entertainment / Friday, 22-Aug-2025

Scrubs' Revival Can Bring Back A Hilarious Cameo Trend From The Original Show

Scrubs' original run had a hidden cameo trend that may have been difficult to spot for certain viewers, but the sitcom's revival can bring back the running gag. Although Scrubs season 10 will be different from the other nine seasons of Scrubs, there will invariably be several returning characters and comedic themes from the original era. One of these gags featured someone popping up a number of times in the show in different roles, and it could easily happen again during the Scrubs revival.

The show's creator, Bill Lawrence, has confirmed that Scrubs season 10 will be a blend of new and old characters. Although this sounds like it could make the show's comeback worryingly similar to the divisive (and brief) Med School run, the focus this time around won't be on the departure of original cast members like Zach Braff. Instead, Lawrence's plans seem to be to give equal attention to the various generations of doctors that will feature. However, the former showrunner may have other plans too.

Scrubs Creator Bill Lawrence Can Add To His String Of Unrelated Cameos In Season 10

Lawrence's Scrubs characters share no connection other than him playing them all

Lawrence's primary responsibility among the Scrubs crew was as the sitcom's showrunner. He guided the production through his vision and was generally the one in charge throughout the show's original run. As well as holding such a senior position, Lawrence used his status to slot himself into the show itself a total of four times. What's most interesting about this is that he never played the same Scrubs character twice. So, Scrubs season 10 could mean cameo number five or more for Bill Lawrence.

Bill Lawrence's 4 Scrubs Cameos

Season

Episode

Title

Character

5

8

"My Big Bird"

Dr. Flannery (uncredited)

6

17

"Their Story"

Cafeteria Client (uncredited)

8

15

"My Soul on Fire: Part 2"

Van/Justice of the Peace

8

9

"My Finale: Part 2"

Janitor

Lawrence's first two Scrubs cameos came in seasons 5 and 6, where he had an uncredited part in an episode of each run. Finally, Scrubs season 8 marked his true debut on the show, and he actually played two unrelated characters who appeared far more solidly onscreen. Firstly, he played a Justice of the Peace named Van, who started to conduct the wedding ceremony of Neil Flynn's Janitor before being asked to leave. Then, Lawrence also played a janitor in "My Finale" and said goodbye to Zach Braff's Dr. John "JD" Dorian.

Bill Lawrence Will Have A Different Behind-The-Scenes Role In Scrubs Season 10

Scrubs is getting a new showrunner

Bill Lawrence hugging the cast of Scrubs
Bill Lawrence hugging the cast of Scrubs

Lawrence is far busier in 2025 than he was when Scrubs ended in 2010. Since Med School led to the sitcom's cancelation, Lawrence has gone on to amass an impressive portfolio of successful TV shows - primarily with Apple TV+. So, although a deal has now been worked out to allow him to return to Disney to make more Scrubs while also developing his Apple TV+ projects, Lawrence has confirmed he won't be the showrunner for the revival. Instead, there will be someone else filling the position, although it still hasn't been announced who it will be.

Thankfully, it's highly likely that Lawrence will still have a great deal of influence on the sitcom's new era. Otherwise, they wouldn't have waited for him to be available before starting production on Scrubs season 10. What's perhaps the most convenient arrangement is for him to act as a general overseer, with the new showrunner taking care of the revival's day-to-day processes. So, Lawrence will at least still be around to potentially add to his Scrubs cameo streak.

ScrubsTagImage

Your Rating

Scrubs
8/10
34
8.4/10
Release Date
2001 - 2010-00-00
Network
ABC, NBC
Showrunner
Bill Lawrence
Directors
Bill Lawrence
Writers
Bill Lawrence

Cast

See All
  • Headshot Of John C. McGinley
    John C. McGinley
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Robert Maschio

trendglee

Fresh, fast, and fun — all the entertainment you need in one place.

© Trendglee. All Rights Reserved. Designed by trendglee