The Paley Center for Media continued PaleyFest LA 2026 with a special celebration of ABC’s “Scrubs” at the Dolby Theatre, bringing together the iconic cast and creative team following the series’ highly anticipated return.
The event featured red carpet arrivals, a special screening, and a conversation with stars and executive producers Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke, alongside Judy Reyes, John C. McGinley, Neil Flynn, Christa Miller, and executive producers Bill Lawrence and Aseem Batra, moderated by Vanessa Bayer.
Fans were treated to a special screening followed by a lively and heartfelt discussion, as the cast and creators reflected on the show’s lasting impact while also sharing insights into the series’ new chapter and its evolution for a new generation.
On revisiting the beloved series, executive producer Bill Lawrence emphasized the responsibility behind bringing it back, sharing, “we felt this massive obligation to the people. More than the ratings, we wanted the reactions.” He added that the revival was driven by both creative ambition and genuine connection, noting, “we all missed each other’s company so much, but there’s a tremendous amount of pressure.”
Braff spoke to the creative approach behind the new chapter, explaining, “we wanted to re-ground the show… have the same drama that the audience loves, have the comedy, but ground the show in reality.”
Reflecting on returning to his role, Faison highlighted the personal connection to his character’s evolution, sharing, “Turk has evolved as much as I’ve evolved… the fact that he has kids and is grounded by his wife is very much like my real life. It makes it so much easier going to work when you’re feeling all the emotions that you feel at home.”
Braff joked in response, “I was excited your wife let you come today.”
On why audiences feel a connection to the show, Braff said it’s “about community and friendship, which is something people are longing for,” adding that the cast “really love each other” and are close in real life. He continued, “that’s why the show resonates for people, because we’re not pretending to be friends.”
PaleyFest—the nation’s premier media, television, and entertainment festival—brings audiences together with the brightest stars and biggest names at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for exclusive screenings and cast conversations that illuminate the creative process behind your favorite shows. Festival audiences share in the magic and experience an exciting screening specially chosen for the festival, followed by a conversation with the stars and a Q&A featuring hilarious anecdotes and breaking news scoops. Your festival ticket purchase helps support the nonprofit Paley Center for Media’s public and educational programming throughout the year and ensures the ongoing preservation of the Paley Archive, where the greatest moments in media history live on.
ABOUT THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA
Founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, The Paley Center for Media is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization that owns and operates the renowned Paley Museum in New York, recognized as the city’s “Best Museum” and “Best Children’s Party Place” for two years in a row. The Paley Center sparks dialogue on the cultural, creative, and social impact of media, sports, gaming, tech, and entertainment through dynamic programming and deep industry ties. Visitors can attend premier events in New York and Los Angeles and access the renowned Paley Archive at The Paley Museum in New York and at the Beverly Hills Public Library in Beverly Hills.
Bill Lawrence, Donald Faison, Zach Braff, John C. McGinley, Sarah Chalke, Christa Miller, Aseem Batra, Judy Reyes, Vanessa Bayer, and Neil Flynn attend “Scrubs” during PaleyFest LA at the
Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 11, 2026