With the second season of the Scrubs revival just around the corner, there's no better excuse to head back to Sacred Heart and relive the moments that made the show a beloved classic. But with 180+ episodes, where do you even start? The people who lived it have some thoughts.
Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison recently shared their must-watch picks with Collider, and their choices span the emotional spectrum—from laugh-out-loud absurdity to gut-wrenching drama. Whether you're a first-timer or a longtime fan, these episodes are the perfect primer for the new season dropping on Disney+.
Start at the Very Beginning
Braff, who played J.D., suggests kicking things off with the pilot, "My First Day" (Season 1, Episode 1). It's the episode that introduced us to J.D., Turk, and Elliot as they stumble through their first day as interns, meeting the formidable Nurse Carla, the gruff Dr. Cox, and the penny-pinching Dr. Kelso. It's also where J.D.'s legendary feud with the Janitor begins—over a lost penny, no less. Fun fact: Neil Flynn wasn't originally meant to be a series regular, but his improvised "I'm watching you" line in the pilot was so good that the writers made him a permanent fixture. And if the show had been canceled after Season 1, the Janitor would have been revealed as a figment of J.D.'s imagination.
When the Show Got Real
Faison, who played Turk, points to "My Old Lady" (Season 1, Episode 4) as a turning point. In this early episode, J.D., Turk, and Elliot each face the harsh reality that they can't save everyone. J.D.'s patient, Mrs. Tanner, refuses dialysis; Turk bonds with a young man who later dies on the operating table; and Elliot struggles to communicate with a Spanish-speaking patient. The episode ends with J.D. learning a painful lesson about mortality, and it's the first time we see the Grim Reaper in his fantasies—playing Connect 4, no less.
But the emotional gut-punch doesn't stop there. Faison also highlights the patient storylines that still resonate today, like the two-part finale that Chalke calls essential viewing. And then there's "My Screw Up" (Season 3, Episode 14), which features Brendan Fraser's return as Ben Sullivan. The episode is famous for its devastating twist—one that redefines how you watch the entire episode. It's a masterclass in using sitcom conventions to deliver a sucker punch.
When Scrubs Broke the Mold
What made Scrubs special was its willingness to experiment. From musical numbers to fantasy sequences, the show constantly subverted expectations. Braff, Chalke, and Faison all agree that these boundary-pushing episodes are essential viewing. Whether it's the surreal daydreams that punctuate J.D.'s inner monologue or the heartbreaking reality that hides beneath the comedy, Scrubs was never just a sitcom—it was a dramedy that knew how to hit you right in the feels.
So before you dive into the new season, take a trip back to Sacred Heart. Start with the pilot, then move through the emotional milestones, and don't forget the Janitor's pranks. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll remember why this show has endured for over two decades.
For more on the best of TV, check out our list of The Sopranos' best episodes or revisit Midnight Mass for another rewatch-worthy gem.
