10 Shows and Movies Like Scrubs (2001) You’ll Love

Description: While darker than Scrubs, Arrested Development shares its clever writing, running gags, and narration device (Scrubs has J.D.'s voiceovers, Arrested Development has Ron Howard's). Both shows reward attentive viewers with subtle jokes and callbacks.

Fact: The banana stand was inspired by a real frozen banana stand in Newport Beach. Jason Bateman was the first actor cast. The show was canceled after 3 seasons but revived by Netflix years later.

Description: While darker than Scrubs, It's Always Sunny shares its absurd humor and focus on dysfunctional friendships. Both shows feature characters who are terrible at their jobs but think they're great (the Gang vs. the Janitor).

Fact: The show was originally rejected by FX for being 'too dark'. Danny DeVito joined in season The cast writes many episodes themselves.

Description: 30 Rock shares Scrubs' rapid-fire joke delivery and meta-humor about television production (similar to Scrubs' meta-jokes about medical shows). Both shows feature eccentric characters and absurd situations grounded in workplace reality.

Fact: Tracy Morgan often forgot his lines, so the writers incorporated it into his character. The show's title refers to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where SNL is filmed. Alec Baldwin initially signed on for only six episodes but stayed for the entire series.

Description: Like Scrubs, Parks and Recreation is a workplace comedy that balances humor with heartfelt moments. Both shows feature an ensemble cast with quirky characters who grow and develop over time. The mockumentary style of Parks and Recreation is similar to Scrubs' use of fantasy sequences to explore characters' inner thoughts.

Fact: The character of Ron Swanson was inspired by a real person. Amy Poehler was pregnant during the first season, which is why her character often carries large bags. The show was initially criticized for being too similar to The Office, but it quickly found its own voice.

Description: Community, like Scrubs, is known for its creative storytelling and genre-bending episodes. Both shows use surreal elements (Scrubs' fantasies, Community's homages to different film genres) to explore character emotions. The found family theme is strong in both series.

Fact: The show's creator, Dan Harmon, was fired after season 3 but rehired for season

Description: New Girl shares Scrubs' focus on friendship and personal growth, with a similarly quirky lead character (Zooey Deschanel's Jess compares to Zach Braff's J.D.). Both shows balance silly humor with genuine emotional moments.

Fact: Zooey Deschanel was pregnant during season 3, hidden by props. The loft set was designed to look lived-in. Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield improvised much of their dialogue.

Description: Brooklyn Nine-Nine shares Scrubs' blend of comedy and drama, with a focus on workplace relationships. Both shows have a diverse cast of characters who support each other like a family. The fast-paced, joke-heavy dialogue in Brooklyn Nine-Nine is reminiscent of Scrubs' witty writing.

Fact: Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, had never done comedy before this role. The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan demand. Andy Samberg improvised many of Jake Peralta's pop culture references.

Description: Schitt's Creek shares Scrubs' heartwarming character development, as spoiled characters grow into better people (similar to J.D.'s maturation). Both shows find humor in awkward situations while maintaining emotional sincerity.

Fact: Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara are real-life friends. Dan Levy created the show with his father. The Rose family's wardrobe was carefully curated to show their evolution.

Description: Superstore is a workplace comedy like Scrubs, with diverse characters and commentary on working-class life. Both shows mix broad comedy with social commentary, and feature romantic tension between leads (Jonah/Amy vs. J.D./Elliot).

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Justin Spitzer's time working at a big-box store. America Ferrera was pregnant during season The 'customer cutaway' gags were improvised.

Description: The Good Place shares Scrubs' ability to tackle philosophical themes (ethics vs. medicine) while remaining funny. Both shows feature characters striving to be better people, with creative visual storytelling (The Good Place's afterlife vs. Scrubs' fantasies).

Fact: Ted Danson had never done a network sitcom before this. The show's philosophy consultant was a real ethics professor. The twist ending of season 1 was kept secret from most of the cast.