Celebrity Extra: Zach Braff
By Dana Jackson
Q: When is "Scrubs" returning, and will it be on NBC or just on a streaming platform? Who all is coming back? -- S.J.
A: The hilarious hospital sitcom "Scrubs" aired for eight seasons on NBC, but it was ABC that brought it back for a ninth with a new group of interns, calling it "Scrubs: Med School." Zach Braff still starred in this season, but it just wasn't the same without the entire original cast. Fortunately, ABC is granting the show a new life yet again with a "Scrubs" reboot including most of the OGs -- Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke.
Zach Braff ("Scrubs"). Photo Credit: Depositphotos
It's been 15 years since the series ended. "Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence told TVLine his hope would be that "we establish where everybody from [the original show] is, whether they're still with us at the hospital or not." This includes the janitor played by Neil Flynn and the chief of medicine Dr. Bob Kelso, played by Ken Jenkins. Lawrence further stated, "I hope Ken [now 85] is able to come play with us a little bit. He's a little older, but we love him so much."
Other cast members who have been confirmed to be joining the original trio include Judy Reyes as Carla. She's busy on the hit show "High Potential," but she'll be a recurring character on the "Scrubs" reboot. John C. McGinley has also signed on to recur as Dr. Cox. The show wouldn't be the same without these two, but what about the fabulous dude surgeon Dr. Todd? Fortunately, Robert Maschio has also committed to return in a guest-starring capacity.
An exact premiere date hasn't been set, but the reboot started filming this October and plans to launch on ABC sometime in 2026.
***
Q: Who is the new cast member on "Saturday Night Live" with the red hair? I know I've seen him before. -- K.D.
A: That's actor and stand-up comedian Ben Marshall. He's actually been part of the "SNL" writing staff and appeared in digital shorts for the show as part of the comedy troupe Please Don't Destroy. You might have also recognized him from some TV commercials, as well as the Peacock film "Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain." Additionally, he was a guest star on a recent episode of Peacock's "Poker Face," starring Natasha Lyonne.
***
Q: Has the "Today" show found a replacement for Hoda Kotb yet? I enjoy the guest hosts, but I'm just curious if Jenna Bush Hager will find a permanent co-host. -- W.B.
A: When Hoda Kotb left the fourth hour of "Today" earlier this year, the show rebranded itself as "Jenna & Friends" with a rotating group of celebrity co-hosts. Jenna Bush Hager told Us Weekly that she's really enjoyed the format and not knowing "what's going to happen tomorrow."
Fans have speculated that former NBA star Dwayne Wade could become permanent since it was announced that he would be returning in the fall. Other repeat hosts include E! News' Justin Sylvester, who returned this October.
For now, just enjoy the variety of contenders, and when the right fit is found, Hager will be sure to let us know.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.