Scrubs to shift from NBC to ABC?

In surprising US news, Scrubs looks like it could be changing networks from NBC to ABC.

ABC could pick up as many as 18 episodes.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that “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.”

Following the writers’ strike, 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.

The 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 the Fall season, 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.

As Michael Ausiello asks:

• Does ABC’s 18-episode pickup mean Scrubs will now be ending next season? And…

• … if so, will it do so without Zach Braff since his deal expires this season?

• What happens to the five pre-strike episodes currently collecting dust on NBC’s shelf? Will the network air them as scheduled beginning April 10? And, just to screw with ABC, will they bill the fifth one as the series finale?

How any switch affects the Seven Network’s rights to future shows remains to be seen. It already airs a number of ABC shows including Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy and Lost while Womens Murder Club, Cashmere Mafia and Men in Trees have aired on rival networks.

Shows switching networks isn’t unprecedented but it is rare: include JAG (NBC to CBS) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (The WB to UPN).

Sources: Hollywood Reporter, TVGuide