Ava Bunn Talks Scrubs Season 2, On-Set Laughs and Her Dream Episode

Ava Bunn returns to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to discuss Scrubs Season 2, from her character’s growing confidence and romance with Asher to her friendship with Sarah Chalke. Along the way, she shares a hilarious filming mishap and the ensemble episode she would love to see happen.

Growing More Confident—and a Little Weirder

Returning for a second season has given Bunn more room to explore her character’s personality. Beneath the initial attempts to seem cool, someone more unusual and increasingly comfortable with herself is emerging.

“She’s weirder than we thought.”

— Ava Bunn

That growing confidence does not erase the effects of her earlier mistakes. Bunn explains that her character is still carrying those experiences into her medical decisions. Coming from a social media background also feeds the feeling that people are watching and judging her.

Season 2 explores the balance between becoming more self-assured and learning to live with uncertainty.

Romance With Asher—and an Unexpected Filming Interruption

Her character’s relationship with Asher introduces a playful new dynamic in a hospital where keeping anything private is a challenge. For Bunn, working opposite a close friend makes those scenes especially enjoyable, even when the laughter becomes difficult to control.

One intimate scene became memorable for a very different reason than intended: both performers were dealing with noisy stomach issues. Their directing producer could hear the interruptions, turning the moment into a story Bunn could barely describe without laughing.

The relationship also brings complications beyond the comedy. Bunn hints that her character’s desire to help Asher can become tangled with her need for control, particularly when she watches him working in the hospital.

Watch the Full Ava Bunn Interview

Watch Ava discuss the on-set mishap, her connection with Sarah Chalke and what she hopes to explore next.

Learning From Sarah Chalke

Bunn sees her character’s relationship with Elliot as something resembling a mother-daughter dynamic. Elliot recognizes mistakes she once made and wants to help, while also needing to allow a younger doctor space to learn for herself.

That mentorship reflects Bunn’s own experience with Sarah Chalke. Their friendship has grown alongside their characters’ connection, with Bunn describing how they have begun picking up each other’s habits.

“I’ve learned so much from her.”

— Ava Bunn on Sarah Chalke

Chalke was also part of an important discovery for Bunn as a performer. Initially nervous about a major crying scene in Season 1, she found herself enjoying the honesty required by the dramatic material. Those emotional scenes, she explains, make the comedy stronger.

Familiar Faces and New Connections

Season 2 gives Bunn more opportunities to work with Michael James Scott’s Nurse DuBois, as well as a developing dynamic with John Higgins’ Grant. She praises the energy and humor both actors bring to the show.

Bunn also shares her enthusiasm for working with Scott Foley and seeing Neil Flynn return as the Janitor. Having grown up watching Flynn on The Middle, getting to share scenes with him is a particular highlight.

Ava Bunn’s Dream Scrubs Episode

Asked what she would want for her character in a possible third season, Bunn has two ideas: a chance to dance and an episode that keeps the ensemble trapped together.

“We’re all stuck in the hospital elevator together.”

— Ava Bunn describing her episode pitch

An elevator or a locked cafeteria could provide the setting, but the appeal is the same: giving the characters time to sit together and talk. Bunn and Elias compare the concept to The Breakfast Club, imagining how those personalities might interact without their usual hospital routines.

Watch the full Ava Bunn interview above and subscribe to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias for more conversations with your favorite TV and film stars.