When Scrubs first aired in 2001, few could have imagined that a show set in a hospital would become a global phenomenon. Created by Bill Lawrence (Spin City, Ted Lasso), Scrubs achieved the rare feat of blending comedy, drama, and introspection like no other series of its time.
(For me, it still is – and probably always will be – the greatest TV series ever.)
Per chi non la conoscesse, è ambientata all’ospedale Sacro Cuore e racconta le avventure e le disavventure di un gruppo di giovani medici alle prese con il difficile ingresso nel mondo reale della medicina.
La vera novità, però, era il tono: Scrubs non è solo una commedia, ma una riflessione ironica e tenera sulla crescita personale, l’amicizia e il senso della vita.
What struck me from the very first viewing was how easily I could relate to the characters, despite the sometimes surreal situations. Maybe it’s because, beyond the hospital walls, the issues and emotions were universal: Scrubs talks about everyday life — heartbreak, loss, friendship, and professional and personal growth. It speaks of real life, with a unique tone I’ve rarely found in any other TV show.
Let's discover the main characters:
John “J.D.” Dorian (Zach Braff)
The protagonist and narrator. Dreamy, sensitive and a little awkward, J.D. guides us through medical cases, surreal fantasies, and deep reflections. His dreamlike cutaways became the show’s signature style.
Christopher Turk (Donald Faison)
J.D.’s best friend and colleague (his “Chocolate Bear”). A skilled surgeon, funny and always quick with a joke. Their friendship — full of laughs and heartfelt moments — remains one of the most beloved bromances in TV history.
Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke)
“Barbie,” as Dr. Cox calls her. Brilliant but insecure, she embodies the struggle to prove oneself in a competitive and often male-dominated environment. Her evolving relationship with J.D. is a mix of attraction, affection, and mutual growth.
Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley)
J.D.’s mentor and father figure. Sarcastic, grumpy, but with a huge heart. His rants and life lessons are among the most iconic moments in Scrubs.
Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes)
An experienced and charismatic nurse — the voice of reason in the group. Strong, empathetic, and never afraid to speak her mind.
L’inserviente (Neil Flynn)
One of the most unpredictable and surreal characters in the hospital. He was meant to appear only in the pilot episode, but fans loved him so much he stayed for the entire run.
Ted Buckland (Sam Lloyd)
The hospital’s lawyer — stressed, insecure, and constantly humiliated by Dr. Kelso. Despite his perpetually sad demeanour, Ted is one of the most endearing and funny characters, especially with his a cappella group, the Worthless Peons, who deliver unforgettable musical moments.
Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins)
Il direttore sanitario del Sacro Cuore. Cinico, tagliente e apparentemente privo di empatia, ma in fondo un uomo complesso che ha imparato a nascondere la sua umanità dietro la burocrazia.
Rappresenta perfettamente il conflitto tra gestione e vocazione medica, e nel tempo rivela un lato sorprendentemente affettuoso.
(They’re not in order of preference… because honestly, picking a favourite character from this show is impossible!)
Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Scrubs
Here are a few gems you might have missed:
- L’ospedale del Sacro Cuore era un vero ospedale dismesso a North Hollywood, poi trasformato in set permanente.
- Zach Braff ha diretto diversi episodi, tra cui alcuni dei più commoventi.
- The title Scrubs is a clever double meaning: both the doctors’ uniforms and “rookies.”
- The opening theme I’m No Superman by Lazlo Bane was personally chosen by Braff.
- Many lines were improvised, especially by Neil Flynn (The Janitor), whose scripts were often almost blank.
- Scrubs became so successful it even spawned a ninth-season spin-off featuring new interns.
- In 2020, Zach Braff and Donald Faison launched the podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the show.
Even over twenty years since it first aired, Scrubs remains one of television’s most beloved series. Its secret? The perfect balance between humour and melancholy.
Between absurd jokes, surreal moments and sudden reflections on life’s meaning, Scrubs managed to show the humanity behind the lab coats. It taught us that vulnerability isn’t weakness, that laughter can heal, and that medicine is as much about empathy as it is about care.
In the end, Scrubs isn’t just a TV show — to me, it’s a life manual disguised as a comedy. And honestly, I’ll never stop rewatching this masterpiece.
So what are you waiting for? If you’ve never seen it, go fix that right now (you can stream it on Disney+). And if, like me, you’re already a big fan… maybe it’s the perfect time for a rewatch.
Big Love from Giuliona
<3