Is J.D. the Real Villain of 'Scrubs'? A Fan Theory Offers a Very Different Look at TV’s Favorite Daydreamer

For years, fans of Scrubs have loved John J.D. Dorian for his goofy charm, earnest narration, and whimsical daydreams. But what if the show’s lovable lead wasn’t quite as innocent as he seemed? One Reddit user has shared a theory that casts J.D. in a much less flattering light — and once you see their reasoning, it’s hard to unsee.

"J.D. can’t stand anybody around him being happy," writes user CaptainRandus, kicking off a laundry list of moments that, paint J.D. as less hero, more saboteur?

Let’s start with Turk and Carla. According to the theory, J.D. can’t quite handle his best friend moving on. He constantly inserts himself into their big life moments — including their honeymoon — and even convinces them to buy scooters when they clearly need a proper family car. There’s comic timing, sure, but also a pattern.

Take Elliot, for example. According to the theory, J.D. keeps sabotaging her relationships, only to leave her himself — and let’s not forget, that feel-good finale? Just his imagination.

Then there’s Dr. Cox. J.D. constantly pokes at him, seemingly to keep their fraught 'mentor' bond alive. In 'My Lunch', when Cox finally finds some peace, J.D. turns his back on the group and quietly mutters, "You’re welcome."

The fan also highlights how J.D. makes Carla’s pregnancy about himself, hijacks her rehearsal dinner, and invites hospital staff to the janitor’s private wedding.

"He’s just all around mean," as CaptainRandus puts it.

We laughed, we cried… but was he secretly awful all along? It’s just one fan theory — though some of the examples do hit close to home.