ABC Upfront/General News and Discussion: 2026-27 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 05-11-2026, 09:31 AM

On the heels of a successful 2025-2026 broadcast season where ABC dominated the multiplatform rankings among Adults 18-49, the network announced its fall 2026 primetime schedule today. For the first time in ABC history, the network has renewed their entire scripted lineup and, for the second year in a row, will increase their original scripted slate in midseason with the addition of new series "The Rookie: North."

In the second full season where Nielsen reported on competitive cross-platform broadcast ratings, ABC tops the charts with four of the Top 5 programs, including "High Potential" (No. 1), "Dancing with the Stars" (No. 3), "The Rookie" (No. 4) and "Abbott Elementary" (No. 5). In fact, ABC claims 10 of the Top 20, with the addition of "Scrubs" (No. 6), "9-1-1" (No. 9), "Grey's Anatomy" (No. 12), "9-1-1: Nashville" (No. 14), "Will Trent" (No. 16) and "Shifting Gears" (No. 17), more shows than any other broadcast network. Among Total Viewers, ABC claims four of the Top 10 programs including "High Potential" (No. 3), "Dancing with the Stars" (No. 5), "Will Trent" (No. 6) and "The Rookie" (No. 9). ABC also surged among younger viewers this season, with the network scoring the Top 3 programs among Adults 18-34, including "Dancing with the Stars" (No. 1), "The Rookie" (No. 2) and "High Potential" (No. 3).*

"We enter this fall season from a position of undeniable strength," said President of Disney Television Group Craig Erwich. "Our focus has always been simple: Make the best shows on television and get them to audiences however they want to watch. That strategy continues to drive the success of ABC and Hulu - from legacy hits being embraced by new generations to breakout series becoming the next cultural touchstones. With a standout slate of comedies, dramas, unscripted and live programming, alongside marquee events like the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff, the GRAMMYSⓇ and the OscarsⓇ in 2027, our content engine is firing on all cylinders."

ABC will air ESPN's "Monday Night Football" on most Monday nights, simulcast with ESPN. A detailed schedule will be announced later this week.

Fans will head back to the ballroom on Tuesdays as juggernaut "Dancing with the Stars" returns for its 35th season, followed by the sophomore season of Scott Speedman-led drama "R.J. Decker."

Wednesday nights kick off with a comedy block of this season's No. 1 new comedy, "Scrubs," and the award-winning, No. 1 comedy series "Abbott Elementary." "Celebrity Jeopardy!" and a new season of "Shark Tank" round out the night.

Ryan Murphy's "9-1-1" and "9-1-1: Nashville" return to the action-packed Thursday night lineup alongside the longest-running medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy."

Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White return to the wheel on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" Friday nights, followed by ABC News' top-rated newsmagazine "20/20," anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts.

"America's Funniest Home Videos" leads Sunday nights followed by movies under "The Wonderful World of Disney" umbrella, kicking off with the world television premiere of "Inside Out 2."

New seasons of previously announced returning series "The Bachelor," "Bachelor in Paradise," "High Potential," "Shifting Gears," "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" will debut in 2027. Also joining the lineup in 2027 is the expansion of "The Rookie" universe with the new drama, "The Rookie: North." Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later date, as well as additional midseason announcements.

All episodes will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

ABC'S 2026 FALL PRIMETIME SCHEDULE (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific).

DAY TIME SERIES

MONDAY
8:00 p.m. ESPN's "Monday Night Football"

TUESDAY
8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars"
10:00 p.m. "R.J. Decker"

WEDNESDAY
8:00 p.m. "Scrubs"
8:30 p.m. "Abbott Elementary"
9:00 p.m. "Celebrity Jeopardy!"
10:00 p.m. "Shark Tank"

THURSDAY
8:00 p.m. "9-1-1"
9:00 p.m. "9-1-1: Nashville"
10:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"

FRIDAY
8:00 p.m. "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune"
9:00 p.m. "20/20" (two hours)

SATURDAY
7:30 p.m. College Football

SUNDAY
7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8:00 p.m. "The Wonderful World of Disney"

THE ROOKIE: NORTH

Expanding the universe, "The Rookie: North" introduces Alex Holland who believed his midlife wasn't worthy of a crisis. But after a violent home invasion ignites a dormant purpose, Alex battles a lifetime of failed commitments by joining the Pierce County Police Department as a rookie. Policing from the urban coast to the rural forest where backup isn't just five minutes away, Alex must prove to his skeptical training officer, his fellow rookies and himself, that he's finally found something worthy of the fight. The all-new series stars Jay Ellis, Janet Montgomery, Karen Fukuhara, Chris Sullivan, Froy Gutierrez, Mya Lowe and Malik Watson.

"The Rookie: North" is a spinoff of "The Rookie," the long‑running hit series that was created by Alexi Hawley and recently renewed for a ninth season at ABC. Both series are produced by Lionsgate Television in partnership with 20th Television. Alexi Hawley will serve as executive producer and writer, with Nathan Fillion, Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross and Michelle Chapman also executive producing. Jay Ellis is a producer.

Follow "The Rookie: North" (#TheRookieNorth) on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, and TikTok.

*Source: Cross Platform analysis of Nielsen Linear + SCR data based on 7 days of viewing from the linear air date and streaming FSD. Includes pre-premieres. Broadcast original series only. Excludes, sports, specials, news and repeats. Linear based on Nielsen's Updated Big Data Plus Panel Sample (9/14/25-4/19/26).

icecream · 05-12-2026, 05:01 PM

With High Potential held for midseason, NCIS: Origins will be my live show by default and my only fall show on Tuesdays. Did ABC say anything about Jeopardy Masters? While I will still watch Celebrity Jeopardy, would have rather seen Masters on the fall lineup.

TMC · 05-12-2026, 08:22 PM

Why ABC renewed R.J. Decker and picked up The Rookie: North when it appeared to have room left for one more show

“Early on, it looked like it may be one slot that would go to either the freshman drama series starring Scott Speedman or the drama pilot starring Jay Ellis so ABC could keep the volume of scripted shows flat year to year,” says Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva. “It was touch and go for awhile, with the decision coming down to the wire.” Ari Goldman, ABC’s scheduling chief, tells Deadline: “Yeah, we had a lot of discussion heading into scheduling meetings and throughout that week about both of these shows. We are thrilled that not only we were able to renew R.J., but also that we’re adding to our slate for the second straight year with Rookie: North, that’s something that no other network can say heading into this upfront week.”

networkman · 05-13-2026, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icecream

With High Potential held for midseason, NCIS: Origins will be my live show by default and my only fall show on Tuesdays. Did ABC say anything about Jeopardy Masters? While I will still watch Celebrity Jeopardy, would have rather seen Masters on the fall lineup.

I am not interested in RJ Decker as well. It is ABC's newest drama. So I understand their reasoning with putting it on the Fall schedule and having it air after DWTS. If its retention is poor following DWTS, it should be a candidate for cancellation.

James28 · 07-12-2026, 02:56 AM

What do you think the lead-out program for ABC's first Super Bowl in 21 years (LXI) should be (on both ABC and ESPN)?

If I had to choose myself, it would be Shifting Gears. If only ABC's prime-time lineup weren't so tightened because of the Scrubs revival and the network weren't restricted to a single sitcom hour (the last half of which is filled by Abbott Elementary), Shifting Gears would be able to actually work a 20-plus-episode full season.

I hope ABC doesn't give the Super Bowl lead out to a spinoff (like 911: Nashville and The Rookie: North).

icecream · 07-12-2026, 04:24 PM

Postgame should go to High Potential. It already does well, but this could make High Potential explode like Grey's Anatomy did.

networkman · 07-17-2026, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James28

What do you think the lead-out program for ABC's first Super Bowl in 21 years (LXI) should be (on both ABC and ESPN)?

If I had to choose myself, it would be Shifting Gears. If only ABC's prime-time lineup weren't so tightened because of the Scrubs revival and the network weren't restricted to a single sitcom hour (the last half of which is filled by Abbott Elementary), Shifting Gears would be able to actually work a 20-plus-episode full season.

I hope ABC doesn't give the Super Bowl lead out to a spinoff (like 911: Nashville and The Rookie: North).

It will probably go to the Grey's Anatomy spin-off

James28 · 07-17-2026, 09:46 AM

^^No, it can't. No spinoffs on the Super Bowl lead-out slot, please. Besides, Grey's Anatomy itself was already the lead-out program for Super Bowl XL in 2006 (the last time ABC telecast the SB).

As much as I agree with High Potential, I would want the Super Bowl LXI lead-out slot to go to Shifting Gears. Those two (and maybe Will Trent, which will be in its fifth season next year, and RJ Decker) are the only four viable choices for the Super Bowl lead-out slot next year. I'm already too sick of the broadcast networks' insistence of launching spinoff shows as it is. I would also be itching to make as much room as possible for a 20-plus episode of Shifting Gears on the ABC schedule for it to get to broadcast syndication as quick as possible.

05-11-2026, 09:31 AM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,726	ABC Upfront/General News and Discussion: 2026-27 On the heels of a successful 2025-2026 broadcast season where ABC dominated the multiplatform rankings among Adults 18-49, the network announced its fall 2026 primetime schedule today. For the first time in ABC history, the network has renewed their entire scripted lineup and, for the second year in a row, will increase their original scripted slate in midseason with the addition of new series "The Rookie: North." In the second full season where Nielsen reported on competitive cross-platform broadcast ratings, ABC tops the charts with four of the Top 5 programs, including "High Potential" (No. 1), "Dancing with the Stars" (No. 3), "The Rookie" (No. 4) and "Abbott Elementary" (No. 5). In fact, ABC claims 10 of the Top 20, with the addition of "Scrubs" (No. 6), "9-1-1" (No. 9), "Grey's Anatomy" (No. 12), "9-1-1: Nashville" (No. 14), "Will Trent" (No. 16) and "Shifting Gears" (No. 17), more shows than any other broadcast network. Among Total Viewers, ABC claims four of the Top 10 programs including "High Potential" (No. 3), "Dancing with the Stars" (No. 5), "Will Trent" (No. 6) and "The Rookie" (No. 9). ABC also surged among younger viewers this season, with the network scoring the Top 3 programs among Adults 18-34, including "Dancing with the Stars" (No. 1), "The Rookie" (No. 2) and "High Potential" (No. 3).* "We enter this fall season from a position of undeniable strength," said President of Disney Television Group Craig Erwich. "Our focus has always been simple: Make the best shows on television and get them to audiences however they want to watch. That strategy continues to drive the success of ABC and Hulu - from legacy hits being embraced by new generations to breakout series becoming the next cultural touchstones. With a standout slate of comedies, dramas, unscripted and live programming, alongside marquee events like the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff, the GRAMMYSⓇ and the OscarsⓇ in 2027, our content engine is firing on all cylinders." ABC will air ESPN's "Monday Night Football" on most Monday nights, simulcast with ESPN. A detailed schedule will be announced later this week. Fans will head back to the ballroom on Tuesdays as juggernaut "Dancing with the Stars" returns for its 35th season, followed by the sophomore season of Scott Speedman-led drama "R.J. Decker." Wednesday nights kick off with a comedy block of this season's No. 1 new comedy, "Scrubs," and the award-winning, No. 1 comedy series "Abbott Elementary." "Celebrity Jeopardy!" and a new season of "Shark Tank" round out the night. Ryan Murphy's "9-1-1" and "9-1-1: Nashville" return to the action-packed Thursday night lineup alongside the longest-running medical drama, "Grey's Anatomy." Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White return to the wheel on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" Friday nights, followed by ABC News' top-rated newsmagazine "20/20," anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts. "America's Funniest Home Videos" leads Sunday nights followed by movies under "The Wonderful World of Disney" umbrella, kicking off with the world television premiere of "Inside Out 2." New seasons of previously announced returning series "The Bachelor," "Bachelor in Paradise," "High Potential," "Shifting Gears," "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" will debut in 2027. Also joining the lineup in 2027 is the expansion of "The Rookie" universe with the new drama, "The Rookie: North." Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later date, as well as additional midseason announcements. All episodes will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. ABC'S 2026 FALL PRIMETIME SCHEDULE (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific). DAY TIME SERIES MONDAY 8:00 p.m. ESPN's "Monday Night Football" TUESDAY 8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" 10:00 p.m. "R.J. Decker" WEDNESDAY 8:00 p.m. "Scrubs" 8:30 p.m. "Abbott Elementary" 9:00 p.m. "Celebrity Jeopardy!" 10:00 p.m. "Shark Tank" THURSDAY 8:00 p.m. "9-1-1" 9:00 p.m. "9-1-1: Nashville" 10:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy" FRIDAY 8:00 p.m. "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" 9:00 p.m. "20/20" (two hours) SATURDAY 7:30 p.m. College Football SUNDAY 7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos" 8:00 p.m. "The Wonderful World of Disney" THE ROOKIE: NORTH Expanding the universe, "The Rookie: North" introduces Alex Holland who believed his midlife wasn't worthy of a crisis. But after a violent home invasion ignites a dormant purpose, Alex battles a lifetime of failed commitments by joining the Pierce County Police Department as a rookie. Policing from the urban coast to the rural forest where backup isn't just five minutes away, Alex must prove to his skeptical training officer, his fellow rookies and himself, that he's finally found something worthy of the fight. The all-new series stars Jay Ellis, Janet Montgomery, Karen Fukuhara, Chris Sullivan, Froy Gutierrez, Mya Lowe and Malik Watson. "The Rookie: North" is a spinoff of "The Rookie," the long‑running hit series that was created by Alexi Hawley and recently renewed for a ninth season at ABC. Both series are produced by Lionsgate Television in partnership with 20th Television. Alexi Hawley will serve as executive producer and writer, with Nathan Fillion, Mark Gordon, Bill Norcross and Michelle Chapman also executive producing. Jay Ellis is a producer. Follow "The Rookie: North" (#TheRookieNorth) on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, and TikTok. *Source: Cross Platform analysis of Nielsen Linear + SCR data based on 7 days of viewing from the linear air date and streaming FSD. Includes pre-premieres. Broadcast original series only. Excludes, sports, specials, news and repeats. Linear based on Nielsen's Updated Big Data Plus Panel Sample (9/14/25-4/19/26).
	Last edited by TJ; 05-12-2026 at 12:08 PM.

05-12-2026, 05:01 PM	#2
icecream Cat-tastic and Whiskerlicious Forum Celebrity Join Date: Sep 01, 2006 Location: The Catacombs Posts: 20,872	With High Potential held for midseason, NCIS: Origins will be my live show by default and my only fall show on Tuesdays. Did ABC say anything about Jeopardy Masters? While I will still watch Celebrity Jeopardy, would have rather seen Masters on the fall lineup.
	__________________ Top 200 TV Shows https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards...14#post6225214 Top 150 Movies https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards...84#post6175384 Top 1100 Scripted TV Characters https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards...d.php?t=493306 Top Rookie TV Shows by Calendar Year https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards...d.php?t=365017 Top Movies by Calendar Year https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards...d.php?t=473533

07-12-2026, 02:56 AM	#5
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,992	What do you think the lead-out program for ABC's first Super Bowl in 21 years (LXI) should be (on both ABC and ESPN)? If I had to choose myself, it would be Shifting Gears. If only ABC's prime-time lineup weren't so tightened because of the Scrubs revival and the network weren't restricted to a single sitcom hour (the last half of which is filled by Abbott Elementary), Shifting Gears would be able to actually work a 20-plus-episode full season. I hope ABC doesn't give the Super Bowl lead out to a spinoff (like 911: Nashville and The Rookie: North).
	__________________ "When the run of a network TV show has ended, some go out with a bang, some with a whimper, but all are...Future Endeavored." "Stay Safe"? More like "Stay Sad". #2020Hurts

05-12-2026, 08:22 PM	#3
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 127,035	Why ABC renewed R.J. Decker and picked up The Rookie: North when it appeared to have room left for one more show “Early on, it looked like it may be one slot that would go to either the freshman drama series starring Scott Speedman or the drama pilot starring Jay Ellis so ABC could keep the volume of scripted shows flat year to year,” says Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva. “It was touch and go for awhile, with the decision coming down to the wire.” Ari Goldman, ABC’s scheduling chief, tells Deadline: “Yeah, we had a lot of discussion heading into scheduling meetings and throughout that week about both of these shows. We are thrilled that not only we were able to renew R.J., but also that we’re adding to our slate for the second straight year with Rookie: North, that’s something that no other network can say heading into this upfront week.”

07-12-2026, 04:24 PM	#6
icecream Cat-tastic and Whiskerlicious Forum Celebrity Join Date: Sep 01, 2006 Location: The Catacombs Posts: 20,872	Postgame should go to High Potential. It already does well, but this could make High Potential explode like Grey's Anatomy did.

07-17-2026, 09:46 AM	#8
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,992	^^No, it can't. No spinoffs on the Super Bowl lead-out slot, please. Besides, Grey's Anatomy itself was already the lead-out program for Super Bowl XL in 2006 (the last time ABC telecast the SB). As much as I agree with High Potential, I would want the Super Bowl LXI lead-out slot to go to Shifting Gears. Those two (and maybe Will Trent, which will be in its fifth season next year, and RJ Decker) are the only four viable choices for the Super Bowl lead-out slot next year. I'm already too sick of the broadcast networks' insistence of launching spinoff shows as it is. I would also be itching to make as much room as possible for a 20-plus episode of Shifting Gears on the ABC schedule for it to get to broadcast syndication as quick as possible.