Unlike the famous “Nobody cares, Sean” line from Scott Foley’s original Scrubs run, fans clearly care a great deal about the actor’s return for ABC’s revival.
In an interview with DECIDER about reprising Sean Kelly—his dolphin trainer character and Elliot’s (Sarah Chalke) former love interest—co-stars Zach Braff, Chalke, and Donald Faison made it clear that having Foley back on the Scrubs cast is a genuine delight.
“He’s so handsome. He’s more handsome now than ever,” Braff joked. Faison agreed, pointing to Foley’s now-signature salt-and-pepper look. “He’s got this pepper-and-salt thing going. He’s got salt and pepper, but he has green eyes. He’s just so handsome.”
Before the episode featuring Foley’s comeback aired, DECIDER released an exclusive clip showing Elliot and Sean meeting again for the first time in years. Elliot appears visibly flustered by the unexpected return of the man who may have been the one who got away. Chalke said bringing Foley back was always part of the plan, noting that the cast enjoys having him around just as much off camera as they do on screen.
“He’s so funny. We all love having him around. All last year when we got interviewed and people were like, ‘Who do you want to come back?’ And we’re all like, ‘Foley, because he was such an important part of the show and so much fun,’” Chalke said. “And we did it—he comes back.”
Spoiler alert: Sean may be sticking around for more than a single appearance. Season 2, Episode 3, titled “My Ex’s Ex,” ends with Elliot and Sean sharing a kiss at his aquarium, suggesting that their renewed romance could become an ongoing storyline. Foley was initially announced as a recurring guest star, but Braff confirmed that he will appear in several episodes, giving fans plenty more to anticipate.
Elliot initially resists the idea of starting another relationship, insisting that she needs to focus on herself and her career. But J.D. eventually encourages her to take a chance on love, especially after everything she endured during their divorce. And if Sean and J.D. slip back into their familiar feud, viewers will have even more entertaining tension to enjoy.
KEEP READING: Tyreek Hill Grins in Court as Judge Watches Nanny Cam Video
“Fans—and we—love the dynamic of him and J.D. hating each other,” Braff said. “Well, I think maybe J.D. just resents Sean because he’s so handsome and charming. But that ‘Nobody cares, Sean’ dynamic is really funny.” He also praised Foley’s chemistry with Chalke, adding, “He and Sarah are great together. So we just love having him back.”
Faison, whose character is navigating his own relationship struggles with Carla (Judy Reyes) in the episode, suggested that viewers may be seeing plenty of Foley in the weeks ahead.
“It’s Scott Foley, you never know with him. That man’s like a leech, he just keeps coming back,” Faison joked. “He’s really good at what he does. I don’t think anybody does Scott Foley better than Scott Foley.”
Scrubs airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC. New episodes stream the following day on Hulu and Disney+.
For new Hulu subscribers, the basic ad-supported plan costs $11.99 per month. The ad-free Hulu option is available for $18.99 monthly.
Viewers who want access to more streaming services while saving on the monthly cost can choose a Disney+ Bundle, all of which include Hulu. Pricing begins at $12.99 per month for the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu package and rises to $32.99 per month for the ad-free Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Benefits fraudster’s cash stash hidden in clothes was children’s life savings