12 Must-Watch Shows Like ‘Scrubs’ You Can’t Miss

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The television series “Scrubs,” which aired from 2001 to 2010 over nine seasons, is a medical comedy-drama that focuses on a team of young doctors at Sacred Heart Hospital. Known for its quick, witty humor and frequent cutaway scenes often set in the characters’ minds, “Scrubs” also delves into serious medical drama territory. Some of the main characters include J.D., Turk, Elliot, Carla, Dr. Cox, and the eccentric janitor. If you enjoyed “Scrubs,” here are 12 other must-see shows similar to it!

1. Fleabag (2016-2019)

Type: Comedy- drama series (BBC Three & Amazon Studios Co-Production)

Title Character: Fleabag

Storyline: Fleabag, a witty but emotionally guarded woman, grapples with life, romance, and grief in bustling London. Despite her tough exterior, she’s wrestling with deep sorrow and pushes away those trying to aid her recovery. Yet, Fleabag manages to maintain her sharp humor throughout her struggle. The critically acclaimed comedian Phoebe Waller-Bridge portrays the titular character in this series, which is adapted from Waller-Bridge’s 2013 one-woman show of the same name.

Experiencing Fleabag feels remarkably similar to immersing oneself in the world of Scrubs. Both series revolve around a unique protagonist who serves as the narrator – Fleabag and J.D., respectively – both characters allow us insight into their inner thoughts, and both indulge us with fantastical sequences that reflect their perspectives. If you’re drawn to tales about a 20-something’s journey through love, relationships, and maintaining mental balance while laughing along at the witty banter and biting comments, then Fleabag is undoubtedly your next favorite after Scrubs. What makes it even more appealing is that it consists of only two seasons, each containing six episodes – perfect for a weekend binge-watching session!

2. Arrested Development (2003-2019)

Type: Sitcom (Fox production, Netflix revival)

Michael Bluth gets stuck in Orange County due to his father, George Bluth Senior’s imprisonment for white-collar offenses. His task now is to manage the family real estate business, all while catering to his self-indulgent and peculiar kin and setting a positive example for his adolescent son, George Michael.

If you’re a fan of the quirky humor found in Scrubs, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the goofy antics in Arrested Development. In this sitcom, I follow the journey of level-headed Michael Bluth as he navigates both business and his eccentric family, much like how J.D. balances work and life at Sacred Heart. Just as Scrubs provides a perfect escape for relaxation, Arrested Development offers a few delightful aspects to enjoy: Michael Cera’s expressive face, magic tricks, and the enigmatic blue man.

3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)

Type: Police procedural comedy series (Fox production, later NBC production)

The team at Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct – including charismatic detective Jake Peralta, diligent Amy Santiago, tough-minded Rosa Diaz, compassionate Charles Boyle, family-oriented Sgt. Terry Jeffords and clueless buddies Scully and Hitchcock – form a charming yet quirky group. Their task is to shape up when a new captain, the stern and composed Raymond Holt, arrives on the scene. Assisted by civilian office manager and social whiz Gina Linetti, this crew will go to any lengths to continue their mission – apprehending criminals.

Are you yearning for the charm of Scrubs, specifically the bond between J.D. and Turk, the nurturing mentor-student relationship of Dr. Cox and J.D., or the romantic tension between J.D. and Elliot? Look no further than Brooklyn Nine-Nine! Not only does it deliver on these heartwarming dynamics, but it also offers a thrilling police procedural experience with plenty of crime-solving action.

4. Malcolm in The Middle (2000-2006)

Type: Sitcom (Fox production)

The Cleavers they certainly are not. The mother is an overbearing shrieker, the father is a goofy, fluffy ball of a man, their eldest son Francis left home early, Reese is just trouble, Dewey seems lost in space, and Jamie is the one who bears the brunt of it all. Malcolm, the middle child who narrates the antics of this eccentric family, is a genius but doesn’t want to be weighed down by his intelligence.

In essence, while this sitcom may not seem similar to Scrubs upon first glance, I contend that the characters in both series share a common theme of navigating their youth and maturing over time. In the early seasons of Scrubs, the main characters were not much more mature than those portrayed in our current show. They are both characterized by hilarious humor, quick cutaway scenes, abundant pranks, and gags. Furthermore, they share a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere reminiscent of the early 2000s. To add to that, both shows boast memorable opening themes.

5. Ted Lasso (2020-)

Type: Sports comedy-drama (Apple TV+ Original)

As a passionate cinephile, I’d rephrase the synopsis as follows: “I find myself, an ardent American football aficionado, thrust into the world of British soccer management. While my soccer acumen may be lacking, I bring an unwavering spirit and resilience to the table, along with a few delightful biscuits – who knows? They might just be the secret ingredient to victory!

Every time I revisit Scrubs, I appreciate its ability to stir a range of emotions, predominantly hope and sorrow. Similarly, Ted Lasso elicits the same sentiments. It’s a series that underscores the importance of persistence and the discovery of deep friendships in unexpected places. Additionally, both shows share a significant message: it’s alright to not always be at your best.

6. Community (2009-2015)

Type: Sitcom (NBC production, Yahoo! Screen revival)

Fast-speaking attorney Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) learns that his degree has been withdrawn, compelling him to return to Greendale Community College. In an attempt to impress an attractive classmate, he pretends to create a study group for Spanish help and invites her to participate. However, she isn’t the only one who attends; other students join as well, believing in his self-proclaimed expertise as a ‘board-certified tutor’. Despite his poor grasp of the language, the group persists in meeting and ultimately discover many truths about themselves.

Just as Scrubs revolutionized comedy on television, Community likewise introduces a fresh, humorous perspective to our small screens. The show truly hit its stride during the second half of its initial season when it began satirizing other TV programs or films. This series boasts unforgettable scenes such as the most epic paintball game and the grandest pillow and blanket war ever recorded! Similarly, both Scrubs and Community feature large casts, allowing the writers to delve into character development for each main character and create intriguing pairings between them in each episode.

7. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

Type: War comedy-drama series (CBS production)

As a fervent enthusiast, I’d like to share my perspective on an intriguing narrative: “In the heat of the Korean War, a dedicated team from the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital worked tirelessly to mend the war-torn. In the face of unimaginable horrors and despair, they found solace in laughter. The 4077th’s remarkable individuals include Captains Benjamin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce and ‘Trapper John’ McIntire, Majors Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan and Frank Burns, and Corporal Walter ‘Radar’ O’Reilly.

Among TV series with a medical theme, Scrubs and M*A*S*H are unique peers, as M*A*S*H is the only one similar to Scrubs. The endearing bromances in these shows, such as J.D. and Turk, or Hawkeye and Trapper, are unforgettable, as they share camaraderie and often engage in mischief together. These series aren’t shy about exploring heavy subjects that provoke deep thought and may even bring a tear to your eye. They serve as a poignant reminder of the somber reality in the medical profession – that life and death occur daily.

8. Abbott Elementary (2021-)

A committed, enthusiastic team of teachers, along with a principal who might not have perfect pitch, find themselves in a Philadelphia public school. Regardless of the challenges they face, such as being outnumbered and underfunded, they are determined to assist their students in achieving success in life. These exceptional individuals may work within a school district that is less than supportive of educating children, but their passion for teaching remains unwavering, even if their feelings toward the district aren’t always positive.

This sitcom resembles Scrubs in many ways: It centers around an idealistic protagonist who’s often naive yet consistently rises to challenges against a formidable antagonist, only to either dazzle with ingenious solutions or experience spectacular failures. Does this ring a bell? Meet Janine, the J.D. of Abbott Elementary – she’s bound to fill your life with uplifting spirit, infectious optimism, and side-splitting humor! Given that missing it would be a genuine sin, don’t forget to tune in! Bonus: The series has just one season under its belt yet is already renewed for a second – so catch up now before the world discovers this sensation!

9. New Girl (2011-2018)

Type: Sitcom (Fox production)

Following a tough split, lively yet awkward character Jess (Zooey Deschanel) decides to live with three bachelors. Nick, a charming but unfulfilled guy, has temporarily paused his journey towards success and now works as a bartender. Schmidt is overly concerned about social status and sees Jess as someone to improve upon. Winston, a former athlete, finds himself in the loft after recognizing that he won’t make it as a pro. Along with Jess’ close friend Cece, they come together to create an unconventional and quirky living arrangement.

Similar to Scrubs, New Girl centers around a close-knit group of friends who share living quarters, leading to the development of friendships, romances, and frequent squabbles. The new addition to this crew, Jess, shares J.D.’s and Turk’s love for singing and dancing. If you’re yearning for more of that entertaining dynamic post-Scrubs binge-watching, be sure to catch up with the loft residents at 4D!

10. That 70’s Show (1998-2006)

Type: Period sitcom (Fox production)

Laughs and Growing Pains: A 70’s Sitcom

In the vibrant setting of the 1970s, with its psychedelic mood rings and bold polyester fashion, this comedy series follows a diverse gang of friends teetering on the brink of maturity. Hailing from the suburbs of Wisconsin, they long for autonomy while navigating the trials and tribulations of their impending adulthood.

In essence, the humor in Scrubs sometimes resembles the immature jokes made by characters like J.D. and Turk, which might remind you of The Wonder Years if that’s your taste. Just as Scrubs features unique and frequently occurring cut-away scenes set in Sacred Heart Hospital, The Wonder Years from Point Place has similar moments. Additionally, the dynamic between Eric and his father Red shares a similar feel to J.D. and Dr. Cox. Lastly, the upbeat rock theme song ties it all together!

11. Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

Type: Political satire mockumentary sitcom (NBC production)

Overview”: In the heart of Indiana, Leslie Knope, a dedicated yet ambitious mid-level employee at the Parks and Recreation Department, aspires to transform an unused construction site into a community park. However, her noble project faces numerous obstacles such as bureaucratic hurdles, uncooperative neighbors, and convoluted regulations. Leslie’s colleague Tom Haverford, who often uses his position for personal gain, can either aid or hinder her progress, while her supervisor, Ron Swanson, ironically a bureaucrat himself, is vehemently against government intervention.

If you’re seeking a sitcom brimming with witty humor and endearing yet flawed characters, then Parks and Recreation could be your next favorite show. It shares the same fast-paced rhythm and heartwarming scenes as Scrubs. The romance between Amy and Ben mirrors the charm of J.D. and Elliot’s relationship. Each character is well-crafted, distinctive, and undergoes growth throughout the 7 seasons. Unlike Scrubs, Parks and Recreation boasts a fantastic final season and a heartwarming finale episode.

12. The Office US (2005-2013)

Type: Mockumentary sitcom (NBC production)

The American version of this series, situated at a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, mirrors the documentary style of the original, led by Ricky Gervais. The staff at Dunder-Mifflin, with characters inspired by roles in the British show and perhaps colleagues you recognize from your own office, includes Jim, a relatable employee who can be seen as an everyman. He has feelings for Pam, who started as a receptionist but moved to sales, as office romances are often intriguing! Dwight is another character, a successful coworker, but he lacks social graces and common sense.

If you’re seeking another humorous character similar to J.D. or Turk from Scrubs, meet Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute from The Office! Michael’s witty humor and kind heart captivate every scene he’s in, while Dwight might leave you pondering his sanity throughout the entire series. This show is another groundbreaking TV program that has earned a timeless status – much like Scrubs did.

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2025-06-07 16:16