The Scrubs reboot is starting to feel more like a reunion.
Judy Reyes, who played the no-nonsense yet big-hearted head nurse Carla Espinosa for eight seasons, will officially reprise her role in ABC’s upcoming revival of the beloved medical comedy. She’ll appear in a special recurring guest star role, reuniting with fellow original cast members Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke, all of whom were previously announced and will return both in front of the camera and as executive producers.
The 30-minute comedy, produced by 20th Television, was given a straight-to-series order earlier this summer.
Scrubbing Back In: What We Know About the Reboot
The new series will follow longtime best friends J.D. (Braff) and Turk (Faison) as they scrub in together for the first time in years. According to the logline, “Medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time.” And while J.D. and Turk take on a new batch of idealistic young interns, familiar faces will return to help guide the next generation through the chaotic, comedic, and heartfelt world of Sacred Heart Hospital.
Sarah Chalke returns as Dr. Elliot Reid, and while Reyes’ Carla isn’t listed as a series regular, her confirmed return in a recurring role ensures her presence will still be felt at Sacred Heart.
The reboot will bring both new and old energy, with characters navigating a very different medical landscape while still leaning into the humor, heart, and surreal storytelling that made the original show stand out.
Making Carla’s Return Happen
Reyes’ return wasn’t a given due to her current role as Lieutenant Selena Soto on ABC’s High Potential, the Kaitlin Olson-led crime dramedy that quickly became a network standout. But behind the scenes, special scheduling accommodations were made to allow Reyes to appear in Scrubs without stepping away from High Potential.
That speaks volumes—not just to the network’s commitment to both shows, but to Reyes’ lasting impact as a cornerstone of Scrubs. In High Potential, Reyes plays the sharp, commanding head of Major Crimes, balancing duty with intuition. In Scrubs, her character Carla brought grounding, warmth, and fierce honesty to a hospital often lost in its own chaos. Her return bridges the nostalgia of the original with the fresh take promised in this reboot.
The Dream Team Returns
Behind the camera, Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence is back as executive producer alongside original series veterans Tim Hobert and Aseem Batra, who will serve as co-showrunners. Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer will also executive produce under Lawrence’s Doozer Productions banner.
While Lawrence is currently under an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, a special carve-out allows him to partner with Disney’s 20th Television for this project. His involvement helps ensure the reboot remains true to the spirit of the original, while Hobert and Batra—both key writers and producers on the original run—bring their deep understanding of the show’s tone and themes.
A Legacy That Still Matters
First premiering in 2001, Scrubs ran for nine seasons (seven on NBC, two on ABC) and became known for its bold blend of comedy, fantasy, and emotional depth. It earned 17 Emmy nominations and two wins during its run, and has only grown in cult status thanks to rewatch podcasts like Fake Doctors, Real Friends, hosted by Braff and Faison.
What’s Next?
Scrubs will join ABC’s 2025–2026 scripted slate, alongside new series 9-1-1: Nashville. While the latter will premiere this fall, Scrubs is currently expected to debut midseason.
There’s no official word yet on whether other fan favorites—like John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox) or Neil Flynn (the Janitor)—will return, but with Reyes now confirmed, it’s clear that this reboot is shaping up to be much more than just a nostalgia grab. It’s a true continuation of the story—with a new class of interns, but the same heart at its core.
Sacred Heart Hospital is open again. And Carla is clocked in.