The beloved medical comedy *Scrubs* is making a much-anticipated return to ABC this February after a 16-year hiatus, with the announcement that comedian Joel Kim Booster will be joining the cast as Dr. Eric Park. This new series aims to recapture the charm that made the original show a fan favourite, reuniting key figures from the original production such as creator Bill Lawrence and stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke.
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The revival of *Scrubs* will premiere on 25 February, and fans can look forward to watching Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian, portrayed by Braff, and Dr. Chris Turk, played by Faison, reunite after a substantial break. In a statement, ABC noted that although “medicine has changed” and “interns have changed,” the core friendship between the characters has remained steadfast. They will also be joined by veterans such as Dr. Elliot Reid, Dr. Perry Cox, and Carla Espinosa, while new characters will be integrated into the familiar setting of Sacred Heart Hospital.
Booster, known for his work in *Fire Island*, expressed his excitement about being involved in the revival, describing it as a dream come true. In an interview with *People*, he reflected on his long-standing admiration for the show, noting, “I watched the show religiously growing up and even more so when it was on syndication.” The opportunity to be part of this iconic series gave him the feeling of fulfilling a heartfelt wish.
In the upcoming season, Booster’s Dr. Eric Park will join a fresh cohort of interns, with other new cast members including Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi, and Amanda Morrow. Meanwhile, comedian Vanessa Bayer will appear as a guest star, further adding to the dynamic. With a blend of familiar faces and new talent, the show is poised for a compelling mix of nostalgia and contemporary humour.
Despite his enthusiasm, Booster admits to feeling a touch of apprehension stepping into a primarily established cast. The comedian explained, “I was a little nervous coming in as a newcomer… but everybody has been so welcoming.” This camaraderie among the cast has made his integration into the show a smooth and enjoyable experience.
In discussing his character, Booster hinted at the unique qualities that distinguish Dr. Park from his previous role as Nicholas in *Loot*, where he plays an ambitious assistant. He remarked, “There are definitely a lot of subtle and not so subtle differences that are a lot of fun for me to play.” This shift into the medical comedy genre has allowed him to explore new aspects of his craft.
Addressing the context of his new role, Booster quipped about the expected challenges of portraying a medical professional. “Luckily, we’re not *The Pitt*,” he joked, referring to the HBO Max series known for its gritty realism. He shared that the medical jargon was manageable compared to other portrayals in the genre. The transformation from tailored suits on *Loot* to comfy scrubs has also proven to be an unexpected benefit. He remarked, “The one thing I didn’t conceptualise going in was this is the comfiest job of my life.”
As excitement builds for the revival, Booster has been full of praise for the production itself. The extensive setup mimics a functioning hospital, with numerous actors comprising the background cast, contributing to the show’s authenticity. “There are a lot of moving parts,” he elaborated, “and this show is just its own animal.” The young actor seems to be fully embracing the experience while adapting to the rigours of a long-running series.
*Scrubs* is set to premiere its first season with a double episode on Wednesday, 25 February, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, and will be available for streaming on Hulu from the following day. The combination of returning veterans and fresh talent appears to promise a refreshing take on a beloved classic. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike are sure to be intrigued by how the revival will unfold.