Is 'Scrubs' calling it quits? Maybe

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — "Scrubs" is moving from NBC to ABC this fall for its final season. Maybe.

Oh, the comedy is definitely moving to ABC. But whether it's going to be the final season is still up in the air.

"I would say that it is most likely Zach Braff's final year on the show ... Not by his choice," joked creator/executive producer Bill Lawrence.

That Braff and his character, J.D., will be leaving the show seems to be about the only thing that's certain. But the show might continue. Or it might not.

"The reason we won't say either way isn't because we know one way or the other," Lawrence said.

"It's just one of those never-say-never-type situations. We found ourselves reinvigorated this year creatively. I'm really proud of the show this year. ... I think they're as good as anything we've done."

(The show has been in production since the writers' strike ended and will wrap production by September.)

ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson was the head of the ABC/Disney television studio (which produces "Scrubs"), and when Lawrence first met with him about the show more than seven years ago, "He was really supportive when I pitched it as this show possibly being like 'ER' as a comedy, with some revolving cast members and putting new blood in."

And when "Scrubs" returns — it's a midseason replacement for ABC — there will be "some younger actors" who could possibly populate the show in a ninth season, while returning regulars become more the teachers.

"We cried a little when Bill said he's bringing young people out," said Sarah Chalke (who plays Elliot).

"These guys are like, 'WE'RE the young actors,"' Lawrence said. "So I said, 'Why don't you take a gander at the opening credits and look at how young you guys all look."'

"You think he's kidding, but he really said that," Braff added.

One way or another, there will be a big farewell at the end of the upcoming season. "We're certainly going to film the last one like it's young Zach Braff's exit and make a big deal out of it," Lawrence said.

And it's something he's been preparing for for a long time.

"The advantage this show has, having been on NBC, is that we thought it was our last season every year for the past five years. So the finale of the show has been written for about 4 1/2 years," Lawrence said. "We just have to change some pop culture references."