Full Breakdown
ABC Announces 2026 Midseason Premiere Dates
10/28/2025, 11:11:12 PM
Overview of the Midseason Schedule
ABC has unveiled its midseason premiere dates for 2026, featuring a mix of returning favorites and new series. The schedule kicks off on January 4 with the return of "America's Funniest Home Videos" for its 36th season. Following this, several popular dramas and comedies will return, including "Will Trent" (Season 4) and "The Rookie" (Season 8), both premiering on January 6. The midseason also marks the highly anticipated return of the sitcom "Scrubs," which will debut its revival on February 25 with back-to-back episodes.
Key Dates and Programming
The midseason schedule includes the following key dates and programming:
- Sunday, January 4: "America’s Funniest Home Videos" (Season 36 Return)
- Tuesday, January 6:
- "Will Trent" (Season 4 Premiere)
- "High Potential" (Season 2 Midseason Return)
- "The Rookie" (Season 8 Premiere)
- Wednesday, January 7:
- "Shifting Gears" (Season 2 Midseason Return)
- "Abbott Elementary" (Season 5 Midseason Return)
- "Shark Tank" (Season 17 Midseason Return)
- Thursday, January 8:
- "9-1-1" (Season 9 Midseason Return)
- "9-1-1: Nashville" (Season 1 Midseason Return)
- "Grey’s Anatomy" (Season 22 Midseason Return)
- Friday, January 9:
- "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" (Season 6 Midseason Return)
- "20/20" (Season 48 Midseason Return)
- Saturday, January 24:
- "Inside the NBA"
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Monday, January 26: "American Idol" (Season 24 Premiere)
- Wednesday, February 25: "Scrubs" (Two-Episode Series Premiere)
- Friday, February 27: "Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars" (Season 4 Premiere)
- Sunday, March 22: "The Bachelorette" (Season 22 Premiere)
Notable Changes and Highlights
"American Idol" will return on January 26, marking its 24th season overall, with a new twist as Hollywood Week moves to Nashville. The revival of "Scrubs" features original stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke, alongside a new cast, and is positioned as a continuation of the beloved series after a 15-year hiatus. Additionally, "The Bachelorette," featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, will shift to Sunday nights, premiering on March 22.
Official Statements
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, emphasized the network's commitment to quality programming, stating, “Across ABC and its streaming home on Hulu, we have the best shows on television, from acclaimed dramas to standout comedies and unscripted hits. Our midseason schedule underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional storytelling and engaging content to audiences wherever they choose to watch.”
Conclusion
ABC's midseason schedule for 2026 promises a robust lineup of returning series and new content, catering to a wide range of viewer preferences. With the return of "Scrubs" and the continuation of popular shows like "American Idol" and "The Bachelorette," the network aims to maintain its strong viewership and engagement across platforms.
