Banks gained more prominent widespread exposure with her role in the 2005 comedy film "The 40-Year-Old Virgin". In August 2005, at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Banks starred in William Inge's "Bus Stop" as Cherie, the sexy blonde aspiring nightclub singer. Jeffrey Borak wrote that Banks' portrayal was acted "with poise, clarity and a shrewd feel for Cherie's complexities. Her performance is all of a piece and in harmony, stylistically, with the performances around her." In 2005, she appeared on the series "Stella", and in May 2006, she had a role in the season five finale of the NBC sitcom "Scrubs" as Dr. Kim Briggs, the love interest of J.D. (Zach Braff). Banks appeared throughout seasons six, seven, and eight as a recurring guest star.