After a long hiatus, the beloved medical comedy-drama Scrubs is finally returning, and excitement around the 2026 revival on Hulu is understandably high. For longtime fans, the temptation to jump straight into the new season is strong. At the same time, new viewers may be wondering whether the original eight seasons are essential viewing before diving in. While starting with the revival might seem convenient, doing so could shape your expectations and your overall experience in very different ways.

So, do you need to watch all the previous seasons before starting with the revival?

The short answer is yes. The revival season of Scrubs is not a reboot, but it is built on the foundational work laid by the previous seasons. It is a pick from the stop of the finale episode, which in itself was a journey for the viewers and the much-needed end for the characters. The depth of the relationships, personal growth, evolving identities, and emotional relevance of the characters require contextual grounding to fully understand why each of them serves as a core element within the story.

Zach Braff's character, J.D., grows into a well-known physician, and can only be understood when the journey from season 1 is taken. J.D. started as an intern, and the character development is worth noting, for he is the core protagonist. 

The series runs in a humor space, and the jokes are contextual. Missing the previous season means missing out on great jokes. Furthermore, it has callbacks and emotional beats that provide the narrative to the current developments in the story. The emotional arc is significant, which is the reason for the growth of the protagonist and the characters surrounding them. In this sense, season 10 is the revival from where it was left off, making it important to watch the previous seasons.

Meet the Cast of 'Scrubs': Who Are The New and Old Stars Returning After a 16-Year Hiatus

With the new season about to premiere, here’s what you should know about the Scrubs revival before you jump in.

Scrubs will premiere on February 25, 2026, at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC. The first 2 episodes will roll out back-to-back, while the remaining episodes will release in the following weeks. Later, it will also be broadcast on Hulu, where the previous seasons are also available to stream. The latest season will have a total of 9 episodes.

The revival is set to bring back many original cast members, like Zach Braff as Dr. John Dorian, or J.D., Donald Faison as Dr. Christopher Turk, and Sarah Chalke as Dr. Elliot Reid. Other returning favorites include Judy Reyes as Carla Espinosa, John C. McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox, Neil Flynn as the fan favorite Janitor, and Christa Miller as Jordan Sullivan, Cox's ex.  

Created by television producer Bill Lawrence, who also served as its showrunner, executive producer, writer, and occasional director, the show originally premiered in 2001, with each season having 22-24 episodes. By blending surreal humor with heartfelt moments, the show became a cult favorite.

Because the Scrubs revival continues the story and emotional arcs from the original show, starting with the earlier seasons gives you context and depth that makes the new episodes more meaningful.

'Scrubs' Revival: Everything You Need To Know About Cast, Plot and Release Date

Will you be watching the previous season of Scrubs? Let us know in the comments.