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While fans of Scrubs might still be grappling with the surprising twist of J.D. (Zach Braff) and Elliot (Sarah Chalke) parting ways in the show’s revival, the actors are focusing on the potential for rich storytelling this plot twist offers.
**Spoilers ahead for the initial trio of episodes of Scrubs, now available on Hulu and Disney+**
In a conversation with DECIDER regarding the show’s much-anticipated return after a hiatus of over 15 years, Braff and Chalke reflected on the bold decision to separate their characters, who had ended the original series in marital bliss and expecting a child.
Chalke expressed that the storyline opens up a wider canvas for both humor and drama, suggesting that portraying a couple in constant happiness limits narrative possibilities. Her initial response to the plot twist was enthusiastic, describing it as “really great.”
Echoing this sentiment, Braff noted that a harmonious relationship offers little intrigue or depth to explore in a series.
When fans first tuned into the first episode of the new season, they were certainly surprised as the show introduced J.D. and Elliot’s divorce casually, with J.D. saying in a quick voiceover that their marriage “didn’t make it.” In the latest episode, “My Rom-Com,” the pair has to begin to grapple with the idea of working together again after J.D. said yes to taking over as the Chief of Medicine from Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley).
Now, the duo — who experienced their fair share of ups and downs over the course of the series’ original run — must learn how to work together, co-parent their children, and stay friendly in what can only be described as a nightmare situation for any divorced couple.
They are also trying to find themselves as single people again, which is super easy, as any divorcee can tell you. All in all, that new and intriguing relationship sets up a fun and dynamic push and pull that will be explored throughout the season.
Braff also wants to share a message with those who watched the original series and have since found themselves confused by the split-up, that just because they assumed J.D. and Elliot would stay together because of the “flash forward” sequence in Season 8, nothing is guaranteed. Just like Scrubs, the goal has always been to share something real and honest and make fans laugh in the meantime, and that’s what they’re doing with these two.
“I think it’s important to remind the fans that in the Season 8 finale, what you see projected on the screen and the sheet, these are all the things J.D. hoped would happen. It was his wish. But, you know, in real life, when you end up being 50 years old, a lot of things don’t work out the way you plan. Some do, some don’t. Some relationships fall apart,” he said.
He added, “It’s very relevant to talk about two people who do love each other, but their marriage didn’t work out. How do they continue? How do they co-parent? How do they interact with each other? And in this extreme case, how do they work together in the same hospital again?”
Those are the questions fans will have to watch the show answer over the course of the nine-episode Season 1. And as far as odds that these two may find their way back to each other, Chalke and the showrunner both have the same message: never say never.
The first three episodes of Scrubs are now streaming on Hulu. New episodes air at 8 p.m. on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.
If you’re new to Hulu, you can get started with a 30-day free trial on the streamer’s basic (with ads) plan. After the trial period, you’ll pay $10.99/month. If you want to upgrade to Hulu ad-free, it costs $18.99/month.
If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the Disney+ Bundles, all of which include Hulu. These bundles start at $12.99/month for ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu and goes up to $32.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and Max, all ad-free.