Scrubs [Med School]: 1st and last season?

The show Scrubs has had a difficult time the last few years with network changes, plummeting ratings, and a barrage of new characters as well as the removal of old ones. Yet it still remains one of my favorite shows and to my delight manages to survive one season after another. Unfortunately the new Med School version has been receiving continually lower ratings, leaving fans worried that this season could be the dynasty’s last.

Throughout it’s previous eight seasons, Scrubs has provided original plots that are both funny and relatable, while managing to incorporate some serious issues. The show began by following J.D., a young doctor starting his medical career in a new hospital with his best friend Turk. We follow their struggles, and triumphs, while learning to adapt and survive in the harsh but comical atmosphere of Sacred Heart Hospital.

The most successful aspect of the show has been its ability to interweave popular culture, serious themes, and comedy. Themes of adapting to the harsh environment of a competitive career, beginning and ending relationships, and dealing with becoming an adult run constant throughout the show. Myself, and so many others have been able to relate to the trials of moving from chapter to chapter in our constantly evolving lives.

In the end, Scrubs was about J.D. and his relationships. The audience grew up with him and now he has grown past the show, leaving new Med School students to hopefully grow with a new audience. As a longtime Scrubs fan, and around the same age as the new recruits, I find myself wanting to connect with the new J.D. But I’m just not sure if I’m ready yet. It’s a delicate transition.

The cast and crew seem to be rotating the “J.D.” focus to other characters, taking some of the pressure off of the new girl. Shows like Law and Order, and ER have successfully continued their similar plot while rotating new characters in and old ones out. The reason that this has been successful is because neither of these shows have a specific main character that the audience relates to episode after episode.

So will the new newbies survive? Whichever way the fate of Med School goes, fans of J.D. got their ending last season. Hopefully Scrubs Med School is given more time to reconnect with it’s old audience and pick up some new fans. The show has had a more than impressive run and audiences still seem to love the original eight seasons, because you can still find reruns on at least 10 times a day on various channels.