Scrubs started by following the lives of a number of young doctors at Sacred Heart Hospital, narrated by the bumbling Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian. In addition to the neophyte physicians (who’ve grown more experienced over the years), other characters include nurses, administrators and veteran doctors. In its final season, the show focuses on a new crop of medical students, who are taught by the now-experienced Sacred Heart medical staff.
Aired:
October 2, 2001-March 17, 2010 (nine seasons, 181 episodes) on ABC
See It:
Seasons 1-8 are available on DVD.
History:
Scrubs premiered to generally strong ratings as part of NBC’s Thursday-night comedy lineup in 2001, and has been nominated for a number of Emmys over the years. Ratings declined sharply in the fourth season, and the show was often on the verge of cancellation. The seventh and final season on NBC was cut short by the Hollywood writers’ strike, and Scrubs moved to ABC for its eighth season, rumored to be its last. ABC and creator Bill Lawrence struck a deal for a ninth season that would shift the focus to new medical-student characters, with veteran characters moved to supporting roles. Ratings were low for the new incarnation, and Scrubs was canceled in May 2010.
Cast:
Zach Braff as John “J.D.” Dorian
Donald Faison as Chris Turk
John C. McGinley as Perry Cox
Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid
Ken Jenkins as Bob Kelso
Judy Reyes as Carla Espinosa (Seasons 1-8)
Neil Flynn as The Janitor (Seasons 1-8)
Eliza Coupe as Denise Mahoney (Seasons 8-9)
Kerry Bishé as Lucy Bennett (Season 9)
Michael Mosley as Drew Suffin (Season 9)
Dave Franco as Cole Aaronson (Season 9)
Creators:
Scrubs was created by Bill Lawrence, who also serves as the show’s executive producer. He was also the co-creator of the political sitcom Spin City.
