Set in the bustling halls of the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital, Scrubs is filled with a variety of characters. They vary broadly in of their age, background, temperament, and circumstance, but nevertheless, they become significant figures in each other's lives. While none of these characters could be deemed 100 percent likable all the time, they each have traits that make them a hilarious and irreplaceable part of the sitcom.
It is likely that fans gravitate towards the characters that best serve their specific sense of humor. Perhaps even more than this, viewers enjoy those that they relate to and understand on a fundamental level. The fictional personalities that truly resonate with audiences are those that tap into real, tangible experiences.
Carla Espinosa: You're The Mom Of Your Friend Group
Carla is one of the most important people in the series, providing all the core characters with invaluable guidance and heartfelt advice. She is also a disciplinarian, keeping her coworkers in-check and refusing to be disrespected by anyone. These traits make her the mom of her friend group from the very first episode when she takes an uncertain J.D. under her wing.
Those who feel particularly tied to Carla are strong-willed, perceptive, and comionate, caring immensely about the people around them. Crucially, they also have the strength and wisdom to recognize their own worth. Nobody takes advantage of Carla, and everyone benefits from her presence.
Janitor: You're A Wildcard
The Janitor is shrouded in mystery, so much so that he is nameless until the final episode of season eight. Instead of steadily divulging details about his past the way that others do, he tells nonsensical stories and makes unbelievable claims about his identity. He is also the ultimate trickster and trouble-maker, finding elaborate ways to torture J.D. in almost every single episode.
Janitor super-fans are probably unpredictable pranksters who don't mind if others think they're strange. They have a wacky sense of humor and prefer a good story to a true story.
Perry Cox: You Have A Tough Exterior
Most often referred to as Dr. Cox, Perry is a dedicated physician with a notoriously bad temperament. It doesn't take much for him to become enraged, and he takes every opportunity to criticize and make fun of his coworkers. As the series unfolds, this complex character is shown to have a subtle but definite sensitive side to complement this hard outer shell.
Fans of this character love to sink into the fantasy that Cox provides, whereby they are mercilessly mean to their incompetent colleagues. At the same time, those that really relate to Dr. Cox probably understand how difficult it is to instinctively reject help and affection. They appreciate the journey that Dr. Cox goes on to overcome his tough exterior and embrace his vulnerability.
Christopher Turk: You're Cool But Goofy
Unfailingly confident, cocky, and charismatic, Turk is a popular member of the Sacred Heart team. He is also a bit of a nerd, enjoying many of the same unconventional activities as his best friend, J.D. For the most part, this character is unapologetically himself, embracing his unusual traits, along with his more acceptable and "cool" characteristics.
Turk's biggest fans find his geeky side endearing, while also understanding his urge to fit in. Like Turk, they are likely to have a hidden depth that is rarely realized by the people around them. Turk is wiser, more intelligent, and more caring than he is given credit for, and this is an experience with which many viewers will relate.
Teddy Buckland: You Love An Underdog
At the beginning of the series, Ted is an unfortunate combination of incredibly unlucky and cripplingly insecure. Although he is a lawyer and an important part of hospital operations, he is mistreated by his boss, Bob Kelso, and generally ignored by everyone else.
Viewers who name Ted as their favorite character inevitably enjoy the dark, nihilistic humor that surrounds this character. They also probably hone some sympathy for the character and hope that his life will take a positive turn, as it eventually does later in the series.
Jordan Sullivan: You're Brutally Honest
Jordan is as scary as her ex-husband, Dr. Cox, without any of the unjustified anger. She takes great pleasure in pointing out flaws, spilling secrets, and serving insults, without hesitation or remorse. While this sounds like complete villainy, a plus-side to her brutality is that she always says what Dr. Cox, in particular, needs to hear.
Jordan's fans appreciate her unflinching honesty, realistic outlook, and refusal to compromise when it comes to her own needs. Like her, they probably exude confidence and only reveal their softer side to people who know them well.
Bob Kelso: You Have A Mean Streak
Many of the characters within Scrubs can be callous and cruel. The Chief of Medicine, Bob Kelso, is one of the worst offenders. He is also, for the first few seasons at least, perhaps the only core character who is wholly dislikable. It is a while before viewers really see a side of Kelso that goes beyond his power-hungry persona, bullying tendencies, and grizzled disdain for his wife and son.
Kelso's personality makes way for many hilarious one-liners, and these are especially funny to those who have a distinct mean streak. Maybe this meanness isn't acted upon, but finding particular joy in Kelso's savagery is a sure indication that it exists.
Laverne Roberts: You're A Gossip
Nurse Roberts doesn't get a lot of screentime throughout the series, but she is nonetheless a very memorable and lovable character. She is no-nonsense and disapproving — particularly when it comes to beliefs that contradict her values — but also kind and funny.
Laverne is also an unequivocal gossip. For someone who favors her over all other characters, drama is the epitome of workplace entertainment. Any well-versed gossip will ire the speed at which this character can spread some juicy news.
Elliot Reid: You Underestimate Yourself
In her early days at Sacred Heart, Elliot is awash with unrealized potential. She goes through a slow but significant transformation, finding independence and securing a sense of self after years of uncertainty. Those who are truly invested in Elliot's journey are likely to relate to this very common coming-of-age experience.
Along with her slightly unhinged, rambling stories, the naive and perky doctor provides viewers with an inspiring narrative of self-discovery. She is the ideal character for those who are prone to questioning their abilities.
John "JD" Dorian: You're A Dreamer
As the protagonist of Scrubs, J.D. is the character that audiences get to know the best. Viewers are privy to his iconic inner-monologue and otherworldly fantasies, his every desire and difficulty. Although J.D. tends to idolize others to an unhealthy degree, his loving nature makes him a loyal friend and comionate doctor. He is also a renowned people-pleaser, caring incessantly about what others think of him.
Despite this flaw, J.D. never loses his dreamy disposition. The fans that love him most are probably the least likely to apologize for who they are. These are idealistic, gullible, affectionate people, who are often blissfully stuck in their own heads.