I’ll be honest, I’ve only ever seen two episodes of Scrubs in my entire life, three tops. Sticking with the honesty, those episodes were viewed at a party that eventually devolved into a Scrubs viewing marathon. At 1:30 in the morning. True story. At any rate I am in no way qualified to comment on the quality of the new season of the show in relation to the previous eight, nor can I really tell you how vastly it differs from it’s previous incarnation. I suppose that makes me the most valuable kind of viewer for a series reaching it’s first decade and wishing to continue past that, the new viewer.

ABC has asked that I not really give away any spoilers or major plot points regarding the two-part season premiere, but what I can tell you is that it is pretty damn funny. And, cliche as it may sound, this really does feel like the first episode of a completely new series. I had no problem understanding the relationships between the returning cast members nor did I have any issues with the new group of actors and characters. I find this incarnation of Scrubs to not only be irreverently funny, but it feels new and vibrant compared to other such comedies that I’ve tried. It’s very possible that this has always been its formula, but to a “newbie” like me it works and it works very well. Consider me a new fan who will now be tuning in each week. The creator, Bill Lawrence, specifically asked those of us watching the advanced screeners to give the show a chance and I urge you to do the same.

‘Scrubs’ season 9 premieres on ABC on December 1st at 9:00 PM with a second episode following at 9:30 PM.