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Longtime NBC comedy "Scrubs" is heading to rival network ABC.

Sources say ABC is in negotiations to pick up 18 episodes of the show from ABC Studios, which has produced the series for NBC since 2001.

A broadcast show switching networks, though often discussed during contract renewals, is a rare event. Previous network jumpers include "JAG" (NBC to CBS) and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (The WB to UPN).

The writers strike cut short NBC's 18-episode final season order for the Zach Braff medical comedy to 12 episodes. Sources say the network has been reluctant to order additional episodes for next fall, citing the fact that it already has some remaining originals in the can. NBC reportedly floated various end game scenarios to producers, including ordering one final episode, or producing the remaining episodes direct to DVD.

Details of the ABC deal are still being hammered out as contracts for most cast members and writers have not been picked up beyond the current season.


After struggling in recent years to launch a hit comedy, ABC scored this season with freshman "Samantha Who." The "Scrubs" pickup will give ABC another half-hour title with a built-in audience, plus makes financial sense for parent company Disney since ABC Studios produces the show.

Steve McPherson, ABC's president of entertainment, has history with "Scrubs," having developed the show during his tenure overseeing the studio when it was known as Touchstone Television. McPherson also has been vocal about his intent to pick up the show should NBC drop it.

It's been a rocky ride for "Scrubs" on NBC. The network has repeatedly shifted the critically praised but modestly rated show around its schedule. For the past two seasons, NBC also waited until the 11th hour to pick up the comedy series with partial season orders.

Most recently, "Scrubs" has aired as part of NBC's Thursday night lineup along with "The Office," "My Name Is Earl" and "30 Rock," where the medical comedy was often the lowest-rated of the bunch.

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Veteran comedy "Scrubs" is caught in a tug-of-war between NBC and ABC.

ABC is in negotiations to pick up 18 episodes of the series from ABC Studios, which has produced the comedy for NBC since 2001.

NBC brass are said to have been caught off guard when THR.com broke the story Thursday.

A network insider said NBC is still in "first negotiation period" -- a period of exclusive negotiations -- with ABC Studios.


ABC Studios chose not to respond.

Given the history between NBC and ABC Studios, which have been at odds over the quirky medical comedy since the get-go, industry observers are preparing for an ugly battle between the two over a series considered to be on its final lap.

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The real-life drama surrounding the fate of my beloved Scrubs just took another wild turn.

Sources are confirming a story in The Hollywood Reporter that ABC is in talks to pick up as many as 18 episode of Scrubs.

The move came after negotiations between NBC and ABC Studios, which produces Scrubs, broke down. The two sides had been trying to hash out a deal that would've allowed the show to have a proper send-off in May.

Now, a couple of big questions:

• Would an ABC pickup mean Scrubs would end next season? Answer: Yes. "The episodes will be shot right away," whispers an insider, "and will be ready to air in the fall."

• Will Zach Braff be in any of them, considering his deal expires this season? Answer: "The cast is all on board," maintains the source. "And that includes Zach."

• Will NBC air the five pre-strike episodes as scheduled beginning April 10? And, just to screw with ABC, will they bill the fifth one as the series finale? Answer: Yes to the first question, and not sure about the second -- although I wouldn't put it past them!

• Is this whole thing a negotiations ploy on ABC's part? Answer: Perhaps. "We've gone through this every year for the past two seasons," says one source, "and then NBC ends up picking the show up."

• What does all this mean for Dr. Kim's insanely irresistible obstetrician? Answer: Eighteen more opportunities to return! Woo-hoo!

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