‘Scrubs’ has been my favorite sitcom for 20 years — here’s the 10 best episodes to watch before Hulu’s reboot

“Scrubs” has been my favorite sitcom for as long as I can remember. I have vivid memories of being obsessed with the show in my early childhood. I rewatched my beloved DVD boxsets so often that the cardboard cases practically disintegrated. At one point, I could pretty much recite whole episodes just from memory, and even held “Scrubs parties” with my friends.

With the 2026 revival on the way, debuting on ABC/Hulu on Feb. 25, I’m in a celebratory mood. And so what better time to break out my old DVDs (I refuse to watch the show via streaming as the original music has been replaced) and return to Sacred Heart hospital to pick out my 10 favorite episodes from the show’s original run. These are the 10 best episodes of “Scrubs” according to somebody who has watched each dozens of times.

Note: These 10 episodes are presented in season order. I swear I tried to rank them, but it was like picking a favorite child, and I just couldn't.

‘My Old Lady’ (season 1, episode 4)

What happens: J.D. is forced to face death for the first time in his career when an elderly patient announces she’s ready to die. Meanwhile, Elliot must rely on Carla while caring for a woman who can’t speak English, and Turk bonds with a young patient.

Why it’s one of the best: The first truly exceptional episode of “Scrubs,” just four episodes into its debut season, “My Old Lady” delivers an emotional gut punch and confronts the difficult realities of working in the medical field.

‘My Occurrence’ (season 1, episode 22)

What happens: Jordan’s brother and Dr. Cox’s best friend, Ben (Brendan Fraser), arrives at the hospital after a nail gun accident, but further tests suggest he may have a more serious condition. J.D., unwilling to accept the results, desperately searches for a way to avoid giving him the bad news.

Why it’s one of the best: “Scrubs” offers up a few well-plotted twists throughout its run, and the reveal that J.D.’s quest to prove Ben’s leukemia diagnosis was a false positive was actually just an elaborate fantasy sequence is one of the show’s very best. Not to mention, any episode that features Brendan Fraser as Ben is automatically top-tier “Scrubs."

‘My Screw Up’ (season 3, episode 14)

What happens: Dr. Cox’s former brother-in-law Ben (Brendan Fraser) is back at Sacred Heart and causing plenty of mischief. But when a patient dies under J.D.’s watch, Dr. Cox decides to take over his responsibilities.

Why it’s one of the best: You only have to say “where do you think we are?” to a “Scrubs” fan to send a shiver down their spine. “My Screw Up” is a solid episode of the show for the most part, but the sobering ending tips it over the edge into the best category.

‘My Butterfly’ (season 3, episode 16)

What happens: A regular day at the hospital is shown across two different timelines, exploring how even something as small as a butterfly flapping its wings can radically change the course of events.

Why it’s one of the best: "My Butterfly" is basically “Scrubs” does “The Butterfly Effect.” A clever concept for a storyline, and it proves to be a winning formula for one of the show’s most unique episodes. It might not have the grand emotions of other picks on this list, but it’s got novelty.

‘My Way Home’ (season 5, episode 7)

What happens: “Scrubs'” 100th episode, directed by star Zach Braff, is a tribute to “The Wizard of Oz.” J.D. wants to get home, Turk needs a heart donation from a patient in a coma, Carla is looking for courage, and Elliot needs brains ahead of an important speaking engagement.

Why it’s one of the best: Ted’s band’s (aka The Blank) rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is enough to make this a fan-favorite episode, but it’s also packed with excellent gags. Doug whacking J.D. with a fire extinguisher because he believes J.D. is a deceased patient come back to life might be my favorite joke in the entire series.

‘My Lunch’ (season 5, episode 20)

What happens: J.D. is wracked with guilt when a patient he found annoying suddenly passes away, but her death could provide the life-saving organ transplants a trio of Dr. Cox’s patients desperately require.

Why it’s one of the best: “Scrubs” is at its best when it balances its goofy humor with impactful drama, and “My Lunch” strikes the perfect balance. Culminating in perhaps the show's most devastating scene, perfectly set to The Fray’s “How to Save a Life,” this episode is a masterwork. Granted, the Todd-centric B-plot hasn’t aged quite so gracefully.

‘My Fallen Idol’ (season 5, episode 21)

What happens: Following the events of “My Lunch,” Dr. Cox spirals into a deep funk, despondent after the death of three patients. Carla rallies the hospital staff to support him, but J.D. is reluctant to participate.

Why it’s one of the best: “Scrubs” completed the one-two punch by following up the phenomenal “My Lunch” with a tender episode that adds needed catharsis. The episode-stealing scene between Dr. Cox and J.D. isn’t flashy, but it’s all the better for it.

‘My Long Goodbye’ (season 6, episode 15)

What happens: After the cliffhanger conclusion of the previous episode (“My No Good Reason”), nurse Laverne is in a coma. The whole staff is affected and tries to say their final goodbyes. Everybody but Carla, who is convinced that Laverne will recover.

Why it’s one of the best: While some fans accused the show of running out of ideas by essentially “killing off” a long-standing character, “My Long Goodbye” is a real showcase for the often-overlooked Judy Reyes. And it’s nice to see a tear-jerking episode not centered on J.D.

‘My Last Words’ (season 8, episode 2)

What happens: Canceling plans for their annual “steak night,” J.D. and Turk instead spend a memorable evening with a dying patient. The talk turns to everything from how doctors approach a fear of death, last words, and the simple joys of an ice-cold beer.

Why it’s one of the best: A bottle episode, almost entirely set within a single hospital room, “My Last Words” proved that “Scrubs” could still deliver the good even deep into its initial run. Glynn Turman features as one of the show’s best special guest characters, George.

‘My Finale’ (season 8, episode 18-19)

What happens: J.D.’s last shift at Sacred Heart brings everyone together for a send-off, but the only goodbye that he really cares about is from his gruff mentor/father figure, Dr. Cox.

Why it’s one of the best: “Scrubs” season 8 was pretty rocky overall, but “My Finale” brought the series to a close with remarkable grace. It also brings back loads of fan-favorite characters in a smart way that prevents the two-parter from being a cheap cameo fest. It’s just a shame the satisfying end note of this finale was blunted by the ill-judged season 9.

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