Scrubs lives on

Another reprieve for medical comedy

American medical sitcom Scrubs has won yet another last-minute reprieve.

The show was fully expected to end after the end of the eight series, which finished with an episode called My Finale. Star Zach Braff had announced his departure, and the real name of the Janitor was finally revealed.

But despite the neat ending and ailing ratings, ABC is to renew the comedy for another series at the end of the year.

It is another stay of execution for the cult favourite , which airs on Comedy Central in the UK. Braff and creator Bill Lawrence previously said the seventh season would definitely be the last – but in the event the programme switched networks from NBC to ABC.

Braff will return for six episodes of the ninth series ‘to transition the show to what it will become’, it was reported this weekend.

Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter says ABC will also renew its crime comedy Castle and office sitcom Better Off Ted for the 2009-10 schedule.

It has given the green light to three new comedies: Cougar Town, starring Courteney Cox, Hank, starring Kelsey Grammer, and The Middle starring Patricia Heaton.

Published: 17 May 2009

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