Scrubs was a beloved medical procedural comedy, with the best episodes highlighting what made it so special. The show follows Zach Braff’s Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian as he begins his medical internship. For almost a decade, Scrubs’ highlighted the joys and stresses of working at Sacred Heart Hospital. Scrubs is known for blending irreverent humor with poignant, character-driven storytelling. The sitcom had a unique storytelling style, often using quick cuts, daydream sequences, and voice-overs for comedic effect. Scrubs ran for nine seasons, although the final season was considered a failed soft reboot with a largely new cast.
Scrubs’ impact endures today, as the sitcom is celebrated for its honest approach to life’s ups and downs. The sitcom combines comedy, friendship, romance, and pursuit of purpose in a way that few sitcoms manage. Scrubs also honestly depicts the emotional toll of working in healthcare without becoming overly heavy. With a potential Scrubs revival coming soon, these episodes from across the run of the original series can give first-time viewers a crash course in all the Scrubs highlights. These 10 episodes demonstrate Scrubs’ range and will definitely get news fans hooked.
My First Day
Season 1, Episode 1
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The pilot episode follows J.D. on his first day as a medical intern and establishes the tone that would carry through the entire series. J.D. quickly realizes that despite years of schooling, he doesn’t “know jack.” To make it worse, his best friend and roommate, Dr. Christopher Turk, is having an amazing first day as a surgical intern. Further complicating matters, J.D. meets fellow intern Dr. Elliot Reed, whom he finds attractive but also overly ambitious.
Related Scrubs: 10 Things You Forgot From The First Episode Scrubs, unlike a lot of shows, seemed to know what it was right from the start. It makes the forgotten things from the pilot even more interesting.
Scrubs’ pilot sets up J.D.’s relationships with his peers and mentors with the show’s trademark blend of humor and introspection. J.D.’s monologue, a key component of the show, is introduced right away. The show’s unique humor — like J.D.’s observation that surgical interns are “jocks” compared to medical interns’ “chess club” status — is clear from the onset. The Scrubs pilot captures J.D.’s mix of excitement and anxiety, succinctly establishing how working at a hospital is a rewarding but relentless role.
My Old Lady
Season 1, Episode 4
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In “My Old Lady,” J.D., Turk, and Elliot each care for a patient with a life-threatening condition, and they know statistically that one of the three will die. Each intern does their best to connect with their patient by talking to them, giving the medical cases a more personal element. Ultimately, all three patients die in spite of the doctors’ best efforts. The episode is a major one for the show, as it forces J.D., Turk, and Elliot to learn how to cope with cases like these.
Scrubs weaves heavy themes of death with irreverent humor…
This is an early example of Scrubs’ willingness to blend comedy with tough, emotional moments. Scrubs was known for moments that made fans cry.