"If you're super, super lucky, you have one of those giant hits that just grabs the public zeitgeist, whether it's Grey's Anatomy or American Idol or one of those shows that seems like a giant steamroller that everybody in the world watches. In which case, you get to sit back and celebrate," he said. "If you aren't that, I feel the only way to survive is to become a cult show, in the sense that your core audience is so loyal that they will follow you and stick with you and truly keep your show alive and successful for the network."
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a great example of this," he continued. "It was never a huge hit, but had such a loyal cult following that it basically drove that show into long-term success. The Family Guy, their cult following put that show back on the air."
He credits Scrubs' core audience with helping the show survive multiple timeslot changes despite lackluster promotion from NBC. But he rejects the notion that his show or any other has been the victim of a downward trend in comedy.
"The only thing that's really changed in television is that people have so many options," Lawrence claimed. "Sitcoms aren't dead. It's just that crappy television is dead. I think it's so competitive out there right now that a middle-of-the-road show that's just OK, nothing special, isn't going to survive the way it used to."
So maybe it's obvious why this winning show can't lose: Bill Lawrence has managed to veer skillfully toward the edges of that road, and has reached out to the audience who have demonstrated they're thrilled to be along for the ride.
For more of the interview, see the Q&A of our discussion.
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!