SCRUBS

by Ali Burden |

There’s so much to love about this medical com-drama created by Bill Lawrence.Running from 2001-2010, Scrubs follows the lives of loveable employees at Sacred Heart hospital.

Told from the point of view and narration of Doctor John Dorian, or J.D (Zach Braff), this oftentimes lighthearted series gives a new perspective on juggling work and relationships. Most episodes revolve around the storylines of multiple characters but are tied together with Braff’s thematic narration, often leading to a heartwarming lesson.

J.D could be considered a somewhat narcissistic Elliot Reid, the spunky, clumsy blonde bombshell (Sarah Chalke) is J.D’s on-again, off-again paramour through the series—J.D often grapples with Elliot as both make their way through the minefield of dating, though eventually the two end up together in a classic happily-ever-after story.

Chris Turk (Donald Faison) and Carla Espinosa (the beautiful Judy Reyes) complete the core cast of characters—from a rocky start to their relationship and eventual marriage, Turk and Carla eventually find themselves parents to a beautiful baby girl. While the baby adds a level of complexity to their already complex lives, in the end Turk and Carla are drawn closer than ever over the love of their little girl. Turk climbs the ladder from intern to chief of surgery over the years.

Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) is a surly, no-nonsense attending who desperately tries to usher the interns under his teaching from hapless med students to successful and helpful doctors. The emotionally-damaged Dr. Cox regularly goes to war with his ex-wife Jordan (Christa Miller) and her crazy family, his son Jack, as well as the short-tempered, mean-spirited Chief of Medicine Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins), and his own self-loathing and alcoholism. Overall, he cares deeply for his patients, and even his favorite protégé J.D—even though he torments him endlessly throughout the series. Cox does eventually become Chief of Medicine himself.

Last but not least, there’s Janitor (Neil Flynn)—only ever given a name in season eight, Janitor incessantly (if not hilariously) antagonizes J.D from his very first day at Sacred Heart to his last. The series featured a number of recurring guest stars over the years—Mandy Moore as J.D’s girlfriend Julie, the beloved Dick Van Dyke as an old Chief of Medicine, and, before his death, John Ritter as J.D’s father Sam. Heather Graham, Colin Farrel, Tom Cavanagh, Brenan Fraser and even Michael J. Fox also make multiple episode appearances.

Most importantly, however, is Elizabeth Banks—she plays Dr. Kim Briggs, a beautiful surgeon, and eventual mother to J.D’s child, Samuel. Overall the first eight seasons of Scrubs were an unforgettable journey of laughter and tears, which reflects and outlines perfectly the triumphs and trials of hospital life. Capturing flawlessly the delicate balance of life and death, Scrubs is worth watching again and again.

And then we have season nine.

In a last-ditch attempt to bring back a good thing, Scrubs: Med School burst onto the scene in winter 2009. A short 13 episodes was all it took to see that the magic that was the first eight seasons couldn’t be replicated. With almost an entirely new cast, the point of view shifts from J.D to new recruits—the new narrator, Lucy (Kerry Bishé) is a med student at Winston University under the teaching of Dr. Cox and Dr. Turk. But true fans of the original eight seasons were turned off by the massive changes, and in May 2010 ABC cancelled the show.

Scrubs was a brilliant and enjoyable dynasty—not to mention completely unique in every way! From the storytelling to the distinctive narration provided by Braff, it will definitely keep you binging. You can find it and enjoy it on Netflix or Hulu right now—we definitely recommend it.