Scrubs season 10 review: New reboot is much better than it has any right to be

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

In retrospect, Scrubs had some awkward moments. But it definitely wasn’t a bad show – far from it, actually.

The medical comedy was a big hit because it balanced quick, funny jokes with surprisingly moving emotional moments that felt genuine. While the show’s fantasy sequences weren’t always successful, they were tolerable enough.

That didn’t matter so much at first, not when the overall show worked as well as it did.

The show started to decline in quality after its initial seasons, relying more on simple jokes and less on the compelling character development that originally made it so beloved. This became particularly noticeable when the show moved to a new network and the original core group of characters – the ones viewers really connected with – were largely replaced by a new cast who weren’t as engaging.

After fifteen years, the popular millennial show Scrubs is getting a revival. But with the original series already available, many are wondering if a reboot is really necessary.

Once the writers find a way to get JD (Zach Braff) back to Sacred Heart, the new episodes initially feel familiar, though the characters have aged a bit.

Carla continues to playfully call JD “Bambi,” and JD and Turk still share their close, friendly moments whenever they reunite. Meanwhile, Dr. Cox hasn’t lost his knack for delivering incredibly harsh and sarcastic insults.

You know, at first I thought Scrubs was just settling into a comfortable routine, maybe showing its age a bit. But then these small, unexpected changes started happening, and it became clear the show was actually evolving – it was becoming something more than just a show getting older.

JD attempts to playfully jump on Turk’s back, a habit from their younger days, but they both quickly realize they’re no longer as agile as they used to be. This moment makes you wonder if the show itself is starting to feel its age.

Okay, so JD tries this classic “Whassup!” bit to cheer up his friend, but it totally bombs. And that’s when it hit me – this new season of Scrubs knows it can’t just get by on jokes that worked for our generation anymore. It’s like they’re aware things have changed, and they’re trying to figure things out, which is honestly pretty cool.

The show also introduces a new character, Sibby, played by Vanessa Bayer, who represents a shift in tone. While this could have come across as overly cautious about offending anyone, potentially softening characters like Cox and JD, it actually feels genuinely heartfelt and surprisingly suits the show’s famously quirky and unpredictable style.

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The show’s new humor builds on its history while also feeling fresh and relevant. This change starts small, with the familiar “Superman” theme song getting a modern, digital update in the opening credits. But it quickly becomes more apparent in the storylines, which tackle current issues like the high cost of healthcare, the dangers of TikTok diet trends, and the increasing use of robots in surgery.

The revival stays true to the original show’s style, successfully continuing Scrubs without losing what made it special. It’s a little strange that the show doesn’t address COVID, but it does acknowledge how the characters and their relationships have evolved over the years.

The show beautifully portrays the challenges of balancing life and relationships. We see this in Turk’s difficulty finding time for his son while already raising three other children. It’s also evident in how Elliot and Turk navigate their friendship at work after JD returns to Sacred Heart. But the most compelling example is the complex dynamic between Elliot and JD – they argue, but their love for each other remains, even after their divorce. Episode 3 is particularly strong, largely due to their storyline.

The emotional understanding that was always central to the show’s success was lacking in the newer doctors, and it’s great to see our favorite characters teaching them now. This focus on emotional intelligence is a strong reason why this revival works so well, and it’s something other shows trying to come back could really benefit from.

The show is still finding its footing, with the quick cut-away gags now feeling more disruptive than amusing. It would be better to focus on the stronger, character-driven humor. The new doctors need more development, but just like Dr. Cox gave JD a chance, we should allow them time to grow into their roles.

Dr. Cox isn’t featured as much in this season, and Carla is also missing due to the actress’s other projects. Luckily, Joel Kim Booster joins the cast as Dr. Park, JD’s new rival, and adds a great dose of wit. While Dr. Park challenges JD, their conflict doesn’t overshadow the rest of the show.

After watching the first four episodes, it’s clear that Sacred Heart has undergone many changes, both large and small. We see new faces like a new janitor and a robot. Thankfully, JD and Turk still find time to be their old selves, and it’s wonderful to see them again after all this time.

Scrubs was cancelled before, even once due to a channel change, so hopefully this new version finds its footing and continues to be good now that the new cast members are getting comfortable and the show finds its flow.

I was hesitant at first, but I think it’s good to let yourself enjoy a show like Scrubs, even if it’s a bit cheesy or embarrassing sometimes. A lot has changed since the show aired, but the heartwarming feeling you get from Sacred Heart Hospital is still relevant and comforting, just as it was when the series began.

As a huge fan of Scrubs, I’m so excited to hear that season 10 is finally coming to Disney+ UK on February 26th, 2026! If you’re not already subscribed, you can sign up for Disney+ starting at just £5.99 a month.

Don’t miss out! Add Scrubs to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.

Authors

David OpieFreelance Writer

David Opie is a freelance journalist who covers TV and film for various online publications like TopMob, Indiewire, and Empire. He’s a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, often speaking on panels about it and actively promoting queer stories. Beyond that, he loves comics, animation, and horror – and he’s a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, hoping to see a musical episode based on it on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Before becoming a freelancer, David worked as a Deputy TV Editor at Digital Spy and holds a degree in Psychology.

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2026-02-25 14:38