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."
But the content of the show itself is, of course, the reason these viewers are already engaged enough to lap up its creative methods for fan engagement.
The last episodes of the season air over the next two Tuesdays, and Lawrence promises to "drop a couple of bombs" - another sign of his confidence that May 16 is the season finale, not the series finale. "One of the things we like doing as a writing staff is ending the year with things we have to deal with or unravel the next year, because it helps us dive into stories when we come back."
This season, Lawrence and his writers decided to embrace the creative freedom of a show that had nothing to lose. "We've just been doing whatever has made us laugh, and for whatever reason, it's garnered us a bit of a critical renaissance," he said. "So we're going to keep doing that. This year we really stopped trying to be everything to everybody and just did the things that made not only us, but our core group of fans laugh."
Scrubs is not just about the laughs, though. Recently it dealt with a decision by Dr. Cox that resulted in three patients' deaths, and his subsequent drinking binge. That somber storyline was surrounded by elements such as J.D.'s absurd fantasies and The Todd's now equal-opportunity sexual innuendo.
"One of the goals we had on this show early on was to take shows like The Wonder Years and M*A*S*H as models," said Lawrence, who co-created Spin City at age 26 and also wrote for Friends' first season. "We feel the most successful episodes of Scrubs are ones that can make the transition from very broad, silly comedy to something with emotional impact and depth very quickly. When it works, usually they're our favorite episodes."
Scrubs has evolved as the core characters progressed from interns to residents to attendings, with newbie J.D. now the near-equal of his mentor, Cox, and with his own group of newbies to teach. "I feel like the show's point of view has evolved from that child-like innocence into a more comedic, cynical, been-there-done-that atmosphere," he remarked.
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!