Scrubs (season 9)

The ninth and final season of the American comedy television series Scrubs (also known as Scrubs: Med School) premiered on ABC on December 1, 2009, and concluded on March 17, 2010, and consists of 13 episodes. This season marked a major change in the series; it takes place at a different location[1] and only three of the seven main characters from the first eight seasons remained as regular main characters. The rest of the cast is made up of new recruits, including Lucy, played by Kerry Bishé, who is also the show's new narrator. Former star Zach Braff returned for six episodes of the season.

Scrubs
Season 9
DVD cover
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes13
Release
Original networkABC
Original releaseDecember 1, 2009 (2009-12-01) –
March 17, 2010 (2010-03-17)
Season chronology

The new season focuses on students at a med school at the fictional Winston University, rather than interns at a hospital. Doctors Perry Cox and Christopher Turk, played by John C. McGinley and Donald Faison respectively, returned as teachers. The show's filming location moved from the North Hollywood Medical Center to sets at Culver Studios. The series takes place at the new Sacred Heart Hospital, located on the Winston University campus.

The season takes place over a year after the events of the last episode of the eighth season, "My Finale", which was expected to be the last episode and ended many of the series' long-running storylines. However, Bill Lawrence was approached concerning more episodes, and as a result, the show entered its ninth season.

Review aggregator Metacritic found critical reception to the new format to be "generally positive" and assigned an average score of 64/100, though reviews were varied, with the Chicago Sun Times calling the season "promising", but USA Today dismissing it as a "deal-driven mistake".[2] The season nonetheless saw Scrubs receive its lowest-ever ratings, with an average of 3.79 million tuning in,[3] down from 5.61 million the previous season (though the show's overall ranking had improved).[4]

Zach Braff announced on March 22, 2010, via Facebook that it appeared that Scrubs would not be renewed for a tenth season,[5] and on May 14, 2010, ABC officially cancelled the series.[6]

Background

The eighth season was expected to be the last for Scrubs, but in May 2009, ABC announced that the series had been renewed for an additional 13 episodes.[7] John C. McGinley and Donald Faison signed one-year deals and were the only cast members to stay on as regulars. Zach Braff appeared in six episodes, in which he was billed as main cast, to assist in transitioning the show, while Sarah Chalke signed on to guest star in four episodes throughout the season. Ken Jenkins appeared in nine episodes, and Neil Flynn, who was also busy with his new show The Middle, appeared in a single scene in the season's first episode. Judy Reyes was the only original cast member to not return,[8] after declining to appear in a recurring guest role as she only wanted to return full-time.[9] Eliza Coupe, who portrayed Denise Mahoney beginning in season eight, became a series regular, along with new cast members Kerry Bishé, Michael Mosley and Dave Franco.[10]

Lawrence considered the eighth season to be the end of the show Scrubs, going so far as to ask ABC if he could change the name to Scrubs Med.[7] ABC declined, but Lawrence still advised fans to treat it as a new show, even putting a caption under the "Created By" on the X-ray in the opening sequence saying [Med School].

Cast and characters

Main cast

Production

Show creator Bill Lawrence wanted to change the name of the show to Scrubs Med, but ABC did not allow this. The setting shifted from the original hospital building to a new Sacred Heart medical school and university campus, with shooting locations moving to Culver Studios.[7] Executive producers Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan, and Bill Callahan departed from the series and were replaced by Jonathan Groff, Zach Braff, and Josh Bycel, who also served as the co-showrunner, alongside creator/executive producer Bill Lawrence who was doing double duty at the time with both Scrubs and his new show Cougar Town.

Every writer from previous seasons departed from the show with the exception of Lawrence and Andy Schwartz. Sean Russell returned to write a freelance episode, just as he had done previously in season 6.

Episodes
See also: List of Scrubs episodes
Scrubs season 9 episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
1701"Our First Day of School"Michael SpillerBill LawrenceDecember 1, 2009 (2009-12-01)9014.63[11]

Set one year after the finale of Season 8; J.D., Turk, Cox, Kelso and resident Denise return to Sacred Heart to teach med school while new med students Lucy, Drew and Cole are put through the wringer on their first day of school.

Final Scrubs appearance of: Neil Flynn as The Janitor.
1712"Our Drunk Friend"Michael McDonaldJosh Bycel & Jonathan GroffDecember 1, 2009 (2009-12-01)9024.43[11]
Lucy learns a hard lesson about what it takes to be a doctor after trying to save an alcoholic patient from his addiction. Meanwhile J.D. and Turk spot a potential love connection between Denise and the new med student Drew, as they play matchmakers with a little bit of help from Dr. Kelso.
1723"Our Role Models"Gail MancusoSteven Cragg & Brian BradleyDecember 8, 2009 (2009-12-08)9035.44[12]
J.D. and Drew learn a tough lesson in mentoring when Dr. Cox and Lucy show them that sometimes the student is the teacher. Meanwhile, Lucy decides to shadow Denise despite Denise's protests.
1734"Our Histories"Ken WhittinghamCorey NickersonDecember 15, 2009 (2009-12-15)9044.22[13]

J.D. and Turk show up in costume at a med student's party which is not a fancy dress party. Meanwhile, Kelso bids a fond farewell to Ted and Gooch. Also, if Cole, Lucy, Drew and the gang want to go to the med student party, they must first complete 'final interview' on four patients, including a dying ex-soldier.

Final Scrubs appearance of: Sam Lloyd as Ted.
1745"Our Mysteries"Michael SpillerSteven Cragg & Brian BradleyDecember 22, 2009 (2009-12-22)909[14]3.43[15]
J.D. still clamors for Dr. Cox's approval as he approaches his final day of teaching at Sacred Heart, Lucy searches within herself for the courage to perform a basic medical procedure (drawing blood) on a real human, and Denise and Drew make things official.
1756"Our New Girl-Bro"Michael McDonaldKevin EttenJanuary 1, 2010 (2010-01-01)9063.06[16]
While Turk struggles to find a replacement best friend, a very pregnant Elliot offers advice and guidance to an over-worked and exhausted Lucy. Also, Cole finds out he could fail med school.
1767"Our White Coats"John PutchAndy SchwartzJanuary 5, 2010 (2010-01-05)9073.81[17]
Before receiving their white coats, the med students of Winston University must figure out why they want to be doctors, and Lucy struggles with her answer. Denise gets a little relationship help from Elliot. Also, Cole reveals a secret Drew has been hiding.
1778"Our Couples"Chris KochPrentice PennyJanuary 5, 2010 (2010-01-05)9083.05[18]
Lucy finds couplings, dysfunctional and good, throughout the hospital. Meanwhile, Turk is angered after Perry makes him operate against his own judgement and the patient dies.
1789"Our Stuff Gets Real"John PutchLeila StrachanJanuary 12, 2010 (2010-01-12)905[14]2.72[19]

The reality of having a baby begins to settle in for both J.D. and Elliot while Lucy struggles with the reality of operating on people. Also, Perry doesn't know if he's ready to sign a will.

Final Scrubs appearance of: Zach Braff as J.D., Sarah Chalke as Elliot, Christa Miller as Jordan.
17910"Our True Lies"Michael SpillerLon Zimmet & Dan RubinJanuary 19, 2010 (2010-01-19)9103.04[20]
A student cheats on an exam leaving a cheat sheet in the toilets. Dr. Cox takes it out on the five students who briefly left the exam room detaining them indefinitely till someone confesses. Cole eventually confesses to save Lucy the humiliation, but she owns up to the group, who then cover for her. They all re-sit a new exam. Meanwhile, Drew reveals he is married (but estranged from his wife) and Denise makes a startling admission of her own.
18011"Our Dear Leaders"Peter LauerCorey Nickerson & Kevin EttenJanuary 26, 2010 (2010-01-26)9113.17[21]
Lucy takes her new assignment as hell week "team leader" a bit too seriously. Perry challenges Drew to stay away from his friends who arguably rely on him too much, and Dr. Turk feels threatened when an internationally renowned surgeon pays a visit. Eventually Drew steps in to save the study group and Turk accepts he can learn from the visiting surgeon.
18112"Our Driving Issues"Eren CelebogluAlessia Costantini & Prentice PennyMarch 10, 2010 (2010-03-10)9124.28[22]

Cole is told he has a malignant mole. Kelso gets negative results back after a few routine tests, he learns the hard way to put his ego in check. Meanwhile, Denise and Perry put Drew in the middle of their fight.

Final Scrubs appearance of: Ken Jenkins as Kelso.
18213"Our Thanks"Rick BlueSean RussellMarch 17, 2010 (2010-03-17)9133.45[23]
In the series finale, the med students at Winston University finally find something to be thankful for when Cole identifies his true calling in surgery, but he annoys Turk by shadowing him. Meanwhile, Drew realizes who the love of his life is after Denise decides to move in. Lucy finds the inspiration to become a doctor, after a former patient's son comes to say his final words to his deceased father.

References

General references
  • "Scrubs Season 9 episodes". TV Guide. Retrieved December 22, 2009.
  • "Shows A-Z – scrubs on ABC". The Futon Critic. Retrieved December 22, 2009.

Inline citations
  1. "Creator: New 'Scrubs' not set in hospital". DigitalSpy.com. June 21, 2009. Retrieved June 21, 2009.
  2. "Scrubs Season Nine reviews". Metacritic.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010.
  3. Gorman, Bill (June 16, 2010). "Final 2009–10 Broadcast Primetime Show Average Viewership". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  4. "Season Program Rankings". abcmedianet.com. ABC Television Network. May 27, 2009. Archived from the original on August 12, 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
  5. "Scrubs Cancelled – Zach Braff". Zach Braff. March 22, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2010 – via Facebook.
  6. "ABC Cancels Scrubs, FlashForward, Romantically Challenged and Better Off Ted". TV Guide. May 14, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  7. "'Scrubs' creator previews next season – Sepinwall on TV". NJ.com. August 13, 2009. Retrieved August 13, 2009.
  8. "Bill Lawrence: Judy Reyes won't appear in season nine, and other Scrubs news". TVSquad.com. Retrieved October 16, 2009.
  9. Hernandez, Lee (December 1, 2009). "Judy Reyes Turns Down An Offer to Guest Star on "Scrubs"". Latina.com. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
  10. "ABC Announces the Season Premieres of "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted"". The Futon Critic (Press release). ABC. October 30, 2009. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  11. Seidman, Robert (December 2, 2009). "Tuesday Broadcast Finals (minus Presidential address)". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  12. Seidman, Robert (December 9, 2009). "Broadcast Finals: Better Off Ted doesn't improve...or decline". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
  13. Seidman, Robert (December 16, 2009). "Tuesday Broadcast Finals: Ted, Not Any Better Off; NCIS still rules night". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  14. Brian Bradley (November 13, 2009). "Twitter / BrianDBradley: Spent all day working on E ..." Twitter. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  15. Calabria, Rosario T. (December 30, 2009). "Broadcast TV Ratings for Tuesday, December 29, 2009". Your Entertainment Now. Archived from the original on January 3, 2010. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  16. Calabria, Rosario T. (January 9, 2010). "Broadcast TV Ratings for Friday, January 8, 2010". Your Entertainment Now. Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  17. "Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending January 10, 2010". Ratings Ryan. November 8, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  18. Gorman, Bill (January 6, 2010). "TV Ratings: Biggest Loser Weighs In Huge; NBC Edges NCIS Lead CBS; Orange Bowl Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
  19. Gorman, Bill (January 13, 2010). "Tuesday Broadcast Finals, Plus American Idol Demo Ratings Breakdown". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 12, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  20. "Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending January 24, 2010". Ratings Ryan. November 16, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  21. Calabria, Rosario T. (March 11, 2010). "Broadcast TV Ratings for Wednesday, March 10, 2010". Your Entertainment Now. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  22. "Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending March 14, 2010". Ratings Ryan. December 12, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  23. Seidman, Robert (March 18, 2010). "Wednesday Broadcast Finals: Ugly Betty, Gary Unmarried Inch Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 25, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
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