It looks like Scrubs didn’t quite end in 2010 after all.
Fifteen years after Scrubs Season 9, this medical sitcom is getting a reboot on ABC.
Even better, original cast members Zack Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Judy Reyes, and John C. McGinley are returning.
But interestingly, another medical sitcom will also be on air during the release of the Scrubs reboot: St. Denis Medical.
While the world of medical dramas is vast and expansive, the genre of medical sitcoms seems to be finally getting its flowers.
The Scrubs reboot might be pointing to a larger trend in the sitcom genre.
Medical Shows With Stakes and Laughs
As the popularity of shows like Grey’s Anatomy has proved, the medical genre has a certain longevity.
So it makes sense that so many medical shows have popped up throughout the years, especially in the drama genre.
But for people like me, who don’t do as well in high-stress situations and surgeries, sitcoms set in hospitals are the perfect entryway into the genre.
Scrubs finds a way to incorporate medical situations into its storylines while maintaining a comedic tone.
Also, the ensemble aspect of medical shows works perfectly with the sitcom form, offering ways to create new pairings for beloved characters.
The medical sitcom genre has been relatively untapped over the years, and the fact that the biggest show from it is making a comeback is absolutely a sign.
Scrubs’ return could also be working in tandem with the relevance of shows like The Pitt, which are bringing back viewers to the world of medical shows and rewarding long-time loyal viewers.
The Scrubs reboot also highlights another significant aspect of medical sitcoms: their ability to keep things fresh.
While medical dramas rely on introducing new characters to create workplace tension, the core Scrubs cast has mainly remained the same.
Sitcoms rely on both characters and storylines and can walk the line between absurdity and familiarity without ever getting as frustratingly outlandish as some long-running medical dramas.
It’s More Than Just Reboots and Nostalgia
In addition to potentially setting up a larger trend in television, the Scrubs reboot also points to the massive appeal of nostalgia in this day and age.
Considering upcoming shows like the Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, beloved franchises and series are more popular than ever, with reboots and spin-offs.
However, in addition to Scrubs, St. Denis Medical has been gaining viewership and igniting that love for medical sitcoms.
Having two medical sitcoms on air at the same time has been rare in recent years.
With the knowledge that the Scrubs reboot will definitely draw a big audience, the relevance of these two shows seems to be setting the genre up for the future.
Since the rise of streaming, sitcoms have been experiencing a slight decline, as evidenced by St. Denis Medical being NBC’s first broadcast sitcom after many years without one.
So, I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that even if the Scrubs reboot isn’t perfect, it sets up a gradual return of medical sitcoms!
After all, we could all use a little more laughter in these times.
What do you think about the Scrubs reboot and medical sitcoms?
Are you excited for the show to return, or are you a cautious skeptic?
Chime off in the comments below!
Also, if there are any other medical sitcoms I didn’t mention, feel free to shout them out!
Move Over Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs is Bringing Back Medical Sitcoms
Considering the Scrubs revival will be the second airing medical-themed sitcom, it seems like we might be seeing more of these shows.
St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 6: I Left A Woman on the Table
From self-obsessed chaplains to uber-religious divorced wives, St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 6 takes big swings and gets big laughs.
St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 5: A Strong Cup of Coffee
St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 5 teases the beginnings of a new relationship and revisits an old one in unexpected ways.
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