Judy Reyes Took ‘Scrubs’ for Granted Before Revival: ‘Didn’t Appreciate It'

Before returning to the revival, Judy Reyes opened up about how it took time for her to understand Scrubs‘ impact.

During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the ABC Summer Soirée on Friday, September 5, Reyes, 57, said it was “very exciting” to reprise the role of Carla, adding, “It’s where it all began for me. I took it for granted that all shows were like that and they just weren’t. I didn’t really appreciate it until we were done.”

Reyes has loved seeing the resurgence in interest for the medical sitcom.

“After COVID and the [SAG-AFTRA] strike, the show found new life with younger people. Med students love the show. I feel honored that people were so excited with the return,” she told Us. “And [they are excited[ that Turk and Carla are going strong. They’ve got a bunch of kids and [there’s interest in] how his relationship with J.D. continues to affect their marriage.”

Scrubs, which originally aired from 2001 to 2010, followed the lives of employees at the fictional teaching hospital Sacred Heart Hospital. In addition to Reyes, Scrubs starred Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins and John C. McGinley.

Over the years, the cast has discussed the idea of returning to their roles in a revival. It wasn’t until July that a continuation was officially confirmed, with many main cast members — including Reyes — set to return.

The revival, which will air during the 2025-26 TV season, will see “JD and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time.” According to the official logline, “medicine has changed, interns have changed, but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.”

Reyes, meanwhile, is pulling double duty as she continues to film season 2 of High Potential.

“[In season 2], I honestly think Selena is going to be the force [and] the leader of everything. She will be a confidante for Morgan and You’re going to see them get a little closer,” she teased to Us. “She’s got a nemesis in the [new] chief, so you’re going to see them and how she handles that situation. I think you’re going to see more about who she is outside of the precinct.”

The actress expressed gratitude for the roles she has been offered and how they have allowed her to evolve, adding, “I’m older so it puts me in a position of leadership. The opportunities that I’ve had throughout my career — I can actually use them now. The respect that someone like Selena warrants comes from just a life lived — not just words said. So that’s the opportunity to make all the technical speak [and] put some foundation.”

High Potential returns to ABC Tuesday, September 16, at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.