The beloved medical comedy Scrubs has returned, and fans are already buzzing about the surprising twists in the revival. One of the biggest revelations came in the premiere episode: Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke) and John “J.D.” Dorian (Zach Braff) are divorced.
A Bold Creative Choice
While the news shocked longtime viewers, Chalke says she fully supports the decision. “I think having them be divorced was such a great way in,” she explained in an interview. “If they’re happy and just fine, there’s not a lot of room for comedy and drama. There’s much more room to play when they’re figuring out how to co-parent, how to work together, and how to be around each other again.”
Braff agrees, noting that the choice reflects real-world relationships. “It’s good to show one that really works better than ever and one that didn’t,” he said. “That’s what happens in the real world.”
Turk and Carla’s Enduring Love
While J.D. and Elliot’s marriage didn’t last, Turk (Donald Faison) and Carla (Judy Reyes) remain happily married. Faison emphasized the importance of showing a healthy relationship on television. “I love that Turk is still married and still in love with his wife. I think it’s important for people to see successful marriages,” he said. Reyes added that their on-screen chemistry continues to shine.
Balancing Comedy and Reality
Series creator Bill Lawrence explained that the revival needed to reflect the passage of time. “If you’re going to jump ahead almost 20 years, your dreams don’t all come true,” he said. “Carla and Turk’s relationship probably stood the test of time. J.D. and Elliot’s relationship — spoiler — they never went more than an episode and a half without being incredibly contentious. They weren’t a great couple.”
This creative choice allows the revival to capture the emotional highs and lows that made Scrubs so memorable during its original run. By showing both enduring love and realistic breakups, the series continues to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling.
The Revival’s Fresh Energy
The revival brings back the original cast — including Chalke, Braff, Faison, Reyes, and John C. McGinley — while exploring how their lives have evolved. Fans can expect new dynamics, fresh conflicts, and the same mix of comedy and emotion that defined the show. Scrubs airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day.
