The iconic medical comedy Scrubs is officially returning to primetime. ABC has given a straight-to-series order for a reboot of the beloved show, with creator Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Shrinking) at the helm and multiple original cast members confirmed to return. But this isn’t just a nostalgic reunion—this reboot aims to reimagine Scrubs for a new generation while honoring the heart and humor that made it a cult classic.
Development: From Rumor to Reality
After years of reunion talk and fan speculation, ABC and 20th Television began quietly developing a Scrubs reboot in late 2024, with Lawrence attached as executive producer. In February 2025, Lawrence confirmed that a writers’ room was being assembled, blending returning talent from the original run with new writers to inject a modern perspective.
“We’re not trying to do the exact same show again,” Lawrence said in an interview with Collider. “But we do want to carry over that tone—equal parts funny and gut-punching—and bring that into a more modern setting, with a new generation of interns alongside familiar faces.”
Confirmed Cast & Characters
The reboot received its series greenlight from ABC on July 10, 2025, and casting announcements quickly followed.
- Zach Braff (J.D.) was the first to confirm his return, calling the revival “a full-circle moment” for the character and show.
- Donald Faison (Turk) and Sarah Chalke (Elliott) soon signed on as well—both returning to their original roles and joining as executive producers.
While John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox), Judy Reyes (Carla), and Neil Flynn (The Janitor) haven’t yet been confirmed, Lawrence hinted in press interviews that more announcements are forthcoming and “many familiar faces” are expected to drop by Sacred Heart once again.
Tone, Theme, and Story Direction
ABC has released the following official logline:
“J.D. and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time—medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart, and some surprises along the way.”
Lawrence described the new version as both a continuation and a soft reboot—meant to appeal to longtime fans while being accessible to newcomers.
Expect the show to grapple with topics like:
- Telehealth and the digitization of hospitals
- Generational workplace shifts between older doctors and Gen Z interns
- Mental health, burnout, and the legacy of pandemic-era healthcare
- The evolution of J.D. and Turk’s friendship in middle age
“It’s not just about what’s funny anymore,” said Lawrence. “It’s about what’s true.”
Production Timeline
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Writing | Writers’ room launched in Feb 2025 |
| Production | No start date announced as of July 2025 |
| Premiere | Expected during the 2025–26 network TV season |
Given ABC’s commitment to the reboot and its placement in the network’s flagship comedy lineup, it’s likely to premiere in early or mid-2026—possibly in the fall.
Why This Reboot Matters
- Scrubs ended in 2010, but the show has seen a massive resurgence among younger viewers thanks to streaming platforms, TikTok edits, and podcast nostalgia. In fact, Braff and Faison’s podcast “Fake Doctors, Real Friends” helped renew interest in the series, and the duo’s chemistry remains a major selling point for the reboot.
- Critics have long called Scrubs one of the most emotionally resonant sitcoms ever produced, capable of turning on a dime from absurdist humor to sincere pathos—a balance few shows have pulled off since. ABC appears to be leaning into that legacy, rather than rebooting it purely for laughs.
What to Expect
This isn’t just fan service. This is a show with something to say about how we’ve changed—and how we’ve stayed the same.
With a mix of new and returning characters, expect storylines that:
- Explore mentorship from the mentors’ point of view
- Examine the challenges of modern healthcare
- Reflect shifting gender, race, and generational dynamics in the workplace
- Deliver emotional gut-punches in classic Scrubs fashion
Key Takeaways
- ✅ ABC has officially ordered the Scrubs reboot to series (July 2025)
- 👨⚕️ Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke will all return
- ✍️ Bill Lawrence is showrunning, with a mix of old and new writers
- 📅 Show expected to debut during the 2025–26 season
- 🧬 The reboot will balance nostalgia with timely, relevant storytelling
In short: Scrubs is scrubbing back in—and this time, it’s got something new to say.
Best Live TV Streaming Services
Cutting the cord and switching to a live TV streaming service has become a popular choice for entertainment seekers looking to reduce monthly bills. With several options available in 2025, finding the right service depends on your viewing habits and budget. YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV currently lead the market as the best live TV streaming services, offering various channel lineups and features at different price points.
These streaming alternatives provide the familiar cable TV experience without the long-term contracts or equipment rental fees. Each service offers unique advantages – YouTube TV is praised for its user-friendly interface and robust channel selection, while Sling TV attracts budget-conscious viewers with its flexible packages. Hulu + Live TV adds value by including its on-demand library with the live TV offering.
Internet-based TV streaming has revolutionized how we consume content, allowing viewers to watch their favorite shows and sports across multiple devices. Most services now include cloud DVR capabilities and the ability to create multiple user profiles, making them true replacements for traditional cable subscriptions.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV rank as the top streaming services for cord-cutters in 2025 based on channel selection and user experience.
- Live TV streaming services eliminate equipment rental fees and long-term contracts while offering multi-device viewing capabilities.
- Monthly costs typically range from $35-$75 depending on the service and package selected, with most offering free trial periods for new subscribers.
Evaluating Top Live TV Streaming Services
When choosing a live TV streaming service in 2025, several factors can make or break your viewing experience. The best services offer a balance of content variety, channel availability, and technical features that enhance your viewing pleasure.
Content Variety and Exclusive Programming
Today’s top streaming services differentiate themselves through their content libraries and exclusive shows. Hulu + Live TV stands out by combining live channels with Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, giving subscribers access to acclaimed originals like “The Bear.”
YouTube TV has strengthened its position by adding more exclusive content while maintaining its robust channel lineup. Many viewers choose their service based on specific shows they can’t miss.
Disney+ and HBO Max continue to leverage their powerful studio connections to create must-watch content, though they focus more on on-demand viewing than live TV options.
For sports fans, services like FuboTV and Sling TV offer specialized packages with comprehensive sports coverage that traditional cable can’t match at the same price point.
Availability of Channels and On-Demand Library
Channel lineup remains a crucial factor for most subscribers. YouTube TV offers more than 100 channels including local stations, news, and entertainment networks. Their unlimited DVR feature adds tremendous value.
Sling TV takes a different approach with its affordable base packages (Orange and Blue) that can be customized with add-on bundles. This flexibility makes it a budget-friendly option for viewers who don’t need every channel.
Local channels availability varies significantly by service and location. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV generally provide the best coverage of local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates.
FuboTV excels in sports programming with extensive coverage of international leagues and specialty channels not found elsewhere.
Comparing Streaming Quality and Features
Stream quality varies across services, with most now offering 1080p resolution for live content. YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream provide limited 4K content, though often at premium pricing tiers.
Technical features can enhance the viewing experience considerably. The best services offer:
- Unlimited DVR storage (standard on YouTube TV)
- Multiple simultaneous streams (up to 3 on most services)
- User profiles for personalized recommendations
- Robust parental controls
- Compatibility with many streaming devices
Interface design also matters significantly. YouTube TV and Hulu have intuitive layouts, while services like DirecTV Stream more closely resemble traditional cable navigation.
Most services now work across all major streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and smart TVs with built-in support.
Cost and User Experience
Live TV streaming services vary widely in price and user experience, making the choice between them critical for cord-cutters looking to balance budget with features. The right service needs to be affordable, easy to use, and accessible across your devices.
Subscription Prices and Free Trials
Most premium live TV streaming services now cost between $50-$80 per month, significantly higher than just a few years ago. Sling TV remains one of the more affordable options, with packages starting around $40 (with occasional $20-$25 first-month promotions). YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV sit at the higher end, typically around $73-$77 monthly, but include more channels and features.
Budget-conscious viewers should consider Philo, which offers entertainment channels for about $25 monthly but lacks sports programming.
Most services offer free trials ranging from 3-7 days, giving cord-cutters a chance to test interfaces and channel performance before committing. Some services also provide discounts when bundled with other subscriptions, like Disney+ or ESPN+ with Hulu.
Device Compatibility and Ease of Use
The best streaming services work across multiple platforms including:
- Smart TVs: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV
- Mobile devices: iOS and Android phones/tablets
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
- Web browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox
YouTube TV is widely praised for its intuitive interface and smooth performance across devices. Its unlimited DVR storage is particularly user-friendly, automatically recording shows without complicated setup.
Hulu + Live TV offers good cross-platform compatibility but some users find its interface less intuitive with content sometimes buried in menus. Sling’s interface is straightforward but can feel dated compared to newer services.
Access and Restrictions
Most streaming services limit simultaneous streams to 2-3 devices per account. YouTube TV allows three concurrent streams, while Hulu + Live TV offers two by default, with an option to upgrade for more.
Geographic restrictions remain a challenge for some viewers. Most services require a US IP address, making access difficult when traveling internationally. Some enforce “home network” policies, limiting mobile viewing outside your primary residence.
Internet requirements vary, but most services recommend at least 10-15 Mbps for HD streaming, with 4K content requiring 25 Mbps or higher. This can be problematic for rural subscribers with limited internet service options.
Some services also block access when using VPNs, complicating viewing for privacy-conscious subscribers or those attempting to bypass regional restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Streaming services have transformed how we watch TV, with several companies offering alternatives to traditional cable. These services vary in price, channel selection, and features to fit different viewing preferences.
What are the top live TV streaming services currently available?
The leading live TV streaming services in 2025 include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream. Each offers different channel lineups and features.
YouTube TV provides a robust selection of channels and unlimited DVR storage. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance.
Hulu + Live TV stands out by including its on-demand library with the live TV package. This gives subscribers access to both live programming and a vast catalog of shows and movies.
Sling TV offers more flexibility with its Orange and Blue packages that can be purchased separately or combined. This makes it a good choice for viewers who only want specific channel groups.
Which live TV streaming service offers the most comprehensive local channel lineup?
YouTube TV typically provides the most comprehensive local channel coverage, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in most markets. Their local channel availability extends to many mid-sized and smaller markets.
Hulu + Live TV also offers strong local channel coverage in many areas, though it may have gaps in some smaller markets.
Fubo has improved its local channel lineup significantly, now including all major network affiliates in most locations. This makes it particularly attractive for sports fans who want local games.
DirecTV Stream also provides excellent local coverage, building on its satellite TV heritage. Their service includes regional sports networks that are often missing from other platforms.
How do Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV compare in terms of features and cost?
Hulu + Live TV costs about $76.99/month and includes the Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+ in its bundle. It offers about 85+ live channels and includes a cloud DVR with 50 hours of storage (upgradable).
YouTube TV is priced at $72.99/month for 100+ channels. It includes unlimited DVR storage and allows for up to six user profiles, making it ideal for families.
Sling TV is significantly cheaper, starting at $40/month for either the Orange or Blue package, or $55/month for both. However, it offers fewer channels (30-45 depending on the package) and more limited DVR capacity.
What are the most cost-effective options for streaming live TV?
Sling TV remains the most budget-friendly option among major live TV services in 2025. Its Orange and Blue packages at $40 each offer a way to get essential channels without paying for ones you don’t watch.
Philo is another affordable option at around $25/month, though it lacks sports and local channels. It focuses on entertainment and lifestyle programming.
Frndly TV offers the lowest entry point at about $7.99/month for basic service. It provides family-friendly channels and has expanded its lineup while keeping prices low.
For free options, services like Pluto TV and Tubi offer live streaming channels supported by ads. These don’t replace cable but provide free access to news and entertainment.
What devices are recommended for the best live TV streaming experience?
Roku devices remain popular choices due to their simplicity, affordability, and support for virtually all streaming services. The Roku Ultra offers the best performance in their lineup.
Apple TV 4K provides a premium experience with fast performance and excellent picture quality. Its interface is intuitive, though the device is more expensive than competitors.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Google Chromecast with Google TV offer good balance between price and performance. Both support 4K streaming and have voice-control capabilities.
Smart TVs with built-in streaming capabilities from Samsung, LG, and Sony have improved significantly. Many now offer smooth interfaces comparable to dedicated streaming devices.
Are there any live TV streaming services that offer free access to premium channels?
Hulu + Live TV includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no additional cost, adding significant value beyond just live TV channels. This bundle saves subscribers money compared to purchasing separately.
YouTube TV occasionally runs promotions offering free trials to premium add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz. These typically last 1-3 months before requiring payment.
Sling TV frequently offers promotional pricing on premium channel add-ons like Showtime or Starz. While not free permanently, these promotions can provide several months of discounted access.
Many streaming services also offer free trials of premium channels, typically lasting 7-30 days. This allows viewers to sample content before committing to a subscription.
