Scrubs Revival Review: Original Cast Chemistry Sparks Joy in Disney+ Return
The television landscape is often criticized for its reliance on reviving old shows, seen by many as a risk-averse creative regression. Yet, there's an undeniable charm when fictional characters return, visibly aged, bringing a broken humanity that resonates deeply with audiences. This is precisely the feeling evoked by the new series of Scrubs, premiering on Disney+ from Thursday, February 26.
A Comforting Comeback with Malleable Charm
Scrubs, once a staple on E4, was as comforting as tea and toast, with a surprising malleability at its core. At its heart, the show was a coming-of-age workplace bromance between junior doctors JD and Turk, portrayed by then-newcomers Zach Braff and Donald Faison. Their chemistry served as the show's anchor, balancing sassy racial harmony with irreverence and heartfelt moments, as they navigated universal human dramas in a hospital setting.
Now, more than 15 years after its last episode aired, the question arises: is the show healthy enough to survive resuscitation? The writers have sensibly shaken things up, introducing JD as a complacent early-middle-aged private doctor for the affluent and elderly. Turk's withering appraisal—"You write scripts in the suburbs"—hints at the tension, while Braff directs the first episode, which sees JD returning to Sacred Heart hospital due to a patient issue.
Electrifying Returns and Modern Challenges
This move reunites JD with old comrades, including former flame Elliot, cheerful chauvinist the Todd, and an emotional Turk suffering from burnout. In a shocking moment, Turk exclaims in theatre, "I wish this guy would die all at once, instead of in tiny little pieces," reflecting the pressures of fatherhood and career. Meanwhile, Dr. Cox, played by the still-electrifying John C. McGinley, can no longer call JD "Newbie," opting instead for "Oldie" in his virtuosic, rhetorical putdowns.
However, the revival faces modern challenges, particularly with political correctness. A wellness/HR figure named Sibby, portrayed by Vanessa Bayer, polices impassioned outbursts, urging characters to "take it down a few degrees" or attend sensitivity workshops. Initially, this feels defensive, with jokes about the "feelings police" risking boredom by obsessing over cultural anxieties rather than storytelling.
Finding Its Tone and Addressing Worthwhile Subjects
Happily, after two episodes, the show decides to embrace its authentic self. An insolent younger character asks JD, "Why do you have the physique of a menopausal lesbian?"—a line that lands funnier due to the show's clear affection for minorities. Scrubs begins to tackle worthy subjects, such as the dehumanizing US healthcare system, patient quotas for profit, TikTok diets threatening health, and orthorexia in gym bros.
The message emerges: speaking with conviction and an open heart matters more than speaking correctly. While scenes with new characters fall a bit flat, the chemistry between seasoned leads sparks enough to sustain the series. Turk moonwalks again, and the writers deliver zingers worth keeping in your back pocket.
A Little TLC for Audiences
Ultimately, this revival offers more than expected, providing the comfort TV we all need. In a world craving tenderness, Scrubs Redux gets some love, proving that sometimes, a little TLC—and a scrub—is exactly what's required. The show's ability to evolve while honoring its roots makes it a joyful watch, with the original cast's interactions remaining a true delight.
