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Judy Reyes is juggling two major ABC shows at once. The 58-year-old Dominican-American actress is returning as Carla Espinosa on the ‘Scrubs’ reboot while remaining a series regular on ‘High Potential’. She’s revealing exactly how she manages the demanding double duty without leaving either show.
🔥 Quick Facts
- LA Premiere: February 23, 2026, Reyes attended the Scrubs revival premiere in Los Angeles, reflecting on a full-circle moment
- Dual Roles: Carla Espinosa on Scrubs reboot as recurring guest star, while keeping her series regular position on High Potential
- Born: November 5, 1967, in the Bronx, New York, Dominican-American actress with over 30 years in Hollywood
- Scrubs Limited: Carla appears in just four episodes of the reboot, where she’s picking up extra shifts at another hospital
How ABC Made the Double Duty Possible
ABC orchestrated a careful scheduling arrangement to allow Judy Reyes to film both shows simultaneously. According to LA Times, Reyes explained that the network was ‘willing to make it work’ because the Scrubs reboot had been in development for years. Her management team worked tirelessly to coordinate filming calendars and shooting schedules across two productions. High Potential is currently in its second season, while Scrubs resumed after decades away from television.
The actress credited her manager for being ‘wonderful about making sure filming was accommodating’. This kind of negotiated arrangement is rare in an industry where series regular roles demand full-time commitment. ABC’s decision to find this middle ground suggests the network values Reyes’ presence on both shows.
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Carla Is Exhausted, Hardened, and Still Iconic
Carla Espinosa has changed since audiences last saw the head nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital. In the reboot, she’s older, tired, and juggling four daughters alongside her marriage to Dr. Christopher Turk (played by Donald Faison). Her character is now picking up extra shifts elsewhere to make ends meet, meaning she’s barely present in the hospital.
Reyes has said that Carla’s consuming passion for work no longer defines her. ‘Life is catching up’, Reyes explained, describing how her character must confront the physical toll of aging and motherhood. Despite limited screen time, Carla remains woven into the script, with Reyes joking that she’s ‘like the Lord’‘ just when you think you’re getting away with something, there’s Carla.’
High Potential’s Lieutenant Soto Leads Crime Solvers
High Potential is Reyes’ main television showcase right now, where she leads a top-notch team of crime solvers as Lieutenant Selena Soto. The ABC workplace drama pairs her alongside Kaitlin Olson and Daniel Sunjata in an ensemble cast solving unsolvable cases. In Season 2, her character faces a significant moment of defeat when she’s not chosen to become captain.
Reyes has spoken proudly about how Latinos are represented as leaders on the show. She stated: ‘I don’t know any other way to be. Latinos are lieutenants and nurses and doctors, et cetera.’ For her character specifically, Reyes carries a Dominican Republic flag mug on set. When props asked if she wanted anything personalized, she requested the flag, and fans have responded enthusiastically on social media.
| Detail | Information |
| Current Role | Lieutenant Selena Soto, High Potential |
| Scrubs Role | Carla Espinosa, Special Guest Star (4 episodes) |
| Born | November 5, 1967, Bronx, New York |
| Network | ABC (both shows) |
“I’m milking it for all it’s about. I’m so honored and so thrilled to be part of what I consider a television history.”
— Judy Reyes, Actress
The Difference Between Returning to Scrubs and Staying on High Potential
Returning to Scrubs felt like coming home, but with emotional weight and reflection. Reyes attended the Los Angeles premiere on February 23, 2026, and described the experience as ‘a full-circle moment’ stepping back on set after 15 years. The cast felt instantly familiar, like no time had passed at all. ‘We’re all friends that don’t necessarily talk to each other every day, except Zach and Donald, they’re pretty much married, but it was like we never left,’ she said.
Meanwhile, High Potential demands her energy and commitment daily. This show is where Reyes is actively building as a series regular, not a guest. She shows up every day to lead scenes and carry episodes. The contrast between four episodes of Scrubs and a full second season of High Potential is significant, yet ABC made it work through careful scheduling.
What Does the Future Hold for Judy Reyes’ Double Duty?
Judy Reyes isn’t taking her moment for granted. The actress has emphasized that Hollywood’s landscape is shifting, with streaming dominating and limited series becoming the norm. She’s also working as a producer and executive producer on passion projects like ‘Freestyle: A Love Story,’ a stage production celebrating freestyle music and Latino culture. She partners with her husband George Valencia on these ventures.
The question remains: will Judy Reyes continue juggling both shows in upcoming seasons? High Potential was renewed for a third season in March 2026, suggesting stability. The extent of Carla’s involvement in Scrubs Season 2 depends on the show’s performance. For now, Reyes is seizing every opportunity, staying grounded in storytelling, and ‘milking Hollywood for all it’s worth.’
Sources
- Los Angeles Times – ‘Scrubs’ star Judy Reyes interview on juggling both shows and her career milestone moments
- People Magazine – Coverage of Scrubs revival premiere on February 23, 2026, with Reyes’ reflection on returning to the role
- Deadline – Judy Reyes cast as recurring guest star on Scrubs reboot while maintaining series regular status on High Potential
