Bill Lawrence talks SCRUBS and other TV shows. Ask me anything.

Mr. Lawrence, Braff here. It's rumored that you hate cats, atheists, science/evolution, video games, girls who flash their boobs, and memes. Care to comment on this for the Reddit audience?

I do hate cats my friend. Does anyone have a great pet cat? Trick question, cats aren't pets. It's like saying you have a raccoon as a pet. I'm cool with atheists, evolution, I think, happened, I have a 13 year old daughter so I'm not down with the boob flashing, and are "memes" those street performers who don't talk? See you tomorrow?

Zach, I knew you'd come!

btw, can't wait to see Wish I Was Here when it comes out

Thank you. Let's see if Bill can figure out how to reply to me...

How does my magic typing machine keep delivering questions?

If Bill Lawrence doesn't like it when a girl flashes her boobs, life isn't worth living anymore

Okay.

I do not know what "DOWNVOTING" means as I am 45 years old and not that bright.

Can anyone here write ten solid minutes of stand up for me? I haven't done stand up in 20 years and am starting to panic.

What do you all think of idiots like me trying to promote their shows themselves, grass roots style: too desperate or makes you interested?

Scrubs is my all time favorite show -- thanks so much for making it.

With Scrubs, any regrets? Episodes/scenes that didn't come out as well or were never shot, guest stars that didn't work out, etc.

Also, a number of friends have mentioned Scrubs sometimes is slightly homophobic. Any thoughts on that?

Your friends are wrong?

Scrubs was the show that made me realize I wanted to write for TV. I am in college now as a sophomore at NYU for dramatic writing and I love it. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a showrunner for their own tv show? How did you get started exactly? (also I just got a reddit for you hence my name)

Nice. Come ask me Monday morning - I'm speaking at your school...

[deleted]

Because he still lies to people... And thanks, man - this meant a lot.

How crazy is Hooch?

He's honestly very crazy.

Bill, I need some closure. Is it a silverware drawer, or a pancake drawer?

Depends if you're the husband or wife.

Posting this again because the other post is buried in downvotes:

Hi Bill, I have two questions for you:

1. Is it possible, technically speaking, for all Scrubs seasons to be restored and released on HD 16:9, like it was done with a few scenes from season 1 used on the series finale?

2. Would you like it to be released in 16:9, or do you think the show looks better in 4:3?

Thanks!

Too cost prohibitive. Bummer

So here's the deal. Thanks. Giant self-esteem boost. I will do another one of these after I crater doing Stand-up. I am forever grateful that anyone watches anyone. Please know that I'm a psycho TV fan, too. Undateable (NBC, tbd) and Surviving Jack (FOX, March 27th, 8:30) are worth checking out. If you like them, thanks. If you don't, you can tell me if you want, but you don'y have to... I'm on Twitter as @VDOOZER and like talking to people (My wife and children often ostracize me). Talk again soon,

Bill

Anyone watches "anything". On tv. I messed up my sincere closer. Bye ZB, and Scott Foley, too. Go see ZB on broadway, watch Scandal... Put your obligations aside and watch too much TV.

Bill, thanks for the work. Let's play tennis.

I'm currently very, very good. That's a warning. But I'm easily winded and old.

What is love?

Baby don't hurt me.

Hi Bill why does Dr. Cox hate Hugh Jackman so much?

Also on both Scrubs and Cougar Town your wife Christa plays very I guess you can say forceful characters, is she like that in real life?

She's meaner in real life. And HUGH JACKMAN: we were just trying to think of a guy that no one hates. And he is too damn talented. He does it all...

Hello! Who is Janitor (aka Glen Matthews!) based off of, if at all? All of his sayings and stories are so out there, it is pretty hysterical.

Scrubs is fantastic by the way. The choice of cast, the writing, the balance between humor and emotion. Thanks for it.

Just wind up Neil Flynn and let him go. They should let him improv on the Middle but the show would get weird...

Who would you be if you were a Scrubs character? And also, what do you personally think about the last season? It's really great to have you here, welcome! :)

Thanks. SCRUBS season 9: I wish it wasn't called SCRUBS, and wish it was just a spin-off try. Other than that: Legacy smegacy. The whole crew (who we worked with forever) got a whole extra year of work. I didn't really work on it, but I get annoyed when people say that it ruined the 8th year "finale". That's not true unless they had a time machine and could go back and not like it.

For the show Scrubs, were real doctors involved in the script process? I loved the comedy and also serious moments the show had.

Yep, the real J.D. , my college buddy and a cardiologist here in LA, was the medical advisor and says "Goodbye" in the finale. On set, the cast called him "real"

"Real J.D."? Does he wear a hairmet?

edit: hairmet, not hatmet

I'm wearing one now.

PLUG: Surviving Jack March 27th on FOX. Chris Meloni is crazy good/funny. Promise. He also scares me a little.

I love Scrubs. It reminds me why I want to be a doctor and why I'm not a doctor. You found the perfect blend between comedy and drama. So good.
How did you guys manage to find the balance in Scrubs?
Will you be my friend and can I have your autograph?
For those of you just tunning in he has yet to give me his autograph. I never went through with the friend thing, I never do.

Autograph - sure, friend - I'm too old for new friends, but on Facebook, sure, And Scrubs worked because the medical stories were real and it was shot in a real creepy hospital.

Mr. Lawrence, big fan!

Your shows always have amazing music. Do you have special places where you find these amazing musicians or do they serenade under your window every night?

My crazy wife (and Zach and Neil Goldman on SCRUBS) picks the music for all my shows. She's much cooler than me.

What is with all the downvotes? Legitimate questions are being downvoted Bill, so please look at them. There is no hate down below.
For Bill: Downvoting is notice those two arrows next to everyones comments. The down pointing arrow when clicked on has the comment have less points. The lower points people have the lower their comment is and the less likely you'll see it. Downvotes become big because A) they get hidden by other comments or worse B) They are below a certain threshold and hidden, these would make people think they are hateful or inappropriate. Since you are the almighty Bill Lawrence people want their comments to be seen by you and downvoting others make that more likely to happen for them.

People downvoting each other so their question gets higher. It's really stupid.

CAN WE GET SOME LOVE IN THIS BITCH?

here is some love up in this beeyatch.

Is it your belief that any word said twice in rapid succession will be understood to mean that you'd like sprinkles on your ice cream?

jim-jims, dipsy-dips, yes. Hey, bud.

Hey Bill,

Question from my friend, a huge Scrubs fan.

How much of the JD/Turk bromance was an original idea for the direction of the show, and how much of it was a reaction to their friendship in real life?

Was always a bromance - I'm often accused of doing that on all my shows. It was enhanced by their Guy love.

Which scrubs scene took the longest to shoot because the cast couldn't keep themselves from laughing at it?

Zach and Neil when Neil wanted Zach to wear shorts his "wife" made.

Hey Bill! I'm such a huge fan, I know this is a broad question.. but what Scrubs episode did you have the most fun making?

Pilot, because I remember meeting everyone, and we are all (cast/crew/writers) still tight.

Oh my god oh my god oh my god, keep it cool, your career idol is here do not freak out...

Thanks so much for doing this AMA.

Where do you think Med School would have gone if it was given a proper chance?

Did Elliot and J.D. have a boy or girl? What did them name them?

What would you name Cougar Town if you could rename it?

What was your favorite running gag on Scrubs?

Who's idea was it to have Abed from Community appear in the background of a scene?

Lastly I have a post over in /r/Scrubs about the best trivia question, what is the best Scrubs trivia question you have?!

Thanks. Answered Med school. Sunshine State was the only other title for CTwe liked, but I'd never change it now. Hooch was a favorite running gag. Neil and Garret and I wanted to cross promote Community and CT. Best trivia: where did the Janitor FIRST get named Glen. (Clone High)

Mr. Lawrence, there were times when actors and actresses were reused later as different characters. Was there any specific reasoning behind this?

By the way, Scrubs is amazing and my friends have running jokes referenced on a daily basis. We've all seen the seasons dozens of times

Only happened once. And we liked her.

Hi Bill, I just want to thank you for the 99 Luftballons scene and ask you which was your weirdest and funniest "dream" you came up with?

Don't strangle your kids, fake more you know kills me.

Hey Mr. Lawrence! What was your favorite scene of Scrubs that you wrote? Also what was your favorite moment during your time working on Scrubs? Thanks!

I like the speech J.D. makes as he walks the halls in the finale because it's really about what it means to me to be a tv writer. I'm very grateful.

What things did you learned on the writing staff of Friends that helped you become a successful showrunner?

Is there a reason why you are one of the only writers of Friends that had a career after?

Gary Goldberg sent me to show running camp essentially. Thats where I learned all that stuff.

What are you having for dinner tonight?

I'm going with sushi and begging my wife for sex.

Hey Bill, let me start off by saying that me and all of my friends are huge Scrubs fans, it has affected our lives greatly. I just want to ask, since I know that Zach and Donald are such great friends, did their bromance progress as the show progressed? What was it like seeing the two become so much like the characters you created for the show? Also were any of the characters part-improv? Semi-related question- what was the best prank that was pulled on set?

I pulled the best prank on set, by putting a fake license plate on Zach's car that said "TV DOC" so he looked like a tool when he took his girlfriend out. Proud day. And thanks...

Why was the pancake in the silverware drawer?

Don't make me say it.

Hey Bill, huge fan!
1) Where did you plan on going with Clone High? Will we ever see it brought back... maybe as a comic?
2) What was the best improvised thing on Scrubs?
3) How can I convince my friends Cougar Town is actually a good show and to just ignore the title?

Clone High: Chris and Phil were the brains - check out Lego movie. We'd love to bring it back as an animated movie. All of Neil Flynn's imprv's killed me. If you like CT, thanks, and just watch - no need to convince anyone.

Bill, you say you listen to the Howard Stern Show regularly and that you discuss the show with your wife Christa Miller and friend Natalie Maines... A) How do you feel about Benjy on the show? B) Would you ever hire him to write comedy for one of your scripted shows?

Benjy would have to be like, the best writer on staff to keep his job if he is continually so...difficult, I guess is the word.

Hi, I love all of yours shows, they have been amazing and I look forward to more.

My question is, who is better to work with: Dog Travis or Human Travis?

Thanks!

Both played by same actor.

Hey Bill! Thanks for Scrubs.

Two of my favorite episodes are My Soul on Fire Parts 1&2, so I have a couple questions pertaining to those.

Where did you get the idea to film in the Bahamas?

And for your small part as Van, after working for so long behind the camera, how comfortable were you jumping in front of the camera?

One more quick one, does Donald Faison really smell like it's hot out?

That's where my folks live - that tiny island. And I was intoxicated while I was VAN. I feel I was amazing, my wife says I can't act.

Hey Bill, big fan of Scrubs! Thank you for doing this AMA! I was wondering if we were ever going to see Dr. Acula?

They filmed over it remember, and burned the script/

Dr. Acula will be my first, and only ovie project.

Hey! Glad to see you here.

My question:

What has been a project you wholeheartedly believed in, but just could not be made that you wish you had done?

Fletch. I'd drop it all to try and remake FLETCH again - was supposed to write and direct it...

Hey, Bill. I'd like to eventually get into the television writing business some day (and move to LA, it's warmer there) and I was wondering, how did you get into it? Any advice? What degree should I be going for, and from where? What should I expect going into something like television writing? Thanks.

They don't care where you went to college (except Harvard lampoon types). Your resume is your writing.

I know you probably have been told his many times, but Scrubs has been a source of comfort for many viewers. Thank you very much. I know I have spent hours watching with many different groups of people and there is never a dull moment.

I should probably ask a question here so: How has life changed for you after Scrubs?

Did it make future ventures that much easier?

How was it transitioning from an established show like Scrubs to a new project like Cougar Town?

Did it feel like you were starting from scratch?

I feel a little like it's Groundhog day. I've been running a tv show for many years, and get most of my pleasure now from helping other talented writers through the system. Then, of course, stealing the credit.

Hey Bill! Thanks for doing this! Couple questions,

1. How do you feel Scrubs ended up after season 8 compared to the visions you had for the show when you first started? How much changed along the way?

2. Any idea when TBS will announce Ground Floor renewed/cancelled? It's really a great show, it's amazing to see someone can make a multi-cam sitcom work in the current television environment.

Thanks again for everything you've done!

Ground Floor will be picked up. Very confident.

Hey Bill! First off, lemme start by saying Scrubs kept me sane through high school. Thank you! :D

So since The Lego Movie came out, I decided to check out Clone High, and I’ve kinda fallen in love with it. In a recent interview, you mentioned you’re trying to reboot Clone High with Phil Lord and Chris Miller, but MTV has the rights. How much would it cost to buy the rights back from MTV (Are you even legally allowed to say? If not, I apologize for my being forward.)?

Have you considered using Kickstarter to gather funds to buy the rights back? I’ve never used Kickstarter, myself, but I would totally contribute to a Clone High reboot.

Clone High the movie. We will make it so.... (no kickstarter, though)

Hi Bill!

First off I want to thank you for creating Scrubs because it made me smile and laugh each time I needed it. It was and still remains my favorite tv series and no matter how many times I rewatch it the series never gets old. My question is, how do you find that fine line between comedy and drama especially in episodes that explore death but also show J.D. and Turk being hilarious, like in "My Last Words" when Turk describes his and J.D.'s itinerary of their first day in heaven as taking a dip in the milkshake pool and visiting the lesbian cloud? Hopefully before Carla dies though, because you know she'll ruin heaven for everyone.

Also, I quoted Dr. Kelso from "My Boss's Free Haircut" in my high school senior yearbook. Best. decision. ever.

The line between comedy and drama is always tricky. When we erred on either side the show sucked.

Mr. Lawernce, First off I want to thank you not only for doing this AMA but for creating so many wonderful shows that helped me through many difficult parts of my life. Scrubs is and will continue to be my favorite show of all time. I only have a few questions for you:

1) How different do you think season nine of Scrubs would have turned out, if it was allowed to become a spin-off like originally intended?
2) What is the most memorable moment you have had in all of directing, writing, or acting? (first one that comes to your head)

3) Lastly, I HAVE TO KNOW, What was Dr. Greens deal with bees?For reference

Would have been all about Coupe and Mosely - they were working as characters. Franco cracked me up, too. For me, the first time Mike Fox said a line a wrote was 'shit-your-pants' crazy. He was a hero. Dr. Green was just bee-crazy, right?

OMG OMG Bill Lawrence... so many questions... I... uh... um... banana hammock!

wearing one now.

Hey, sorry for the long post because this is going to be a long post. I'm 22 and I discovered Scrubs when my mom casually mentioned that in one episode they were having a ketchup fight in the cafeteria, "you know how that show is." I didn't, but I sure as hell wanted to find out. From there, I couldn't put it down. I loved how crazy it could get and at the same time, how wrenchingly emotional. I became addicted to checking entertainment news sites during the writers strike just so I could see when it would come back, and if it would get the finale it deserved. Then, I started going to a half-day film class near the end of high school and I can honestly say that it's a combination of that and Scrubs that I am currently a film major who spends all his free time making web series. If it hadn't been for those things, I would probably be a creative writing major, and miserable. But picking up a camera coupled with my desire to make something even a little as great as Scrubs has kept me motivated and helped me be the person I am today. What got to me was the quick cutting dialogue, the absurd surrealism, and above all, the characters. I've gone from aping Scrubs hallmarks like the voiceover and cutaway (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mayn9eq7EtY, and actually the title screen shot is an homage to JD walking into Sacred Heart for the first time) to a series about a 21 year old dropout and his imaginary friend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzY6bCAKz4k) but everything I do is in the name of "how would Scrubs do it?" So I guess I don't really have a question, I just wanted you to know that your show has shaped my life in the most positive of ways. You do amazing work

Thanks man. Keep going. Modern tv landscape - anyone can make it. Truly.

As you have more and more projects on the air and therefore more oversight responsibility, from a creative standpoint do you miss just having to run/write on one show or do you more enjoy being responsible for multiple projects?

Also Scrubs is severely underrated in the pantheon of great comedies. And I'd really like to work for you someday, thanks?

I sometimes wish I could go back to just writing jokes... was super-fun