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Scrubs movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Scrubs filmed?

2001

City Locations

Los Angeles (USA)

Location Types

Film Studio, Hospitals/Medical, House, Clubs/Bars, Retail, Restaurant

Location Styles

Beachfront, Bus, Federal Building, Modern Building, Modern Car, Parking Lot

About Scrubs

Scrubs is a beloved American sitcom that aired from 2001 to 2010 and followed the lives of employees at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital. The main characters were medical interns, played by Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke. It was Bill Lawrence's first big hit as showrunner, with its unique blend of surreal comedy, heartfelt drama, and zany visual gags. Throughout nine seasons, viewers followed the ups and downs of J.D., Turk, Carla, Elliot, and Dr. Cox's adventures at Sacred Heart. In its ninth season (subtitled Med School), the setting moved to a medical school and new characters were introduced.

Uniquely for a sitcom, Scrubs also featured musical dream sequences in every episode composed by Lazlo Bane. These scenes featured J.D.'s daydreams or fantasies, adding an extra layer of levity to many dramatic moments in the show.

Premiering on NBC on October 2, 2001, Scrubs was produced by Walt Disney Television's television production division and earned a Peabody Award in 2006. After the seventh season, NBC declared that the show would not be renewed, but ABC stepped up to announce that it had picked up the eighth season, which debuted on January 6, 2009. The ninth season aired on December 1, 2009, but unfortunately, on May 14, 2010, ABC officially announced the cancellation of the series.

Scrubs enjoyed considerable critical acclaim during its initial airing, with many reviewers lauding the show's cast, characters, and humor, particularly J.D.'s imaginative daydream sequences. Entertainment Weekly's website EW.com graded the entire series an A- (evaluated after the fifth season premiere), describing the show as an enjoyable and vibrant comedy that would have been a chaotic disaster if not executed with such skillful precision.

Overall, Scrubs is a highly entertaining show that tackles real-life issues through humor whilst providing plenty of laughs over nine seasons, making it a favorite among viewers.

Scrubs Locations

Scrubs was primarily shot in California, depicting the Sacred Heart Hospital located in Greater Sacramento. Filming for this show took place at the North Hollywood Medical Center, a decommissioned hospital located at 12629 Riverside Drive in North Hollywood. This area of Los Angeles is known for its diversity, with unique neighborhoods and a vibrant culture that provides an interesting backdrop to the show's characters and storylines.

The surrounding region is filled with beautiful sights like Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Park, Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Zoo, and more. In addition to these destinations, viewers get an inside look into popular locations around town such as The Derby restaurant and Club Medusa.

A trip to the locations used for Scrubs would definitely be worthwhile for fans of the show who want to explore what inspired some of their favorite moments on-screen. While some scenes were filmed on set at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot in Hollywood, many were filmed on location throughout California, giving visitors insight into what real life might have been like in those areas when the show first aired. Touring these filming sites will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved TV series while also exploring some of Southern California's most iconic landmarks and attractions along the way.

JD's first day at the hospital scene in Scrubs

Women's and Children's Hospital, 1240 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA

On his first day of medical internship at Sacred Heart Hospital, John "J.D." Dorian (Zach Braff)—a recent medical school graduate—awakens from his slumber and prepares for work. However, when he arrives at the hospital and is met with a flurry of complex demands from a nurse, J.D. quickly realizes that despite the years of schooling he has undergone, he knows surprisingly little about the profession he has entered.

The exterior shots of the hospital were filmed at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. This decommissioned healthcare facility served women, children, and their families for many years. Located at 1240 North Mission Road, the hospital was known for its world-class medical care, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate staff. However, it has since been demolished to build a new healthcare campus in the area.

To get to 1240 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, you can use various modes of transportation depending on your location and preference. To get there, you’ll need to drive less than three miles northeast from downtown LA.

Elliot lifting her shirt scene in Scrubs

North Hollywood Medical Center, 5300 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601, United States

Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) is on the verge of declaring a patient deceased when Elliot (Sarah Chalke) suddenly bursts into the room and lifts up her shirt to flash the patient, mistakenly believing that this will somehow revive them. Unfortunately, her efforts prove fruitless, and after an uncomfortable pause, Dr. Cox proceeds to officially declare the patient dead.

The North Hollywood Medical Center was a hospital that served the community of North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley, and it also featured at Sacred Heart Hospital in Scrubs. It opened its doors in 1952 and provided comprehensive medical care until its closure in 1998.

If you're coming from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the easiest way to get to this location is by car or taxi. Take the I-405 North freeway, then take the US-101 North exit towards Ventura. Continue on the US-101 for about eight miles, then take the Tujunga Ave exit. Turn right onto Tujunga Ave and continue for around 1.5 miles. The destination will be on your right.

Turk and JD at the strip club scene in Scrubs

13632 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, USA

During their lunch break, Turk (Donald Faison) and J.D. decide to visit a strip club. However, on their way there, they come across a group of protesters, which attracts the attention of a news crew. As the anchorwoman interviews the interns, the cameraman suddenly loses consciousness. Quick to act, J.D. and Turk successfully resuscitate him, earning praise from the news channel and being hailed as heroes.

Running through the bustling neighborhood of Sherman Oaks in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles is Moorpark Street, where this scene was shot. Among some of the notable landmarks situated on this street are the popular shopping mall, Sherman Oaks Galleria, equipped with a movie theater and a plethora of restaurants, as well as the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park, which is a serene green space featuring sports fields and children's playgrounds.

By car, the most convenient route to 13632 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks from downtown Los Angeles is to take the US-101 North freeway towards Ventura. The journey is approximately 15 miles in total.

Bowling alley scene in Scrubs

12655 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States

At a bowling alley, J.D. and Elliot's argument over their relationship not being perfect like Turk and Carla's (Judy Reyes) is exacerbated when Dr. Cox expresses his anger towards Elliot for a mistake she made. J.D. supports Dr. Cox, which infuriates Elliot further, sparking a breakroom argument about J.D.'s desire to please everyone. J.D. highlights that he has friends while Elliot doesn't, causing her to leave the relationship.

Ventura Boulevard is a major thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Studio City, a vibrant neighborhood located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. The boulevard is popular for its wide array of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and residential properties. One of the iconic spots on the boulevard is the CBS Studio Center, which is home to several popular TV shows and has also been used as a filming location for countless movies.

If you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, take US-101 North toward Ventura. Take the Laurel Canyon Blvd exit and turn left onto Laurel Canyon Blvd. After about a mile, turn right onto Ventura Blvd. Continue for approximately 1.5 miles until you reach 12655 Ventura Blvd on your right.

Elliot and Sean’s date scene in Scrubs

El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601, United States

Elliot becomes increasingly concerned that her relationship with Sean (Scott Foley) is affecting her job performance. She then begins to lash out at Sean, who is unaware of the cause of her distress. After apologizing for her behavior, Elliot acknowledges that their relationship is not working and decides to end things. She prioritizes her career over her dating life as she believes it will be beneficial for her professional growth.

The date scene was filmed at El Portal Theatre, a historic landmark located in North Hollywood, California. Originally built in 1926 as a vaudeville and silent movie house, the theater has since undergone several renovations. The theater's charming Art Deco style and grand architecture make it a unique destination for an unforgettable night out.

If you're coming from downtown Los Angeles, take US-101 North towards Ventura. The entire journey is approximately 13 miles and should take 20-25 minutes if traffic is light.

Bungee scene in Scrubs

Colorado Street Bridge, 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

In the cafeteria, J.D. admits to Elliot that he lacks daring in both his career and personal life. As a result, Elliot convinces him to join her for a bungee jumping excursion.

The bungee scene was filmed at the Colorado Street Bridge. Located in Pasadena, California, the bridge is a historic concrete arch bridge that spans over the Arroyo Seco ravine. It was built in 1913 and is considered an iconic landmark of the city. With its unique Beaux Arts style, the Colorado Street Bridge has been featured in several films, TV shows, and music videos over the years. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Arroyo Seco Canyon, as well as the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles River.

To get there, you can take the Metro Rail Gold Line to the Del Mar Station in Pasadena, which is just a short walk away from the address. Alternatively, driving from downtown LA will take approximately 20-25 minutes in light traffic.

Conclusion

The TV series Scrubs was set in the fictional world of Sacred Heart Hospital, but it was actually filmed in various locations throughout southern California. The show covered many diverse locales to bring this unique comedy-drama to life, and many of these locations can still be visited today by Scrubs fans.

Together with its collection of unforgettable scenes both inside and outside the walls of Sacred Heart Hospital, Scrubs is an entertaining blend of comedy and heartfelt drama worth watching over and over again. And if you’re ever exploring famous filming locations in and around LA, be sure to add some of these Scrubs sites to your itinerary.