dependable friend and partner. A best guy typically maintains self-discipline and presents himself well.
He doesn’t need to be the center of attention. The best guy often works behind the scenes, supporting others without seeking credit or praise for his actions.
Cultural Influence on the ‘Best Guy’
What makes a “best guy” varies greatly across different societies and time periods. Cultural factors shape our understanding of ideal male friendships and behavior through media portrayals and social expectations.
Media Representation
The concept of the “best guy” has been shaped significantly by movies, TV shows, and social media. Films often show deep male friendships where the “best guy” is loyal, funny, and supportive during tough times.
In American media, the “best guy” typically appears as the reliable friend who offers comic relief and practical advice. Think of characters like Joey from “Friends” or Barney from “How I Met Your Mother.”
Different cultures show male friendship differently. Japanese anime often portrays the “best guy” through deep bonds forged through shared struggle, while Bollywood emphasizes lifelong loyalty and emotional openness between male friends.
Social media has created new “best guy” ideals – the fun adventure partner for Instagram or the supportive friend in TikTok videos.
Impact of Social Norms
Social expectations heavily influence what makes someone a “best guy” in different cultures. In Western societies, the ideal male friend has evolved from emotionally reserved to more emotionally supportive.
Cultural expectations create different “best guy” standards:
- American culture: Values independence, humor, and reliability
- Mediterranean cultures: Prizes expressiveness and physical affection
- East Asian cultures: Emphasizes respect, loyalty, and group harmony
These cultural differences affect how men interact with friends. In some societies, men rarely discuss feelings with friends. In others, emotional honesty is central to male friendship.
Age and generation also matter. Younger men today are more comfortable with emotional openness than previous generations, changing what defines a “best guy.”
