Quick Answer
ABC has unveiled its Fall 2026 primetime schedule, and it is historic: for the first time ever, the network has renewed its entire scripted lineup. No cancellations, no cliffhanger anxiety, and no scrambling to replace dead shows in January.
The headline move is a completely rebuilt Thursday night, anchored by the flagship first responder drama 9-1-1 and the brand new spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville, with Grey's Anatomy closing the night at 10pm. Wednesdays stay firmly in comedy territory with Scrubs and Abbott Elementary, while Sundays keep the family friendly comfort of America's Funniest Home Videos and The Wonderful World of Disney.
The short answer
ABC has unveiled its Fall 2026 primetime schedule, and it is historic: for the first time ever, the network has renewed its entire scripted lineup. No cancellations, no cliffhanger anxiety, and no scrambling to replace dead shows in January.
The headline move is a completely rebuilt Thursday night, anchored by the flagship first responder drama 9-1-1 and the brand new spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville, with Grey's Anatomy closing the night at 10pm. Wednesdays stay firmly in comedy territory with Scrubs and Abbott Elementary, while Sundays keep the family friendly comfort of America's Funniest Home Videos and The Wonderful World of Disney.
I follow network television scheduling closely, and this upfront announcement is one of the most unusual I have seen in years. Here is the full night by night breakdown and what it means for viewers.
ABC Fall 2026 schedule: night by night
ABC has kept most of its hits in place while using the new spinoffs to strengthen weaker nights. Here is what the schedule actually looks like:
- Sunday: America's Funniest Home Videos at 7pm, followed by The Wonderful World of Disney at 8pm.
- Monday: Dancing with the Stars leads into The Bachelor franchise programming.
- Tuesday: The Rookie holds the 8pm slot, followed by Will Trent at 9pm.
- Wednesday (Comedy Block): Scrubs at 8pm, Abbott Elementary at 8:30pm, Celebrity Jeopardy! at 9pm, and Shark Tank at 10pm.
- Thursday (First Responders + Medical): 9-1-1 at 8pm, 9-1-1: Nashville at 9pm, and Grey's Anatomy at 10pm.
- Friday: High Potential anchors the night at 8pm.
The Thursday lineup is the biggest change. Moving Grey's Anatomy to 10pm gives the show a stable lead in from the 9-1-1 franchise, while 9-1-1: Nashville gets the 9pm slot where it can build an audience without competing directly against CBS's strongest comedies.
What is 9-1-1: Nashville about?
The new spinoff follows emergency responders in Nashville, Tennessee, where the music city's unique geography and rural sprawl create different rescue challenges than the Los Angeles and Austin settings of the existing 9-1-1 shows.
ABC has confirmed that Angela Bassett will executive produce and make recurring appearances as Athena Grant, creating a direct thread between the original and the spinoff. The showrunner is Tim Minear, who has guided the franchise since its Fox days.
The Nashville setting also opens the door for country music guests and local celebrity cameos, which ABC will almost certainly use to promote the show during CMA season.
Which shows are returning?
Almost everything. ABC's decision to renew every scripted show on its 2025 to 2026 schedule means viewers do not have to worry about surprise cancellations.
- Comedy: Abbott Elementary, Scrubs.
- Drama: 9-1-1, Grey's Anatomy, The Rookie, Will Trent, High Potential.
- Unscripted: Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, Celebrity Jeopardy!, America's Funniest Home Videos, The Wonderful World of Disney.
The only question marks are midseason placements. The Rookie, Will Trent, and High Potential are currently scheduled for fall, but ABC may shift some episodes to midseason depending on production schedules and sports preemptions.
What is coming in midseason 2027?
ABC is holding several shows and new projects for the spring 2027 window. The most significant is The Rookie: North, a second spinoff of the Nathan Fillion police procedural that will reportedly be set in Alaska.
Other midseason entries include a still untitled medical drama from Shonda Rhimes's production company, and a limited series adaptation of a bestselling thriller novel that ABC has not yet named publicly.
Midseason premieres typically launch between January and March, after the fall shows have aired enough episodes to establish their ratings baseline and after the NFL and college football broadcast windows clear.
When does the ABC Fall 2026 season start?
New seasons of returning shows typically premiere in late September 2026, with the official start of the broadcast television season traditionally the week after Labor Day.
ABC will use its summer promotional slots during NBA Finals coverage and the network's reality competition shows to tease the new Thursday lineup and the Nashville spinoff.
The takeaway
ABC's Fall 2026 schedule is a vote of confidence in its existing roster. By renewing every scripted show and building new spinoffs around proven franchises, the network is betting that stability and familiarity will win the ratings war against streaming.
For viewers, the message is simple: your shows are safe, the new Thursday night looks strong, and there is more 9-1-1 on the way.
Frequently asked questions
Did ABC cancel any shows for Fall 2026?
No. For the first time in its history, ABC renewed its entire scripted lineup. No shows were cancelled heading into the 2026 to 2027 season.
When does 9-1-1: Nashville premiere?
9-1-1: Nashville will premiere in Fall 2026 as part of the new Thursday night lineup at 9pm, following the original 9-1-1 at 8pm.
Is Grey's Anatomy moving time slots?
Yes. Grey's Anatomy moves to 10pm on Thursdays for Fall 2026, following 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville.
What day is Abbott Elementary on in Fall 2026?
Abbott Elementary remains on Wednesday nights at 8:30pm, following Scrubs at 8pm.
What new shows are coming to ABC in 2026?
The biggest new addition is 9-1-1: Nashville. ABC is also developing The Rookie: North for midseason 2027, along with an untitled Shondaland medical drama and a limited thriller series.
