Scrubs Revival Features Touching Tribute to Late Actor Sam Lloyd
The highly anticipated revival of the beloved medical sitcom Scrubs has debuted on Disney Plus, bringing back fan-favourite characters after nearly two decades. The first two episodes of Season 10 are now available, marking a return to the world of Sacred Heart Hospital that captivated audiences from 2001 to 2010.
A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces
Show creator Bill Lawrence has confirmed that the new season picks up directly after the Season 8 finale, effectively disregarding the events of Season 9. Lawrence explained to Deadline that while Season 9 didn't work as a continuation of Scrubs, it served as an interesting starting point for a different show featuring actors like Michael Mosley and Eliza Coupe.
The revival sees the return of original cast members including Zach Braff as J.D., Sarah Chalke as Elliot, and Donald Faison as Turk. Judy Reyes as Carla and John C. McGinley as Doctor Cox also make appearances, with J.D. now serving as Chief of Medicine and Doctor Cox approaching retirement.
The Missing Presence of Ted Buckland
One notable absence from the revival is actor Sam Lloyd, who portrayed the endearingly awkward lawyer Ted Buckland in approximately half of the original series' episodes. Lloyd's character became a beloved part of the Scrubs ensemble, known for his musical talents and perpetual misfortune.
Tragically, Lloyd was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019 shortly after the birth of his son. The cancer later spread, and he passed away in 2020 at the age of 56. The production team has chosen not to recast his character for the revival series.
A Subtle and Meaningful Memorial
In a heartfelt tribute to their late colleague, the Scrubs revival includes a subtle nod to Lloyd that fans might easily miss. The production team has introduced a new bar called Lloyd's Tavern, where characters gather throughout the new episodes.
Zach Braff revealed this touching detail in conversation with Esquire, explaining: "There's a new bar that we all go to, and we named it Lloyd's Tavern. That was the production designer's idea, which I thought was beautiful. So there's a nod to Sam. We love Sam; we miss him."
Braff further elaborated on the difficulty of continuing the show without Lloyd, describing him as "such an iconic member of the squad." The actor confirmed plans for a more substantial tribute episode, though it remains uncertain whether this will appear in the current nine-episode season or be saved for a potential second season.
What to Expect from the New Season
Disney Plus describes the revival as following J.D. and Turk as they "scrub in together for the first time in a long time." The streaming service promises that while medicine and interns have changed, the central bromance has "stood the test of time." New and returning characters will navigate Sacred Heart Hospital with the signature blend of laughter and heart that made the original series so popular.
The first two episodes of Scrubs Season 10 are currently available for streaming on Disney Plus, with new episodes releasing weekly. The revival represents both a continuation of a beloved series and a respectful acknowledgment of those who helped build its legacy.
