Some big news came out of an ABC panel discussion today. TV Guide is reporting that Scrubs executive producer, Bill Lawrence, announced that Zach Braff will be leaving the show at the end of this season. No reason was given for Braff’s exit although Lawrence joked that Braff’s exit was “not by his choice.”
Lawrence admitted that he had always pitched Scrubs as ER as a comedy, with a revolving cast of characters that would allow for new blood from time to time. However, Braff has arguably been the breakout star of the show. His character does the voice-overs in almost every single episode and most of the storylines and conflicts revolve around him.
Perhaps in anticipation of such an event taking place, the producers have been bringing in a younger cast by introducing young interns on the show. “We cried when [Lawrence] said he was bringing in younger actors,” joked Sarah Chalke. To which the always-complimentary Lawrence shot back: “Why don’t you take a gander at the opening credits [which date from the show's first season] and see how young you used to look?”
This season will still proceed as planned. As previously announced, Courtney Cox will be joining the cast for several episodes as Sacred Heart’s new chief of medicine. This season will also see Janitor get married in the Bahamas. He invites 700 people (for the presents, of course). J.D. then decides to round up the crew and go there to try to sabotage the wedding.
I for one simply cannot comprehend Scrubs as a show without Zach Braff. This is far worse than William Peterson leaving CSI. Zach Braff is the absolute backbone of Scrubs. I cannot even believe that the other actors would contemplate continuing the show without him. Although some of the jokes are starting to get long in the tooth and a lot of the gags are starting to fall flat, the show would be completely different without J.D. and especially without the interplay between J.D. and Turk.
What do you think? Would you watch a Scrubs without Zach Braff?
No Braff, no Scrubs…he IS the show really…
Wow, this is pretty sad…
It may be an ensemble cast, but there's no doubt he's the main character. The show probably doesn't have too much longer anyway; that “bringing in new blood” thing usually is a sign of advancing decrepitude; Cousin Oliver can't be too far behind…
ER survived and thrived post-Clooney and post-Edwards. I think Scrubs can do the same. But only if they go back to their roots and stop being so damn silly.
Last season was pretty bad
…isn't this the final season, anyway?
Bill Lawrence is bringing in the young doctors for a generational change. If it does well on ABC, it can continue. It's really up to the network and the fans (and the writers, who need to return to making a quality product.) They're going to film two endings, one for series finale and one if they get picked up to continue with the newer cast members.
It was always intended to be like a serio-comic ER. They just got off track the past couple of years.
I think once it got moved to ABC, there was hope that they'd keep it a few
more seasons.
I hardly watched it last season, to the point that I didn't know Kelso was fired. I Braff leaves and they continue I'll probably stop watching it all together.
I wish shows would stop hanging on longer than they should. Really, TV should get in to the habit of going out while they are still at a high point, especially with syndication and DVD sales now. A quality show (from start to finish) holds more interest in these other mediums than a show which has lost its spark.
We could argue that this show has already jumped the shark, if Braff leaves it becomes official. I will not watch it if he's gone.
Btw, isn't this supposed to be the last season anyway? ScottyDub confused.
It was until it went to ABC, then it was up in the air.
I don´t see how it is possible to continue. J.D. is the main character and over 50% of all the jokes are between him an Turk! And his relationtip with dr Cox and Elliot… And Carla a little. Plus, he does the in voice you hear in EVERY episode and I agree the jokes are getting a little bit rusty and over used bu what are they going to do now? bring in a new main?!?!?!?!?! NO WAY!!!!
J.D. can leave for all I care. Ted is just as funny to laugh at, and more randomly spontaneous.
The show ends when Jordan, Cox, and Kelso exit. If there's no strength, then all we're going to see in the show is people who screw up all the time and can't pick up after themselves.
Zack I will Die if you leave scrubs!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE DONT!!!!
this sucks sooooo bad he is sooooooo funny in the show and he most definetly is the best thing about scrubs although DR Cox is very funny aswell he and Zach character bounce off each other like a very random and not so obvious double act !
in short this sucks big time !