Scrubs Creator Explains J.D. and Elliott Revival Bombshell

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The show originally ended 16 years ago on March 16th, or 17 years ago if you don’t include its ninth season. A new version recently premiered on ABC on February 25th, and it’s quite different from the original.

Fifteen years after the end of Season 8 – and separate from the revival series’ storyline – viewers learn that J.D. and Elliott have divorced. Bill Lawrence, the show’s creator, recently explained the reasoning behind this change in an interview.

J.D. left Sacred Heart Hospital after season eight and became a personal doctor, but he eventually returns to work alongside his old colleagues – Turk, Elliott, Carla, and Dr. Cox. A lot has changed, and everyone, including those with a complicated romantic history, is navigating a new reality.

Over the original nine seasons of Scrubs, J.D. and Elliott had an on-again, off-again relationship. The series ended with them finally moving in together, but the new revival shows they later divorced after having two children.

What the Divorce Means for Elliott and J.D.

The show’s creator confessed that by the end of Season 8 of Scrubs, he simply wanted to feel like his vision for the show had been realized. He later clarified that life doesn’t always go as planned. He also explained that the showrunner, Aseem Batra, was the one who persuaded him to separate the two main characters.

Lawrence admitted he was hesitant at first, but now realizes what changed his mind. He explained that after watching all nine seasons of Scrubs, it became clear that the characters Turk and Carla were destined to stay together.

He continued, noting that J.D. and Elliot hadn’t been together for very long – only about an episode and a half – but had appeared to be a stable couple. Lawrence described their breakup as a realistic plot point, explaining that these situations are common in adult relationships and hinting that their story might not be completely finished.

Will J.D. and Elliott Get Back Together (Again)?

Sarah Chalke, who plays Elliott, said she wasn’t upset about the divorce and actually thought it was a good thing. She explained that it opens up new story possibilities, allowing for more comedic and dramatic moments now that the characters aren’t simply a happily married couple.

He agreed, saying the divorce feels definitive. He pointed out that J.D.’s hopeful vision from the end of Season 8 doesn’t pan out, and that, like life, not all marriages last.

When asked about the potential for a romantic reunion, Braff said, “You never know.” He also expressed hope that fans enjoy the show and it continues for more seasons. As a viewer himself, he thinks it would be entertaining if the characters eventually got back together, calling it “fun TV.”

Lawrence drew a comparison between the show’s plot and the relationship between Ted Lasso and Rebecca, noting that there was never a plan for them to become a couple, but there was always a subtle connection. Regarding J.D. and Elliott, he believes there’s no need for them to end up together, and the story should simply unfold naturally.

Scrubs airs new episodes on Wednesdays on ABC and Thursdays on Hulu.

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2026-02-26 18:40