Scrubs Revival Brings Back Judy Reyes as Carla Espinosa

After years of speculation, Scrubs is finally set to make a comeback, and one of the most beloved characters from the original run will be part of the return. Judy Reyes, who played the warm yet tough nurse Carla Espinosa across the show’s early seasons, is officially confirmed to reprise her role in a special recurring guest capacity. According to Deadline, accommodations were made around Reyes’ busy schedule – she’s currently starring in ABC’s High Potential – to ensure her inclusion in the revival.

While details remain under wraps, the news has already sparked nostalgic excitement among longtime fans.

Scrubs first aired in 2001, blending slapstick comedy, heartfelt emotion, and quirky narration in a way that quickly distinguished it from other medical sitcoms. Over nine seasons, audiences followed the journeys of JD (Zach Braff), Turk (Donald Faison), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Carla, and the endlessly sarcastic Dr. Cox, all within the chaotic walls of Sacred Heart Hospital. Although many still regard season 8’s finale as the perfect curtain call, the ninth season attempted a semi-reboot with a new cast of interns, which received mixed responses. Since then, fans have endured more than a decade without new Scrubs stories – until now.

Earlier this year, ABC reignited hope by announcing that creator Bill Lawrence, along with Zach Braff, would return to helm the new project. This was soon followed by confirmation that both Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke were on board, reuniting the show’s central trio. The official description teases that JD and Turk will once again scrub in together, navigating a medical landscape transformed by new technology and new interns, while their legendary bromance remains unchanged. Longtime viewers can also expect a mix of fresh faces and returning veterans, blending old humor with new perspectives.

Behind the scenes, Lawrence will serve as executive producer, joined by series veterans Tim Hobert and Aseem Batra as co-showrunners. Braff, Faison, and Chalke are also attached as executive producers, ensuring that the revival remains rooted in the spirit of the original while having the creative freedom to evolve. And with Reyes now confirmed, hopes are higher that other Sacred Heart favorites – including Neil Flynn’s Janitor and John C. McGinley’s unforgettable Dr. Cox – could also make appearances.

The revival doesn’t yet have a firm release date, but anticipation is building. For some fans, there’s worry that returning might tarnish what was once a near-perfect ending. Others argue that as long as the show maintains its mix of comedy, heart, and surreal cutaway gags, there’s plenty of room for Scrubs in today’s television landscape. Whether it captures that old lightning in a bottle or takes a new creative direction, one thing is clear: Sacred Heart is opening its doors once again, and Carla Espinosa will be there to greet us.