'Scrubs' will look different next season

By Rick Porter

May 19, 2009 10:00 AM

One way or another, the ninth season of "Scrubs" will be different from the show you've experienced for the past eight years -- possibly very different.

The long-running show will be back on the air in late fall, and ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson says that Zach Braff and "a number of" the other regulars will appear in at least some of the episodes. But it will also go in one of two new directions -- one of which would be a radical change from what the series has been until this point.

"There are two scenarios [creator Bill Lawrence] is playing with in terms of the next generation is," McPherson told reporters at a Tuesday morning press conference announcing ABC's 2009-10 schedule. "One is kind of a complete rethinking, and one is just kind of the next generation -- like what 'ER' did, but on the comedy side, repopulating the cast."

Lawrence is set to pitch both ideas to McPherson in the next few weeks, and the network will decide whether to continue on at Sacred Heart (the next-gen option) or move it to an entirely different location (the complete revamp option).

Braff has signed on for six episodes of the new season, with the potential to appear in a couple more. McPherson says Braff's episodes won't necessarily be the first six of the season, but the bulk of them will probably air in the first half of the year (ABC ordered 18 episodes of "Scrubs" for 2009-10). McPherson didn't offer specifics on the other cast members, but Neil Flynn's time as the Janitor will almost certainly be limited, as he's starring in ABC's new show "The Middle."

"Scrubs" and fellow returnee "Better Off Ted" will air at 9 p.m. ET Tuesdays following the end of "Dancing with the Stars'" fall cycle, with a late November premiere date likely. "Ted" has been picked up for 13 episodes.

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in Fall TV Preview, Scrubs, TV Network Upfronts, TV News

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| Comments (20)

20 Comments

I like the "next-gen" idea. They had a strong group of interns this season and it did feel at times like they were grooming them to take over the show.

Jooce | May 19, 2009 10:10 AM

For once, i would have actually preferred a show just to end. Scrubs ended it as well as they could this season and i don't see the point in it coming back

steve | May 19, 2009 10:30 AM

Im OK with Scrubs with the new cast, and the occasioanl Zack.

I loved, loved, loved the last season, and as much as this season's finale would have been a great season finale, I enjoyed the new characters enough that I still say it will be funny.

I know the pratfalls of a show going on without its lead (ie That 70s show) but Ill give it a shot.

HOWEVER, if its not set at Sacred Heart, and Zach's barely there, then it aint Scrubs, call it something else, make it a new show and then you're not tied into the old show.

But WHATEVER YOU DO. Dont make it a multi-camera show!!

Scrubs is not and nor shall it ever be a studio audience comedy.

Chad | May 19, 2009 10:31 AM

More of The Todd!

Jay | May 19, 2009 11:09 AM

Dumb idea, I'm finished with the show, when ABC first picked it up I thought it was wrong, and I was right the only show that was good was the finale. Now you are going to have ER-type show? No can't happen, ER origional cast all the way til Carter left, bringing in newer faces to mingle with the old, Braff 6 episodes won't help. The show is done for me, and probably for the majority of fans.

awesome | May 19, 2009 11:34 AM

Scrubs is the one show that never got its due when it was in its prime. Now that the main storylines were neatly resolved in a cl***y (or at least "cl***y" in the subtext of a Scrubs episode) fashion, suddenly it's getting some hype and a surprising renewal.

Much as I liked the show, the ending was perfect with no need for more. Hopefully I'm proven wrong.

Dinner Topics | May 19, 2009 11:48 AM

my fave intern was Ed and they could have made the show around him. or lonnie who was hilarious. i dont like the current interns.

roon | May 19, 2009 12:53 PM

I've not experienced it at all for the past eight years: the best change I'd like to see with it is its cancellation, never to return.

2 Cents | May 19, 2009 1:49 PM

Personally, I'm done with "Scrubs." Last season was excellent and I'd like to remember it that way. No need to re-invent or re-imagine the show. Done is done -- except for maybe a Scrubs feature film, which could be hilarious.

Dex | May 19, 2009 2:14 PM

Why?

Greg | May 19, 2009 2:41 PM