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In the highly anticipated Scrubs reboot on ABC, a major shift is happening as Dr. Cox, played by John C. McGinley, exits the scene, making way for Zach Braff’s character, J.D., to step back into the spotlight.
**Spoiler warning for the premiere episode of the revived Scrubs series**
After months of anticipation, fans learned that Bill Lawrence’s cherished comedy series would return, centering on J.D.’s comeback to Sacred Heart Hospital. The premiere episode reveals that J.D. is returning to assume the role of Chief of Medicine, a position vacated by McGinley’s famously gruff Dr. Cox, who has decided to retire.
The episode kicks off with J.D. visiting Sacred Heart due to a patient admission, reuniting him with familiar faces like his best friend Turk, played by Donald Faison, and his former spouse Elliot, portrayed by Sarah Chalke. During his visit, J.D. and Dr. Cox reflect on the passage of time and agree on the importance of J.D.’s nurturing leadership for the new generation of doctors.
Initially, J.D. is hesitant to return, facing a clash with a comically portrayed physician by Joel Kim Booster and observing a lost group of interns. However, he eventually embraces Dr. Cox’s offer to return to his former hospital. Long-time Scrubs fans will recall J.D.’s enduring affection for the irritable Dr. Cox, making his decision to rejoin Sacred Heart a heartfelt one. And just like that, the stage is set for a new chapter at the hospital.
In a shocking twist, Dr. Cox reveals that he is not asking J.D. to come back as any regular doctor, but to take over as Sacred Heart’s Chief of Medicine, the role he currently holds.
“Perry, working alongside you will be one of the great honors of my life,” J.D. tells Dr. Cox, who simply responds, “I should have been clearer. You’re not going to be working with me, you’re going to be me… this particular world has passed me by. You’re the only one I trust to do better and try harder.”
It’s an emotional moment that may have caught some fans by surprise, but just feels right. Additionally, considering that McGinley joined the cast of the revival as a series guest star and not the series regular he was the first time around, it’s not entirely out of left field.
That said, we still are sad to see him go, even if it means paving the way for more hilarity to ensue as J.D. is now in charge of the place where he once was at the bottom of the totem pole. And hey, we know that Dr. Cox and Jordan — his wife, who is played by Lawrence’s real-life spouse, Christa Miller — are both set to return, so it’s not the last we’ve seen of him!
The first two episodes of Scrubs stream Thursday, February 26 on Hulu. New episodes air on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. 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.