John Higgins, an SNL alum and member of the Please Don't Destroy comedy troupe, has landed a major recurring role in season two of ABC's "Scrubs" revival. Higgins will play Grant, the new Chief Resident positioned as an antagonist to J.D., the show's central character originally played by Zach Braff.
The casting marks another addition to the revival that launched in 2024, which brought back the beloved medical comedy after a decade away from television. Higgins brings proven comedic chops from his time at SNL and his work with Please Don't Destroy, the sketch group that has become a pipeline of talent for the network.
Grant's role as Chief Resident introduces fresh conflict dynamics to the teaching hospital setting. The character's opposition to J.D. suggests the writers are mining familiar workplace tension that defined the original series, where hierarchical relationships often drove both comedy and emotional beats. Higgins' presence on the revival expands a cast that already includes returning original cast members navigating their roles in a contemporary setting.
The "Scrubs" revival faced early expectations following its ABC pickup. The network bet on nostalgia for the show's blend of medical procedural elements with character-driven humor and surprisingly genuine emotional moments. Bringing in newer comedy talent like Higgins balances the returning cast while introducing fresh energy to the revival's second season.
Please Don't Destroy emerged as one of SNL's most consistent sketch groups in recent years, known for their deadpan absurdist humor and recurring characters. Higgins' transition to a recurring television role demonstrates the group's ability to supply talent beyond sketch comedy into scripted drama and sitcom formats. His addition to "Scrubs" season two signals the revival's commitment to developing meaningful supporting characters rather than relying solely on legacy casting.