3 Missing Scrubs Characters Who Most Need To Return in Season 2 of the Revival

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After 16 years off the air, Scrubs returned on ABC and successfully introduced a new group of interns at Sacred Heart Hospital without sidelining the original cast. The nine-episode revival received an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and viewers agreed that creator Bill Lawrence made the right decision to center the show around returning stars Zach Braff (JD), Donald Faison (Turk), and Sarah Chalke (Elliot). The new doctors, including Joel Kim Booster and Jacob Dudman, felt like integral parts of the hospital, creating a fresh, multi-generational dynamic that made the revival more than just a trip down memory lane.

The return of Scrubs included some beloved characters in different capacities. John C. McGinley appeared in three episodes as the retiring Dr. Cox, Judy Reyes returned for four as Carla, and Neil Flynn and Christa Miller made guest appearances as the Janitor and Jordan. While a second season hasn’t been officially confirmed, creator Bill Lawrence has already planned out potential storylines, and has indicated there’s room to bring back characters who didn’t appear in the first season. He’s specifically identified three characters whose stories need to be further explored.

3) Ken Jenkins as Bob Kelso

The biggest missing face in the Scrubs revival was Bob Kelso. However, creator Bill Lawrence has confirmed that while Ken Jenkins (who played Kelso) didn’t appear in the first season, plans are in place for his return if the show gets renewed. This makes Kelso’s return highly likely. Beyond just a promise from the showrunner, Kelso played a vital role in the original series as a counterpoint to Dr. Cox, offering a surprisingly realistic view of how hospitals work despite his seemingly cynical attitude. With JD now in a leadership position at Sacred Heart, Kelso’s years of experience and practical wisdom would be especially valuable and create compelling drama.

2) Eliza Coupe as Denise Mahoney

The new season of Scrubs decided to ignore the events of Season 9, which caused a problem for actors who were in it. Luckily, Denise Mahoney was introduced before the show focused on medical school, so she could return without contradicting established storylines. While much of her character development happened in Season 9, the writers can bring her back seamlessly. The new group of interns are generally friendly and enthusiastic, and Scrubs always worked best when a character challenged that positivity. Denise’s direct, seemingly uncaring attitude would create conflict and force the new doctors to grow in ways JD’s supportive mentoring style wouldn’t, and Eliza Coupe is still a very talented comedic actress who deserves more screen time in the Scrubs world.

1) Elizabeth Banks as Kim Briggs

Kim Briggs, played by Elizabeth Banks, was an important character in later seasons of Scrubs, and she shares a son, Sam, with JD. Though Sam is frequently mentioned in the show’s revival, the season doesn’t delve into JD’s life as a father or how he co-parents with Kim, even though the story jumps ahead to 2026 and Sam is now a teenager. This missed opportunity is notable because exploring their dynamic—including JD’s relationship with Kim after marrying Elliot, and how a blended family functions in a close-knit hospital—could have been both funny and emotionally resonant. Banks is well-suited to handle those comedic and dramatic moments, as the show’s best scenes in Season 1 came from similar domestic issues. Revisiting Kim’s character through the challenges of shared parenthood in Season 2 would add depth to both her and Sam, something the show hasn’t yet explored.

If Scrubs were to get another season, which former character would you most like to see make a comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-28 23:43