Admittedly I am late to this , I didn’t discover Stan Against Evil until earlier this year. If you like supernatural dark comedies, you better grab your shovel (or pipe, or a series of pipes) because you are in for a fun ride!
Stan Miller (John C McGinley) loses his job as Sherrif to a small New Hampshire town named Willard’s Mill. As it turns out Willard’s Mill was the site of a mass witch burning hundreds of years previous. This has caused the unsuspecting town to be cursed by a myriad of witches, demons, and ghosts. This paranormal blight particularly has it out for the current Sheriff. Its up to newly ‘retired’ Stan and the new female Sheriff Evie Barret (Janet Varney) to the save the town with their own brand of sarcasm and extreme gut-busting violence!
In no particular order here is Seven Reasons YOU should watch Stan Against Evil:

#1 John C McGinley
For anyone who has watched Scrubs I don’t need to tell you what a charismatic actor McGinley is. As we find out Stan likes his coffee black (and his whisky neat and bed at three as well probably). Only he doesn’t really, we find out he takes the sugars from the donut shop to secretly sweeten the coffee in his car. This perfectly sums up the character of Stan; appears macho and crotchety, but is secretly very sweet. McGinley himself describes Stan as “wonderfully damaged” (BUILD Series, 2017) and how he is attracted to playing damaged characters. Stan is understandably damaged by the untimely death of his wife. In episode one (Dig Me Up, Dig Me Down) we see Stan avoiding sleeping in his house after his loss. The little bed made up on his office couch would tug on anyone’s chordae tendinae .
This vulnerability topped with McGinley’s energetic and extremely articulate line delivery with fun gesticulations, makes Stan yet another iconic character to add to McGinley’s roster.

#2 Janet Varney
They may seem an unlikely duo, but Varney and McGinley have amazing chemistry onscreen. Those who know Varney from The Legend of Korra know how she devotes herself to a role. Sheriff Evie Barret is no different. Varney is completely believable as the single mother juggling a demanding job and a town full of (literal) demons. Her verbal sparring with Stan is comedic gold. Varney was even willing to do her own stunts and be drenched in various special effects ‘goo’s’ in the name of art!
Also, as respectfully as possible, how beautiful is she?

#3 The Humour
This might be a little redundant, but the show is incredibly funny! Created by Dana Gould who honed his comedy writing skills while writing for shows such as; The Simpsons. Gould created a fantastical world of magic and dimensions filled with people who are worried about the hand-drawn pentagram messing up their floor.
I could give the show the greatest compliment and say the humor is incredibly British in its satirical brilliance (sorry to my friends across the pond). Think the self-awareness of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with more swearing. Like, a lot more. The Miller family and co are aware of the ridiculousness of the situations they find themselves in and will make you very aware of it too. Whether it’s an ex-husband slowly turning into Mothra (complete with chrysalis) or a bargain bin Scully and Mulder, all you can do is laugh at the specifically tailored insults!

#4 The Costumes
Dana Gould quipped about the show having a good budget for a “birthday party” (BUILD Series, 2017) but not so great for a TV show. However, this turned out to be beneficial as the show’s set designers and prop makers needed to be extra creative. In a world of bizarre and often nightmarish CGI (2020 CATS anyone?) the visceral joy of seeing actual puppets and costumes benefits the overall vibe. You can tell that a lot of love, time, and creative energy went into crafting this universe. Special mention goes to The Walking Dead’s; Steven Ogg transforming into the ‘werepony’ (S2 E3 Curse of the Werepony). And the demonic baby of S2 E5 Hex Marks the Tot binding his prey, spider-like, in blankies.

#5 The Quotes
Stan Against Evil is just so sublimely quotable (trust me I’ve been doing it for months).
Here is a few good’uns;
Evie: Well I’m not Stan. Jesus.
“Stan never gave me a fine. Stan used to let me hunt without a license. Stan never used a breathalyzer”

Stan: There is a super-snazzy Red Roof Inn just down the road.
Kenny: You said that burned down.
Stan: Not all of it.

Stan: Sweetheart go ahead and get the door. Step outside, I’ll lock it, and then everything will be great.

Stan: Do you trust me Leon?
Leon: No. But I’m afraid of you.
Stan: That’s just as good.

#6 The Demons
The generational curse on Willard’s Mill has released a whole host of demons (172 to be exact). Each demon has its own unique style and paranormal superpowers. Whether it’s the manipulative powers of the bloodthirsty werepony or the subtle maliciousness of the original Sheriff of Willard’s Mill responsible for the witch burnings; Constable Eccles (Randall Newsome). Danger manifests in many for the Miller family and co. An ornate mirror, won in a competition, could be a portal to a world inhabited by vampires with shaved chests preying on unsuspecting teenage girls (and Stan). You just never know!

#7 The Emotional Moments
Yes Stan Against Evil is a ridiculous (at times) dark comedy but it’s the moments of surprising emotional weight that make this series so fantastic. Like in S1 E4 Life Orr Death, when Stan is so happy he saved Evie by sacrificing a possession that meant a lot to him. Or Stan using time travel to say a touching final goodbye to his late wife. Varney and McGinley are both such superb actors that they don’t need a lot of dialogue to nail an emotional scene.
In a broader sense, the current media landscape is filled with movies and TV shows designed by committee and motivated solely by money. Its nice to watch something that is clearly a work of passion. The writers, cast, and crew have put a lot of soul and individuality into the three seasons. This makes Stan Against Evil such a satisfying watch and you will grow attached to this quirky gang of characters.

John C. McGinley has built a career filled with dynamic, memorable performances across film and television. With his sharp comedic timing, intense dramatic prowess, and remarkable versatility, McGinley has earned a loyal fan base. From iconic TV roles to scene-stealing film appearances, this talented actor has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Here’s a look at the top five performances of John C. McGinley that every fan should revisit.

1. Dr. Perry Cox – Scrubs

No list of John C. McGinley’s best roles is complete without mentioning Scrubs and his portrayal of the no-nonsense, cynical, yet oddly lovable Dr. Perry Cox. Over the course of the show’s nine seasons, McGinley brought depth to what could have been a one-dimensional, sarcastic character. His performance fluctuated between gut-wrenching monologues on the realities of the medical profession and rapid-fire insults delivered with razor-sharp precision. Fans loved his dynamic relationship with J.D. (Zach Braff), especially the heartwarming moments that showed Cox’s mentor-like role.

2. Bob Slydell – Office Space

In Mike Judge’s cult classic Office Space (1999), McGinley plays Bob Slydell, one half of “The Bobs,” two management consultants brought in to downsize the company. His dry, deadpan delivery as he calmly discusses firing employees is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Though McGinley’s screen time is limited, his performance remains one of the most quoted and memorable aspects of the film, contributing to Office Space’s enduring popularity in pop culture.

3. Sergeant O’Neill – Platoon

McGinley’s role as the tough and morally conflicted Sergeant O’Neill in Platoon (1986) earned him critical acclaim. In Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning Vietnam War film, McGinley stands out among a stellar ensemble cast, including Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe. His portrayal of O’Neill, who shifts between opportunism and fear as the war intensifies, is powerful and haunting. This role marked McGinley’s breakout in Hollywood, showcasing his range in serious, dramatic parts.

4. Stanley Miller – Stan Against Evil

In this underrated horror-comedy series, McGinley plays Stanley Miller, a retired small-town sheriff reluctantly pulled back into battling demons after his wife’s death. Stan Against Evil blends humor with supernatural elements, and McGinley’s comedic timing is on full display. His character is gruff and often surly, but the way McGinley balances Stanley’s grumpiness with heartfelt moments of vulnerability makes this performance a standout in his career.

5. FBI Agent Ben Harp – Point Break

In Point Break (1991), McGinley plays the by-the-book FBI Agent Ben Harp, who’s tasked with overseeing the young undercover agent Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves. McGinley’s role is small, but his performance is unforgettable as the humorless, hard-nosed superior who has no patience for Utah’s laid-back, surfer persona. His iconic line “Young, dumb, and full of…” has become a classic in action movie history.

Honorable Mentions:

Dr. Cox’s Real Talk Moments in Scrubs: Some of McGinley’s best scenes come from his character’s vulnerable, often brutally honest speeches. Fans of Scrubs will recognize his mix of humor and emotion, which made Dr. Cox unforgettable.

John C. McGinley in The Rock: His role as Captain Hendrix in The Rock (1996) shows his ability to stand out in action-packed, ensemble casts.

John C. McGinley’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether playing a grumpy doctor, a slick FBI agent, or a worn-out war veteran, McGinley commands attention every time he’s on screen. His ability to switch between comedy and drama with ease is what sets him apart, and it’s why fans continue to revisit his best performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, these five performances are the perfect way to appreciate the incredible range of John C. McGinley.

After months of speculation, with fans salivating over dropped hints on social media; we have it confirmed! The Scrubs reunion is definitely happening! Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence has been quoted as saying: “We’re gonna do it because people still care about it and we enjoy spending time with each other” (Independent.co.uk, 2024). 

Scrubs was a sitcom staple that ran from 2001 until 2010. Eight seasons with the original cast followed by a somewhat ill-fated ninth season with a mix of original and new characters.  Starring Zach Braff as John Dorian ‘JD’, a daydreaming young doctor and king of the non-sequitur due to his various bizarre fantasies. The series follows JD as he progresses from an intern to an accomplished resident under the tutelage and biting sarcasm of his reluctant mentor, senior doctor, and fan favorite; Dr Cox (played by John C McGinley). JD’s friendships, romances, and multiple embarrassments have been immortalized through reruns and thousands of diehard fans.

In recent years entertainment has been enriched with various reboots and reunions from 90’s – early 00’s TV shows (Friends, Sex and the City, and Frasier to name but a few). Fans have been teased with the possibility of a Scrubs reboot for years by the cast themselves. 

In  July 2023, Christa Miller who not only played series regular ‘Jordan’, is also married to Bill Lawrence, posted a picture on her Instagram. The picture includes Braff, McGinley, and Lawrence, Miller quips about a Scrubs reboot. Both Miller and McGinley simultaneously posted the same picture in April ‘24, when the majority of the cast met up for a ‘pizza party’. McGinley posted the photo on X (formerly Twitter) including his comment “…getting the band back together”.

McGinley has since confirmed exclusively to Thatsmye.com, not only that there will be a reboot but also his involvement:

“…we all were in agreement that: as long as Billy (Lawrence) is at the helm of this reboot? We would  all dive-in, with reckless abandon!”

This proclamation will surely send fans into a frenzy speculating just what a Scrubs reboot will look like.

Braff himself was asked during an interview with Screen Rant what he thought JD would be up to these days. Braff reminds the audience that JD is a “grown a** man now” (according to the show’s timelines JD would now be 50) and would probably be more in the Dr Cox position. Braff has an interesting pitch of present JD yearning to return to the “innocence of his youth”(Screen Rant, 2024). Over thirty years in medicine would wear anyone’s positivity down.  Braff would like to see a jaded JD trying to recapture some of the joy from his youth.

And what of JD’s snarky mentor? Dr Cox would now be 65, the average age US physicians retire. Would a character as committed to his job as Dr Cox be able to retire completely? It would be ironic if Dr Cox, after getting some distance from modern health care, becomes the positive one of the dynamic. Would Dr Cox return the favor of years previous and help JD find joy in helping people again? However, would this be staying true to the misanthropic, ranting attending that the fandom fell in love with?

Fans have also discussed the possibility of a reboot including the character’s canonical children in the original series run. Dr Cox’s and Jordan’s son, Jack, would now be 21. JD’s own son, Sammy, would be 17. Izzie, the daughter of JD’s best friend Turk (played by Donald Faison) and his wife Carla (played by Judy Reyes) would be 18. Will this new generation play a big part in the reboot? Some fans suggested Jack would be following his father’s dream of being an ice hockey player and that Izzie would be following in her parent’s footsteps into medicine. 

It’s all fun to speculate what the Scrubs gang would be doing with the backdrop of 2024/25. However, it cannot be denied that the cultural landscape has changed since the 00s. Shows such as Friends and Sex and the City have met a reckoning of sorts for their lack of diversity and their portrayal of certain minority groups. Past sitcoms look very different under the lens of the ‘20s, particularly after the historic events of recent years. 

Scrubs has faced its own share of criticism over its comedic use of blackface. In the context of the show, the use of blackface is when JD is imagining himself or other cast members as his African American best friend Turk. Scrubs episodes are punctuated by JD’s outlandish daydreams. In the wake of the BLM protests over the summer of 2020, Braff and Faison used an entire episode of their Scrubs rewatch podcast ‘Fake Doctors, Real Friends’ (available on Spotify) to discuss the use of blackface in the TV series. 

The podcast episode is titled; ‘Our Difficult Past: Blackface on Scrubs’ was originally aired on June 29^th 2020 and ran for around 42 minutes. The episode included Bill Lawrence and actress Sarah Chalke, who played ‘Elliot’. Three episodes of the TV show included blackface ‘gags’. 

Lawrence takes full responsibility for the content, although all four members took accountability and offered their sincere apologies. Lawrence didn’t want to make excuses but elucidated the reasoning of his past self. The showrunner blamed it on “the arrogance that comes with success” (Braff, 2020). He thought they had a “free pass” as they had created such a diverse show both in front of and behind the cameras. For the era, Scrubs was extremely progressive, with a diverse main cast, an interracial couple starring in the show, and a varied age range among the stars.

The episodes in question were immediately pulled from Disney+  under Lawrence’s instruction. At the time of this publication, the episodes are still removed from Hulu, and two of the three are from Amazon and iTunes. Lawrence has also received criticism from the other side of the cultural divide; that the situation is another example of PC culture ruining art. However, Lawrence is steadfast in his belief that art is better for it. When doors are opened for people of different backgrounds and experiences to tell their stories, it can only enrich and diversify storytelling. 

Being accepting of one’s own mistakes makes us more understanding and compassionate which ultimately makes us better storytellers. Lawrence and the rest of the cast will take these experiences and lessons when creating what is sure to be a fantastic reboot.  Unlike other reboots such as ‘Sex and the City’ which tried to course-correct after the criticisms that the original series wasn’t diverse enough in its casting. The reboot seems to overcompensate by quickly adding a plethora of new characters who are POC, disabled, and non-binary. Even with the best intentions, this comes across as tokenism. Scrubs already had a diverse cast for a mainstream show.

Lawrence told Joe.co.uk that we can expect a reboot in “six months to a year” (Joe.co.uk, 2024). Whatever a reboot will look like, fans will eagerly await it and speculate just what a ‘20s Scrubs will include. With Lawrence’s passion, Braff’s unique insight, and McGinley’s enthusiasm it will sure to be an exciting addition to a classic show.