ABC’s Fall 2026 TV Schedule Revealed: All the New Shows, Returns, and Premiere Dates

ABC is sticking with what works for its fall 2026 television lineup, relying heavily on established shows while adding only a few newer series to the mix. The Disney-owned network is entering the new season with a schedule packed with familiar faces, including long-running dramas, popular comedies, and returning reality favorites.

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

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

The fall schedule shows that ABC is choosing stability over major 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. The lineup keeps the network’s biggest dramas together in a block designed to keep viewers watching throughout the night.

Wednesday nights will also remain familiar for comedy fans. Abbott Elementary will keep 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. The move replaces Shifting Gears, which previously held that spot.

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

The network’s Wednesday lineup will feature Scrubs season 2, Abbott Elementary season 6, Celebrity Jeopardy!, and Shark Tank. Thursday 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 plenty of returning hits, the fall schedule is noticeably lighter when it comes to scripted shows compared to some other networks. The reason is that several major series are being saved for the 2027 midseason instead.

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

The decision allows ABC to spread out its strongest shows instead of putting too many major releases against each other during the crowded fall television season.

One of the shows still creating questions is The Rookie: North, the upcoming spinoff of The Rookie. The series, starring Jay Ellis, has already been ordered, but ABC has not confirmed when it will officially premiere. The show is set in the Pacific Northwest and has already filmed a crossover episode with the original series, making it one of the network’s most anticipated upcoming projects.

ABC’s approach for fall 2026 shows the network is focusing on its proven hits rather than taking major risks. With longtime favorites continuing to perform well, the company appears comfortable building its schedule around shows viewers already know and enjoy.

The strategy also gives upcoming series more room to succeed by avoiding an overcrowded fall lineup. While fans may have to wait longer for some returning favorites, ABC’s fall schedule is designed to keep its strongest brands visible while preparing for a bigger wave of premieres in 2027.

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

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