ABChas unveiled its complete fall schedule, pulling back the curtain on when some of its biggest shows will return. Although it may not have as many shows on its roster as CBS, and not as many established franchises as NBC with itsLaw & Orderand One Chicago dramas, ABC has nonetheless cultivated a popular roster of scripted originals.
It’s a mix of well-known faves and newer titles, as long-running dramas such as9-1-1andGrey’s Anatomysit alongside breakout hits likeHigh PotentialandShifting Gears. All four shows will make their long-awaited returns in just a few months, along with a couple of others.
Deadlinehas confirmed when several ABC originals will return. The schedule ismissing some heavy-hitters such asWill TrentandThe Rookie, which will debut next year. It also confirms that9-1-1will miss out on its somewhat traditional September premiere date. But in better news, as seen in the table below, which focuses on scripted programming, most ofABC’s lineup comes back in September or early October:
10 PM
8 PM
8:30 PM
9-1-1season 9
9-1-1: Nashville(new9-1-1spinoff)
9 PM
Grey’sAnatomyseason 22
What This Means For ABC
It’s Relying On A Consistent Rotation Of Shows
ABC currently only has nine scripted shows on its primetime line-up, withDoctor Odysseybenched for the time being. It is taking steps to correct that, with a spinoff of9-1-1, a planned spinoff ofThe Rookie, and a new crime drama led byGrey’s Anatomyalum Scott Speedman. It is alsoeying a revival ofScrubs, featuring key members of the original cast and the involvement of series creator Bill Lawrence.
Scripted shows held for midseason (2026)
Scrubs
Will Trentseason 4
The network leans heavily on non-scripted programming, whether it’s reality or news magazines. Its output includesDancing with the Stars,The Golden Bachelor,Shark Tank,Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,20/20, andAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos, in addition to college football match-ups, which will be back in the coming months as well.
Our Take On ABC’s Scripted Future
It’s The Right Call
ABC’s relatively small scripted footprint compares to CBS, which has 18 scripted originals and counting, while NBC rests in the mid-teens. The eye network is making an effort to shorten the distance. But by betting on an established darling likeAbbott Elementaryseason 5, executives know that they have a handful of popular choices that viewers will reliably return to.
