'SCRUBS' SHINES AS NBC RENEWS HIT MEDICAL COMEDY FOR TWO ADDITIONAL SEASONS

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- NBC has renewed its hit medical comedy "Scrubs" (Tuesdays, 9:30-10 p.m. ET) for two more seasons through 2005-06, it was announced today by Jeff Zucker, President, NBC Universal Television Group and Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"This show just keeps getting better each season and we're looking forward to even better things for at another two more years," said Zucker. "'Scrubs' has done everything we've asked of it on every level and this renewal is well-deserved."

"I am thrilled that one of my first acts in my new capacity here at Touchstone Television has been to secure a two year renewal of this critically-acclaimed hit series," said Mark Pedowitz, President, Touchstone Television. He added, "The talent in front of and behind the camera on 'Scrubs' is second to none and we couldn't be happier for Bill Lawrence and everyone involved with the show. Further, I am grateful to NBC for their continued support."

Now in its third season, "Scrubs" has retained 100 percent of its 18-49 lead-in from "Frasier" since returning to Tuesday nights in February. It's the first show to regularly retain the full "Frasier" lead-in in this time period and is the only 9:30-10 p.m. (ET) comedy on any network to retain 100 percent of its lead-in this season.

In fact, "Will & Grace" and "Scrubs" combine to earn the two highest upscale indexes (measuring percentage representation of upscale homes in their audiences) among comedies in many key categories.

The comedy focuses on the bizarre experiences of fresh-faced medical intern John "J.D." Dorian (Zach Braff, "The Broken Hearts Club") as he embarks on his career in a surreal hospital crammed full of unpredictable staffers and patients ? where humor and tragedy can merge paths at any time. Joining J.D. are his college buddy Chris Turk (Donald Faison, "Remember the Titans") and J.D.'s fellow medical intern, the beautiful Elliot Reid (Sarah Chalke, "Roseanne"). Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley, Judy Reyes and Neil Flynn also star.

"Scrubs" was honored with the Humanitas Prize in 2002.

"Scrubs" is produced by Touchstone Television. Bill Lawrence ("Spin City") is the executive producer and creator.