The third season of the American comedy television series Scrubs premiered on NBC on October 2, 2003, and concluded on May 4, 2004, and consists of 22 episodes. This season features many fantasies, as well as features many well-known actors in recurring and guest roles such as Scott Foley, Michael J. Fox, Bellamy Young, Brendan Fraser, and Tara Reid.
The season follows J.D. (Zach Braff), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), and Turk's (Donald Faison) third year at Sacred Heart and second year as residents. As the season opens, Elliot decides to change her image, with some help from the Janitor (Neil Flynn). J.D.'s undeniable crush on Elliot emerges again, but J.D. instead begins a relationship with Jordan's (Christa Miller) sister Danni (Reid), who is also dealing with feelings for her ex. Turk and Carla (Judy Reyes) are engaged and planning their wedding. Turk, along with the Todd (Robert Maschio) and the other surgical residents, deal with the new attending surgeon, Dr. Grace Miller (Young), who dislikes Turk and considers him sexist. Dr. Cox (John C. McGinley) and Jordan are doing well with their relationship and their son Jack, although Dr. Cox develops a schoolboy crush on Dr. Miller. He also struggles with the death of his best friend (Fraser). Elliot gets into a serious relationship with Sean Kelly (Foley) and tries to work out their long-distance relationship while he is in New Zealand for six months.
Rich Eustis was hired as a consultant for this season. In addition, Justin Spitzer wrote a spec script that was made into an episode.
Includes directors who directed 2 or more episodes, or directors who are part of the cast and crew
"My Dirty Secret" was originally scheduled to be broadcast on October 16, 2003. However, the entire NBC lineup was pulled due to the Major League Baseball 2003 American League Championship Series on Fox going to a 7th game. The other NBC shows from that night (Friends, ER, and Will & Grace) all shifted their scheduled episodes to the following week. For reasons unknown, this episode was not shifted to the following week, and was broadcast out of order (with some small edits in an attempt to hide the inconsistencies, such as Sean being present, and J.D. being single). This episode was broadcast in its original form and original order in some international markets. Syndication also uses the original version. <onlyinclude></onlyinclude>