Scrubs is Coming Back for an 8th Season on ABC

Just when we thought our favorite show was gone forever, creator and executive producer Bill Lawrence announced that Scrubs is coming back for an 8^th (and possibly final) season on ABC, and is saying goodbye to a bitter NBC lineup.

Season 7 was originally scheduled to be the last season, however the writer's strike allowed for some unexpected negotiations, much to the delight of fans of the hit comedy. On the downside, Lawrence said the show now has a smaller writing staff and has taken a pay cut, however its effects won't be noticed by the viewers.

In a recent TV Guide interview, Lawrence said, "You'll never notice it because we have so many actors on the show, but every cast member is taking two episodes off...even Zach [Zach Braff plays Dr. John "J.D. Dorian]. Remember, I've done one or two episodes every year where J.D. isn't in the show except for one line, and some other character has the voiceover. It wasn't all that noticeable. It just looks like a cool creative choice."

Fans who had yet to hear the good news were understandably confused when season 7 ended with an ambitious medieval-themed fairy tale episode told by Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) called, "My Princess", directed by Zach Braff. Fans were expecting some sort of an question-answering wrap-up, but instead were presented with a funny and creative "filler episode" that could have comfortably taken place mid-season.

Instead of being able to sit back and enjoy the hilarity and creativity that rivaled the 6^th season's musical aptly titled, "My Musical", some fans felt let down and weren't able to appreciate this unique episode. Others saw it for what it was and loved it, but still wanted closure with the characters.

Ultimately, Scrubs became too expensive for NBC to deal with. Scrubs was the king of NBC's Thursday night line-up, with ratings that soared above both 30 Rock and My Name is Earl, yet NBC didn't want to have any part in the last few episodes of Scrubs, leading to the series finale.

According to Lawrence, NBC agreed to three final episodes as long as they could split the cost down the middle with ABC. ABC executives felt this was unreasonable and offered a full new season to Scrubs with one catch. According to Lawrence's TV Guide interview, ABC Studios, Mark Pedowitz, said, "...If you can make the show a little cheaper, I can probably get [Scrubs] a full season on ABC."

Lawrence didn't want to accept this offer without discussing it with the cast first. The cast and crew would have to work harder and faster (half-hour less workdays) and accept not being in three episodes. Even though last year's contract brought about hesitation from some of the actors, this new deal was readily accepted by all. As of right now, this 8^th season is scheduled to be the final season of Scrubs, however as we now know thanks to the writers' strike, anything is possible. Either way, thanks to ABC, the series will be given a proper finale, one that the cast and fans all deserve.

Sources:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Lawrence/800039701
http://www.nbc.com/Scrubs/