ABC’s Fall 2026 TV Schedule Revealed with New Shows, Returns, and Premiere Dates

ABC is sticking to its successful formula for the fall 2026 television lineup, focusing primarily on established shows while introducing a select few new series. The Disney-owned network is gearing up for the new season with a schedule filled with familiar faces, including beloved dramas, popular comedies, and returning reality favorites.

According to the reported schedule, ABC is maintaining many of its top shows in their existing time slots, creating a lineup that will feel very recognizable to longtime viewers. The network has renewed its current shows across the board, ensuring that several major series will continue into the 2026-2027 TV season.

Among the most notable returning shows are Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary, and Dancing with the Stars. ABC is also bringing back newer hits that have garnered strong audiences, including R.J. Decker, which will return for its second season.

The fall schedule indicates that ABC is opting for stability rather than significant changes. Thursday nights will continue to be one of the network’s strongest evenings, with 9-1-1 leading the night, followed by 9-1-1: Nashville and then Grey’s Anatomy. This lineup keeps the network’s most popular dramas together in a block designed to retain viewers throughout the evening.

Wednesday nights will also remain a haven for comedy fans. Abbott Elementary will retain its 8:30 p.m. time slot, while the second season of the Scrubs revival will take over the opening comedy position at 8 p.m. This change replaces Shifting Gears, which previously occupied that spot.

ABC’s complete fall 2026 schedule features Monday Night Football on Mondays, Dancing with the Stars and R.J. Decker on Tuesdays, along with a mix of comedy, reality, and drama programming throughout the rest of the week.

The network’s Wednesday lineup will showcase Scrubs season 2, Abbott Elementary season 6, Celebrity Jeopardy!, and Shark Tank. Thursdays will bring 9-1-1 season 10, 9-1-1: Nashville season 2, and Grey’s Anatomy season 23. Fridays will continue with Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and 20/20.

While ABC has a wealth of returning hits, the fall schedule appears noticeably lighter in terms of scripted shows compared to some other networks. This is due to several major series being reserved for the 2027 midseason instead.

Shows like High Potential season 3 and Shifting Gears season 3 will not debut during the fall schedule and are expected to return later. ABC has previously found success by moving shows like The Rookie and Will Trent to winter premieres, and the network seems to be employing a similar strategy again.

This approach allows ABC to space out its strongest shows rather than overwhelming viewers with too many major releases during the busy fall television season.

One show that remains a topic of discussion is The Rookie: North, the upcoming spinoff of The Rookie. Starring Jay Ellis, the series has already been ordered, but ABC has yet to confirm its official premiere date. Set in the Pacific Northwest, it has already filmed a crossover episode with the original series, making it one of the network’s most eagerly anticipated upcoming projects.

ABC’s strategy for fall 2026 indicates that the network is prioritizing its proven hits over taking significant risks. With long-time favorites continuing to perform well, the company seems comfortable building its schedule around shows that viewers already know and love.

This strategy also provides upcoming series with more opportunities to thrive by avoiding a congested fall lineup. While fans may need to wait longer for some returning favorites, ABC’s fall schedule is crafted to keep its strongest brands visible while preparing for a larger wave of premieres in 2027.

For viewers, the key takeaway is clear: ABC’s fall 2026 season will feel familiar, with many of the network’s most popular shows returning exactly where fans expect them.

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