In my best Dr. Cox voice: "I love, LOVE, L-O-V-E the NBC television series Scrubs." For network TV, it's brilliant. Not Arrested Development brilliant (or Scrubs would have been canceled by now), but still...

Scrubs is this odd blending of comedy and sentimentality. In my mind, medical shows like Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, E.R., St. Elsewhere (1980s TV) and the like are all derived from the Samuel Shem book, The House of God. The House of God is a fast pace, cynical view of medical training that bombs all the Marcus Welby M.D. illusions our culture used to carry about the medical profession.

I read The House of God sometime during high school, hoping to get an idea of what my dad went through in medical school. I learned a lot (like the meaning and origin of the term "gomer"), and laughed my butt off. But I also gained some insight into my father's experience as a bewildered medical intern (newbie). Maybe that's why I like Scrubs, too.

A lot of times, the myth is better than the reality.

I totally adore the Elliot Reid character played by Sarah Chalke. Chalke is such a nut, so outgoing, such a risk-taker in her performance of the neurotic "Barbie".

See House of God Laws and The Worthless Peons.

Riding the Wave by Blanks (Ted's a cappella band)

Scrubs Trivia

Origins: Scrubs creator/producer/writer Bill Lawrence says Scrubs is a mashup of his favorite sit-coms: M.A.S.H. (before it got preachy) and The Wonder Years.

Scrubs theme titled Superman is performed by Lazlo Bane and can be found on the first Scrubs Soundtrack. Bill Lawrence credits Zach Braff for suggesting "Superman" as the theme song. The lyrics "I'm No Superman" relate to characters' fallibility.

John C. McGinley, who plays the caustic, cynical Dr. Cox, has a son, Max, who has Down's Syndrome. McGinley says he was especially eager to do a TV series so that he could be home more with his son. That poignant fact fits the whole spirit of the show somehow.

Sarah Chalke is Canadian, was a snow skiing instructor, and speaks fluent French and German. Chalke volunteers at a children's hospice.

Bill Lawrence, Scrubs creator/producer/writer is married to actress Christa Miller, who plays Jordan, Dr. Cox's wife/nemesis. Lawrence and Miller have three children.

Bill Lawrence was asked in an interview with RadarOnline: "Has Zach Braff been insufferable since becoming a successful auteur?" Bill responded this way:

Zach is actually a pretty grounded guy. Plus, no one on the set would let him have a big head. If he got too cocky, John McGinley wouldn’t tolerate it. He’s as scary in real life as he is on the show. A fantastic guy, but a total nutjob.

The Janitor was initially only in J.D.'s imagination. Watch the early episodes and you'll see The Janitor doesn't interact with any of the other characters. Producers abandoned the idea as the The Janitor character became more popular. In an interview, Bill Lawrence (Scrubs creator) declared that you'll know the show is over--that you're watching the final episode--when you hear The Janitor's name.

The Worthless Peons (also known as Ted's Band or the Blanks) are an a cappella group made up of hospital employees from different departments. The Worthless Peons are played by The Blanks, a real-life a cappella band made up of Sam Lloyd (who plays Ted), George Miserlis, Paul F. Perry, and Philip McNiven. The Blanks album, Riding the Wave, features guest performances from Bill Lawrence and members of the Scrubs cast.

Name of stuffed dog owned by Turk & J.D. is Rowdy.

The chest X-ray featured at the end of the title sequence was hung backwards for most of the first five seasons. Bill Lawrence says this was intentional, as it signified that new interns were inexperienced. In season 2, an extended title sequence used initially where the X-ray position was correct, but the sequence was scrapped at fan (and network) request. Later in the season, Urologist Dr. Kim Briggs (guest star Elizabeth Banks) steps into the credits and switches the X-ray around, saying, "It's been bugging me for years."

Dr. Cox's habit of referring to J.D. by girls' names was John C. McGinley's idea. He does the same thing with his friend, actor John Cusack.

Scrubs was originally going to air on ABC but ABC turned it down and NBC later picked up the show.

Last episode? In an interview, Bill Lawrence (Scrubs creator) declared that you'll know the show is over--that you're watching the final episode--when you hear The Janitor's name.

Scrubs is shot in an abandoned hospital in the Valley of Los Angeles. The name of the fictitious hospital is Sacred Heart.

Scrubs Links

Scrubs Video Stream

(:youtube 20Of_mna-Rs:)

Scrubs Cast Performs Charlie Brown Christmas - Brilliant!

(:youtube uLTSBvXRwMI:)

Scrubs theme song video

Scrubs For Sale

The House of God by Samuel Shem
Scrubs (Soundtrack)
Scrubs - The Complete First Season
Riding the Wave by Blanks (Ted's a cappella band)

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Dutch Smith — 27 June 2008, 10:57

As you all know, Samuel Shem's "House of God," was a big influence on the show. As it turns, Samuel Shem's newest book is available now. It's called "The Spirit of Things."

Thanks you