Scrubs has left an indelible mark on popular culture, extending its influence beyond television and into various facets of entertainment, including video games. One standout moment from the series inspired a signature feature in the massively popular game Fortnite, which has maintained its status since its release in 2017.
Aired from 2001 to 2010, the nine seasons of Scrubs showcased a cast of unforgettable characters, each contributing a unique flavor to the show’s charm. However, the final season didn’t resonate well with fans, leading to its cancellation. With a revival of Scrubs confirmed, showrunner Bill Lawrence has a chance to address past criticisms and give the series a fitting conclusion. Despite the show’s long hiatus, its legacy continues to be acknowledged in remarkable ways.
Donald Faison’s Dance as Turk in “My Half-Acre”Inspired Fortnite’s Default Dance Emote
Turk’s Audition for the Janitor’s Band Predated Fortnite by 11 Years
In the fifth season, episode nine of Scrubs, titled “My Half-Acre,”a subplot centers around the character Janitor, played by Neil Flynn, as he forms an air band. During this episode, Donald Faison’s character, Dr. Christopher Turk, showcases his dancing skills in a memorable routine set to “Poison”by Bell Biv DeVoe. This dance captured the attention of gamers when Epic Games incorporated a shortened version of it as a default emote in Fortnite upon its launch in 2017.
Fortnite is predominantly a battle royale game appealing primarily to younger audiences. When it debuted in 2017, many players were likely unaware of the dance’s origins from Scrubs, which had been off-air for seven years. While dedicated fans might have recognized Turk’s signature moves in the game, a significant portion of the player base would have remained oblivious to this homage.
Unpacking the Controversy Around Fortnite’s Emote Inspired by Donald Faison
No Compensation or Credit for Faison from Epic Games
In discussions on the official Scrubs rewatch podcast, Fake Doctors, Real Friends, Faison shared insights about how he spontaneously created the dance during filming. Although dance moves can be copyrighted under specific circumstances, it seems Faison never pursued this avenue. Reports from Vulture indicate that Epic Games sought permission from the show to use the dance but did not compensate Faison or acknowledge him as its creator.
At a Scrubs reunion event in 2018, a fan urged Faison to perform the dance live. He humorously declined, stating, “If you want to see it, you can play Fortnite, because they jacked that sh*t!” Unfortunately, it’s challenging for Faison to take action against Epic Games, as they adhered to legal protocols when incorporating the dance into their game.
For further details, refer to Vulture.
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