‘Scrubs’ Revival Replaces the Janitor, Despite Neil Flynn’s Confirmed Comeback

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Be warned, this article contains spoilers for Episode 4 of the Scrubs revival, titled “My Poker Face.” The latest episode includes a surprising change: a beloved character from the original series has been replaced. This is particularly shocking because we already know this character will return before the revival finishes. While this could lead to a funny payoff later on, it might end up feeling pointless if it doesn’t.

When the Scrubs revival was announced, I was honestly a little worried about Neil Flynn’s Janitor. He was one of the last original cast members confirmed to return, and for a moment, I feared we wouldn’t see him at all. Thankfully, we will! The Janitor was always a standout – his random, funny observations and, let’s be real, constant lying, made him a fan favorite. It’s amazing to think he started as just a figment of JD’s imagination, but the writers quickly realized what a goldmine they had. It’s a little strange, though, that the revival seems to have already introduced a new character who feels like they’re filling the Janitor’s niche.

“My Poker Face” Introduces Neil Flynn’s ‘Scrubs’ Replacement (But With a Twist)


ABC

JD’s introductory speech in “My Poker Face” highlights all the changes at Sacred Heart since he first worked there, but one change is particularly noticeable: the new janitor, Darcy Michael, genuinely seems to like JD. They’re friendly enough that JD invites him to an upcoming poker night. Despite the janitor happily agreeing, JD then realizes he doesn’t even know the man’s name.

JD’s relationship with the new janitor is quite different from what he had with the original, but they share one important thing in common: both characters bring attention to the often-overlooked people who keep the hospital running. While Scrubs has featured janitors before, this new one is getting a lot more focus. What’s particularly interesting is that, unlike the previous janitor, this one is actually doing his job when we first meet him! We don’t yet know what happened to the original Janitor or if he’ll be back, but for now, JD and Sacred Heart seem to be benefiting from this change.

How Replacing the Janitor Sets up a Hilarious Neil Flynn Comeback


Apple TV

As we previously shared, Neil Flynn will return before the current nine-episode season of Scrubs ends. While it’s unclear exactly when or how he’ll be back, the recent appearance of a friendly substitute hints at what might happen. Back in Season 8’s “My Finale,” the Janitor suggested that he and JD could have been friends years ago, if JD hadn’t lied about the famous penny-in-the-door story. The Janitor told JD, “You missed out on a great friendship,” explaining that JD’s dishonesty ruined their potential connection. It also didn’t help that JD never even bothered to learn the Janitor’s name, which is Glen Matthews.

It would be hilarious if the original Janitor returned shortly after JD became Chief of Medicine and discovered JD had quickly become friends with the new janitor. A classic Scrubs moment would be if the original Janitor, played by Neil Flynn, casually said something like, “I bet you don’t even know his name,” within earshot of the new janitor. This could easily lead to the new janitor feeling betrayed and turning against JD, leaving JD with two angry janitors to torment him throughout the rest of the revival.

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2026-03-13 16:19