The upcoming revival of Scrubs has fans buzzing with excitement, eager to revisit the halls of Sacred Heart and catch up with their beloved doctors. Among the most anticipated returns is that of Dr. Perry Cox, the sardonic yet brilliant physician portrayed by John C. McGinley. However, a surprising detail has emerged that might make long-time viewers feel their age: Dr. Cox will be older in the revival than Dr. Bob Kelso was when Scrubs first premiered.
John C. McGinley masterfully embodied Dr. Cox throughout all nine seasons of Scrubs, establishing him as a fan-favorite and arguably the most skilled doctor within the hospital walls, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Medicine in season 8. Scrubs concluded in 2010 after season 9, a season that attempted to refresh the show’s formula but ultimately served as its finale. With a revival now confirmed, it’s estimated that at least fifteen years will have elapsed since the final episode aired. This significant time jump will undoubtedly be a crucial element in the new series, shaping the narratives and character arcs. Yet, this time passage also brings a somewhat sobering realization about the characters’ ages in the revival, particularly when considering the age of Dr. Cox in comparison to Dr. Kelso from the original show.
A custom image of various Scrubs characters with Zach Braff
Dr. Cox Surpasses Dr. Kelso in Age: A Timeline Shift in Scrubs
When Scrubs debuted in October 2001, Ken Jenkins, the actor behind the formidable Dr. Bob Kelso, was 63 years old. At the time, Dr. Kelso was perceived as an older, established figure, his seniority emphasized by his position and extensive experience at Sacred Heart. In contrast, John C. McGinley was 42 during the first season, suggesting Dr. Cox was depicted as being in a similar age bracket. However, the timeline takes an interesting turn with the revival.
Currently, McGinley is 65 years old, meaning Dr. Cox’s age in the Scrubs revival will likely mirror this. This puts Dr. Cox at an older age than Dr. Kelso was when Scrubs began, a detail that underscores the significant time jump between the original series and the revival. While showrunner Bill Lawrence has enthusiastically confirmed the Scrubs comeback, a concrete timeline remains unannounced. Even if the revival were to premiere within a year, Dr. Cox would be firmly in his mid-sixties, exceeding Dr. Kelso’s age from the show’s pilot episode. This age comparison highlights not only the passage of time for the characters but also for the audience who grew up watching Scrubs.
Ken Jenkins, now 83 years old, has not acted since 2019. While his potential involvement in the revival remains speculative, the age comparison between Dr. Cox and Dr. Kelso raises intriguing possibilities for the storyline.
Retirement on the Horizon? Dr. Cox, Dr. Kelso, and the Future of Sacred Heart
For many Scrubs fans, a perfect ending would have seen JD stepping into the role of Chief of Medicine, with Turk leading as Chief of Surgery. The series finale saw Turk achieve his Chief of Surgery ambition, but JD departed Sacred Heart, just as Dr. Cox had recently ascended to Chief of Medicine, a position he undeniably earned. However, the significant time jump in the Scrubs revival opens the door for the fan-desired ending to potentially materialize.
Considering Dr. Cox’s age in the revival, mirroring the age at which Dr. Kelso retired as Chief of Medicine in the original series, it’s plausible that Dr. Cox’s tenure as the Sacred Heart boss might be relatively short-lived in the new season. It’s difficult to envision a Scrubs revival without John C. McGinley’s iconic portrayal of Dr. Cox, but his character’s age provides a natural narrative progression. Depending on the duration of the revival, Dr. Cox could realistically consider stepping down from his demanding role, potentially paving the way for JD to finally assume the Chief of Medicine position. Even if JD is not initially working at Sacred Heart in the revival, this development could serve as a compelling reason for his return. This storyline would not only honor the characters’ journeys but also provide a poignant and satisfying evolution for Dr. Cox, echoing Dr. Kelso’s own storyline in the original series.
Teenage Transformations: Scrubs Kids Grow Up Alongside the Audience
Further emphasizing the extensive time jump, the children of JD and Turk, who were infants in the original Scrubs, will now be teenagers in the revival. It’s easy to overlook the children in Scrubs as they weren’t central to every episode. However, both JD and Turk became fathers during the series. Turk had his second child in Scrubs season 9, and Elliot was pregnant with JD’s second, although neither baby was shown on screen. Remarkably, all four of these children will be in their mid-teens or older when Scrubs season 10 potentially airs.
This detail serves as another striking reminder of the years that have passed since Scrubs was last on television. Seeing how these children have grown and the young individuals they’ve become will be a fascinating aspect of the revival. It will also be intriguing to observe JD and Turk as parents in this new chapter of their lives, exploring how their parenting styles have evolved. Dr. Cox’s children will also be of similar ages, creating potential for interesting interactions and dynamics between the younger generation, influenced by their parents’ established relationships. The Scrubs revival promises not only a nostalgic return to beloved characters but also an exploration of how time and life changes have shaped them all.
