More than two decades after Scrubs first introduced audiences to the chaotic halls of Sacred Heart Hospital, the beloved medical comedy is back, and so are many of its original stars. The revival reunites longtime cast members while ushering in a new generation of doctors, interns, and hospital staff ready to carry the legacy forward. At the center of it all is Zach Braff, who returns as the endlessly earnest Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian.

For Braff, stepping back onto the set was not just a nostalgic experience; it was also a surprising reminder of how much time had passed since the show first premiered in 2001.

Zach Braff recently admitted that working alongside the reboot’s younger cast members delivered an unexpected wake-up call. Speaking to PEOPLE at the show’s February 23, 2026, premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Braff revealed that learning some of his new costars’ ages was “really shocking.”

“I knew that we made the show in 2000, but I'm acting with these 25-year-olds who are brilliant and smart and clever, and then they say they were born in 2000, and it kind of blows your mind," Braff told PEOPLE.

He added that while some of the new actors were not even born when Scrubs first aired, others “were literally infants.” His longtime friend and costar, Donald Faison, echoed the sentiment, telling PEOPLE that one does not realize how old they are until someone actually reminds them of that. While the realisation about age is a shocker for the old members, Scrubs has brought back nostalgia on screens.

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With the show back now, what makes the Scrubs reboot feel both nostalgic and brand new?

The Scrubs reboot does not just rely on nostalgia. While original cast members like Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley and Judy Reyes are back in familiar roles, a fresh ensemble is stepping into the spotlight. New additions including Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi and Amanda Morrow, are helping shape the next chapter of Sacred Heart Hospital. Chalke admitted she felt a similar time warp when meeting the younger actors.

“In your mind, you kind of still think you're 30. And we're not,” she joked to PEOPLE. But she also praised the newcomers, calling them “as nice as they are talented” and saying the experience of working with them was one of the coolest parts of returning.

For longtime fans, that blend of legacy characters and rising talent creates a unique dynamic, one that honors the original while embracing change. With its premiere on ABC and next-day streaming on Hulu, the revival aims to bridge generations of viewers, from those who watched J.D. navigate his first day as an intern to those discovering Sacred Heart for the very first time.

For Zach Braff, the Scrubs reboot is not just a professional reunion; it is a personal milestone. Acting alongside colleagues who were born the same year the show debuted has offered him a humorous, if slightly shocking, reminder of the passage of time. Yet it also underscores the lasting impact of the series and its ability to resonate across generations.

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Are you excited to see the original doctors team up with a new generation at Sacred Heart? Let us know in the comments!