My Finale
"My Finale" is a two-part television episode that serves as the eighth-season finale of the American medical comedy-drama series Scrubs, originally broadcast on ABC on May 6, 2009, as a 40-minute special comprising the 168th and 169th episodes overall.[1][2][3] Written by series creator Bill Lawrence and directed by Bill Lawrence, it was initially conceived and produced as the series' definitive conclusion, providing emotional closure to the long-running narrative arcs of its central characters at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital.[1] The episode focuses on protagonist Dr. John "J.D." Dorian (played by Zach Braff), whose final day at the hospital unfolds with a mix of heartfelt reflections, comedic mishaps, and farewells to colleagues, as he accepts a new position at another facility to remain closer to his young son, Sammy.[1][3] Key plot developments include J.D. and Dr. Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke) officially moving in together, reaffirming their romantic partnership; Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) acknowledging J.D.'s growth as a physician in a rare moment of vulnerability; and longstanding friendships, such as that between J.D. and Dr. Christopher Turk (Donald Faison), enduring despite physical separation.[1] The story also resolves subplots involving nurse Carla Espinosa (Judy Reyes) continuing as head nurse in her marriage to Turk, the return of Dr. Bob Kelso (Ken Jenkins) to part-time medical practice, and the janitor (Neil Flynn) revealing his real name as Glenn Matthews.[1] Notably, the episode culminates in an extended fantasy sequence envisioned by J.D., depicting an idealized future for the ensemble cast—including his marriage to Elliot, the birth of their child, and long-term connections among the group, such as his son Sam eventually marrying Turk and Carla's daughter Isabella—set to a cover of "The Book of Love" by Peter Gabriel.[1] Critically acclaimed for its poignant blend of humor and pathos, "My Finale" holds an average IMDb user rating of 9.1 for Part 1 and 9.7 for Part 2, reflecting its status as a fan-favorite sendoff that captures the show's signature style of whimsical daydreams and character-driven storytelling.[2][3] Although the series was renewed for a ninth season on ABC and later continued on ABC Family (now Freeform) for an additional season, this installment remains the emotional capstone for the original Scrubs storyline. In July 2025, ABC announced a revival as season 10, set to premiere on February 25, 2026, featuring returning cast members including Braff, Faison, Chalke, and McGinley.[1][4]Episode Overview
Synopsis
"My Finale" is the seventeenth and eighteenth episodes (the season finale) of the eighth season of the American medical sitcom Scrubs, serving as the 168th and 169th episodes overall.[2] The episode centers on Dr. John "J.D." Dorian's last day at Sacred Heart Hospital, where he navigates the emotional transitions and farewells marking the end of his long tenure at the institution.[1] Originally airing as a double-episode format that combines two half-hour installments into a single 40-minute runtime, it premiered on May 6, 2009.[5] Scrubs follows the professional and personal lives of doctors at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital, with J.D. as the central protagonist whose daydreams and reflections often drive the narrative.[1] "My Finale" was conceived and produced as the definitive series finale, providing closure to the show's original run before the unexpected renewal for a ninth season the following year.[1] This setup allows the episode to emphasize themes of change and legacy within the hospital environment, without resolving into overt conclusions for the broader series.Broadcast Details
"My Finale" originally aired on ABC as a one-hour special on May 6, 2009, serving as the season eight finale and combining episodes 168 and 169 of the series. The episode attracted approximately 5.1 million viewers and ranked third in its timeslot among adults 18-49.[6] Season eight consisted of 18 episodes, marking the show's transition to ABC following the production disruptions of season seven caused by the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike.[7] In terms of ratings performance, "My Finale" delivered viewership comparable to the prior season's finale, "My Princess," which drew 5.26 million viewers, reflecting the series' steady but modestly declining audience in its later years on broadcast television. Since its debut, the episode has seen subsequent airings in syndication on cable networks such as Comedy Central and availability on streaming platforms including Hulu, particularly following the show's ninth-season revival in 2009–10. As of November 2025, the series is available for streaming on platforms including Hulu, Disney+, and Peacock. A reboot of the series is scheduled to premiere on ABC in early 2026.[8][9][10]Production
Development
"My Finale" was written and directed by series creator Bill Lawrence, marking his return to both roles for the episode after previously helming key installments in earlier seasons.[11] Conceived during the production of Season 8 as the definitive series finale, the episode was developed amid significant network uncertainties, including the show's shift from NBC to ABC following seven seasons on the former network, where inconsistent scheduling had hampered its visibility.[12] This transition to ABC, which owned the series, provided Lawrence with the opportunity to craft a conclusive narrative arc, intended to serve as an insurance policy against potential cancellation.[12] A notable aspect of the writing process involved incorporating unused dialogue from the pilot of Lawrence's earlier series Spin City, specifically repurposing lines for the episode's ibuprofen scene to add a layer of personal history to the script.[13] This creative choice reflected Lawrence's tendency to draw from his past projects, blending elements from his Spin City era into Scrubs' farewell. To emphasize closure for the show's extensive ensemble history, Lawrence decided to feature over 50 past and recurring characters in cameo appearances, reuniting actors from across the series' run to honor its legacy of interconnected storylines and relationships. This ambitious gathering underscored the episode's role as a comprehensive send-off, highlighting the hospital's community dynamic that defined Scrubs.[11] Following the episode's airing, Lawrence revealed via social media on April 6, 2011, that the Janitor's name, Glenn Matthews—briefly mentioned in the episode—was indeed truthful, confirming a long-running gag for fans.[14]Filming and Casting Challenges
The production of "My Finale" faced several logistical hurdles during filming, which took place in September 2008 at the show's longstanding Los Angeles studios, including the North Hollywood Medical Center that doubled as Sacred Heart Hospital.[15][16] This abandoned facility in the San Fernando Valley had served as the primary set for the series' first eight seasons, adding a layer of nostalgia to the finale's shoot.[15] Casting presented notable challenges, particularly with reuniting past guest stars. Heather Graham, who portrayed Dr. Molly Clock, was invited to reprise her role but declined for personal reasons.[17] Similarly, NBC withheld permission for Masi Oka (Franklin) and Sarah Lancaster (Gift Shop Girl) to appear, citing contractual obligations to their ongoing NBC series Heroes and Chuck, respectively, despite Scrubs having aired on NBC for its prior seasons.[18][17] To achieve a comprehensive ensemble reunion, the production team successfully coordinated the return of over 50 actors from previous episodes, including patients, staff, and supporting characters, which required meticulous scheduling on a crowded set.[17] This ambitious gathering underscored the episode's intent as a series send-off, though it complicated logistics given the limited filming window. Technically, the episode's extended 40-minute runtime originated from two planned installments that were seamlessly edited into a single broadcast special to fit ABC's schedule and enhance narrative flow.[19] Series creator Bill Lawrence handled both writing and directing duties, ensuring cohesive integration of the large cast and fantasy sequences.[20]Plot
Main Events
The episode opens with J.D. arriving at Sacred Heart Hospital for his final day as a staff physician, having accepted a position at another facility to be closer to his young son, Sam. He anticipates an emotional sendoff filled with heartfelt moments from his colleagues, but the day begins ordinarily, with no immediate fanfare or celebrations.[1] Early in the shift, Turk surprises J.D. with an elaborate "Goodbye J.D." banner and an overly enthusiastic embrace, declaring it a premature but necessary farewell to their close friendship. This leads to awkward repeated hugs throughout the morning, as Turk struggles to balance his emotions with the ongoing workday. Meanwhile, Dr. Cox deliberately avoids engaging with J.D., brushing off any attempts at conversation and focusing instead on his duties, underscoring his reluctance to acknowledge the departure.[21] A pivotal interaction occurs when the Janitor corners J.D. in a storage room, using a staged reenactment with Nurse Denise to extract a long-withheld confession. J.D. finally admits that on his first day at the hospital years earlier, a penny accidentally fell from his pocket into the automatic door's track, jamming it and sparking their enduring antagonism; he had denied responsibility at the time, perpetuating the Janitor's grudge. This revelation, prompted by the Janitor's persistence, brings a moment of closure to their quirky rivalry, with the Janitor revealing his real name as Glenn Matthews—though J.D. had simply never asked before.[21] Throughout the day, several hospital crises unfold and resolve, highlighting the routine intensity of medical work. J.D. assists with a young patient suspected of having non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, coordinating tests that ultimately confirm a treatable condition. In another case, he counsels the adult son of an elderly woman diagnosed with Huntington's disease, who grapples with the 50-50 chance of inheriting the gene; the son opts against genetic testing, finding peace in living without the knowledge, which inspires J.D. amid his own transitions. Dr. Kelso, initially announcing his full retirement from administration, reverses course and returns to practicing medicine part-time, sharing a brief handshake with J.D. as a gesture of mutual respect.[21] As the shift nears its end, J.D. indulges in a climactic fantasy sequence envisioning his ideal "perfect day" farewell, which begins with a simple group hug from his core colleagues but escalates into absurd chaos. The daydream spirals with an ever-growing line of hospital staff and past figures—such as the bearded Dr. Beardface and even Snoop Dogg as an attending physician—joining in an increasingly ridiculous conga line and embrace, turning the hospital hallway into a surreal parade of well-wishers that disrupts normal operations. This sequence, a hallmark of J.D.'s recurring imaginative motifs from prior episodes, underscores the whimsical tone before he returns to reality.[22]Character Arcs and Resolutions
In the series finale "My Finale," J.D. (John Dorian) completes his transformation from a wide-eyed intern to a seasoned attending physician, a journey that spans the show's run but finds poignant closure as he departs Sacred Heart Hospital for a new position at another facility, allowing him to be closer to his son, Sam.[1] This move symbolizes his maturation, shifting from dependency on the hospital's chaotic environment to independent leadership in medicine, underscored by flashbacks contrasting his early naivety with his current competence.[23] Dr. Perry Cox's arc reaches a pivotal resolution through his reluctant acknowledgment of J.D. as an exemplary doctor and mentee, delivering a rare, sincere speech praising J.D.'s influence on the hospital and his own growth—admitting that J.D. has humanized him over the years.[11] This moment marks the culmination of their mentor-protégé dynamic, evolving from Cox's initial antagonism and tough-love guidance to begrudging respect, with Cox now serving as Chief of Medicine at Sacred Heart.[1] The relationship between J.D. and Elliot Reid achieves stability and forward momentum, as they decide to move in together, representing a mature commitment after years of on-again, off-again romance marked by mutual growth in confidence and partnership.[23] J.D.'s closing fantasy sequence hints at their future engagement, marriage, and family life, including a second child and their son Sam marrying Turk and Carla's daughter, Isabella—envisioning a lasting union built on shared professional and personal evolution.[1] Among the ensemble, Turk (Christopher Turk) reinforces his unbreakable bromance with J.D. through emotional farewells, including signature hugs and their ritualistic "EEEEEAGLE!" chant, affirming that their friendship endures beyond physical separation as Turk remains at Sacred Heart with his wife, Carla, and family.[11] The Janitor's arc ties into resolution via a humorous yet revealing confrontation with J.D., where he discloses his real name as Glenn Matthews—though its authenticity is playfully questioned—easing their longstanding prank-filled rivalry into a tentative understanding before J.D.'s exit.[23]Cast and Characters
Principal Cast
The principal cast of "My Finale," the two-part eighth-season finale of Scrubs, consists of the series' core ensemble members, who reprise their longstanding roles as the primary staff and personnel at Sacred Heart Hospital.[24] This episode marks the culmination of their characters' arcs for the original run, with all key regulars appearing to provide closure to the narrative.[1]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Zach Braff | Dr. John "J.D." Dorian (lead) |
| Donald Faison | Dr. Christopher Turk |
| John C. McGinley | Dr. Perry Cox |
| Sarah Chalke | Dr. Elliot Reid |
| Judy Reyes | Nurse Carla Espinosa |
| Neil Flynn | Glenn Matthews (the Janitor) |
| Ken Jenkins | Dr. Bob Kelso |
| Christa Miller | Jordan Sullivan |