'Scrubs' revival hits creative snag

Co-showrunner Tim Hobert quits amid filming

The much-anticipated 'Scrubs' revival has hit a creative snag, with co-showrunner Tim Hobert exiting the project just weeks into filming.

Deadline first reported Hobert's departure due to creative differences, leaving Aseem Batra to continue as the sole showrunner while production proceeds in Vancouver.

Both Hobert and Batra, veterans of the original series, co-wrote the revival's pilot episode. The new instalment reunites beloved cast members Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Judy Reyes and John C McGinley, reprising their iconic roles from the original medical comedy.

Hobert, who previously served as co-executive and executive producer on 'Scrubs', will retain an executive producer credit on the initial episodes. Batra, formerly a story editor and co-producer on the show, now leads the creative direction.

Original creator Bill Lawrence continues as executive producer under his Doozer banner, alongside Braff, Faison, Chalke and Randall Winston.

The revival, produced by 20th Century Television, began filming in early October after receiving a straight-to-series order from ABC in July. In addition to returning stars, the new cast includes Ava Bunn, Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi and Amanda Morrow.

The original 'Scrubs' aired on NBC from 2001 to 2008 before moving to ABC for its final two seasons, developing a cult following for its blend of comedy, heart and surreal humour.

Fans have long awaited its return, though Hobert's sudden exit adds a layer of uncertainty to the revival's creative future.