It's the show that can't lose. Despite being bounced around NBC's schedule over the years, despite not making it onto the fall schedule this past season, despite doubts about renewal year after year, Scrubs is the Timex watch, the Energizer bunny, the Name-Your-Cliché-for-Durability of TV shows.
Its loyal fan base means ratings have remained steady, if never stellar, through the uncertainty. It's gained critical acclaim and nominations for best comedy and Zach Braff as lead comedy actor at the last Emmys, whose September broadcast might have given a boost to Scrubs' fifth season if the premiere hadn't had to wait until January.
The show can't lose with me, either. A cable package with both Eastern and Pacific time zone feeds became a necessity when it was scheduled against that other medical show I enjoy Tuesdays at 9 p.m. And despite getting stood up a few times for my interview with creator and executive producer Bill Lawrence, who's been rewriting a movie script and directing a television pilot during Scrubs' hiatus, I couldn't give up on the show that won't give up.
But the biggest indication the show can't lose is that Lawrence has been vocal lately about surefire renewal. If NBC doesn't pick the show up, he says, ABC is waiting in the wings.
"ABC not only owns the show, but the person who ran Touchstone Studios when it was developed is Steve McPherson, and he's president of the network now," said Lawrence. "So he's basically told us that if NBC can't work this financial deal out, it will be on ABC next year."
The unusual arrangement—being wholly owned by one network and aired on another—has contributed to its ugly treatment by NBC, who don't stand to gain as much financially from its success. But it's also led to a more promisingly unusual arrangement by making Scrubs' availability on iTunes "the first time two rival media companies have joined together in a digital download deal," according to the LA Times. It's a feat that isn't quite equivalent to peace in the Middle East, but means competitors NBC and Touchstone were able to work out a precedent-setting profit-sharing arrangement.
Reaching out to the audience: "We happen to know our core group of fans are very Internet savvy."
Explaining Scrubs' tenacity, a grateful Lawrence kept coming back to those loyal fans. "We lovingly call them our nerds. It's seriously a giant testament to them that the show's still alive."
"If you're not that giant hit, you have to tap into what people who love your show like, and keep it interesting and satisfying to them," he said, explaining the importance Scrubs has placed on iTunes, behind-the-scenes blogs, audio commentary, videos (such as excerpts from J.D.'s Dr. Acula movie, a running joke in the show), and other Internet-based extras, including a Name Carla and Turk's Baby contest.
These aren't all just products of NBC's marketing department, either. "One of the cool things about Scrubs is it's like a weird college film making class," joked Lawrence. "We work in this creepy, deserted hospital in the Valley. All the writers are there, all the actors are there, we all still hang out. And writers and actors alike come up with all this odd Internet stuff."
More than a comedy: "Our fans want to get into the depths of people's lives."
Article comments
1 - Chris Evans
I've heard nothing but great stuff about Scrubs, but have never actually tuned into it. Everyone tells me it's a great show, but I guess it's one of those things where you feel kind of left out since you haven't been watching from the beginning so you don't bother.
What time does it come on and what night? Hopefully not during Housewives or Medium.
Would I enjoy it just tuning in randomly? Or do I need to know some backstory?
2 - Diane Kristine
It's Tuesdays at 9 on NBC. They've been playing a new ep at 9 and a rerun at 9:30. As with any show, you'd get more out of it if you know some back story, but the episodes are pretty much self-contained.
And as of tomorrow, the first three seasons are available on DVD, too ...
3 - Kate
Definately watch it! "Scrubs" is an easy show to get into as the episodes are largely self-contained. There are running jokes, so you might miss one or two of the laughs when you first start watching, but you'll catch on quickly. I missed the first season but haven't missed an episode since the start of the second. "Scrubs" has its own brand of humour, so tune in and see if you "get" it. Some people think it's just silly, others think it's a masterpiece. I love "Scrubs", alongside "Friends" it's the only genuinely funny American sitcom I've watched, because it combines the funny with some really genuine, heartfelt moments, but is never over-the-top sappy. Despite being a sitcom, "Scrubs" may be one of the more realistic depictions of life in a hospital on TV. I don't know what timeslot it airs in as I live overseas, but if you can't watch, tape/Tivo. You won't be sorry.
4 - Matthew Carline
Seriously, Scrubs is the funniest American sitcom on tv. I have been watching here in England since the first season aired on channel 4 all them years ago, but it seems now that the cult following has taken off in England now. Can't wait for series 6 on E4. Good love ya Bill Lawerence, you've created perfection.
5 - Dutch Smith
I am huge fan of the show, and interestingly, I learned that Samuel Shem's novel, "House of God," was mandatory reading for the writers at Scrubs.
If anyone hasn't read this book, they should. If you have read it, then there's a new book just released this month called "The Spirit of Things." It's a little more ambitious than "House of God," and well worth the read.
You should take a look at www.samuelshem.com for more information.
6 - Jake
and now its renewed for a ninth season! what a fighter! yay! scrubs for life!