ABC Renews Key Scripted Series for 2026-2027 Season

ABC has confirmed the renewal of three popular scripted series for the 2026-2027 broadcast season: “High Potential,” “9-1-1,” and its spinoff “9-1-1: Nashville.” This decision follows the network's earlier announcement regarding the renewal of “Abbott Elementary” for its sixth season.

Deadline Hollywood

“High Potential,” which stars Kaitlin Olson as a single mother with a remarkable intellect who partners with a seasoned detective, will return for its third season. The series, created by Drew Goddard, has been a standout performer for ABC, averaging 12.67 million viewers and ranking first among broadcast shows for adults aged 18-49 with a 2.36 rating. However, the show will see a change in leadership as Todd Harthan steps down as showrunner to focus on developing a live-action adaptation of Christopher Paolini’s “Eragon” for Disney+.

Hollywood Reporter

“9-1-1,” created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, will enter its tenth season, having previously aired six seasons on Fox before moving to ABC. The show follows first responders navigating high-pressure situations while managing their personal lives. It has maintained strong viewership, ranking eighth among network series for adults 18-49 with a 1.38 rating and averaging 7.82 million total viewers.

Hollywood Reporter

“9-1-1: Nashville,” the latest addition to the franchise, will return for its second season. This series explores the lives of first responders in Nashville, blending their professional challenges with a family saga set in a vibrant city. It has also performed well, ranking as TV’s number one new drama in the 18-49 demographic.

9-1-1, 9-1-1: Nashville, and High Potential Renewed at ABC

The renewals of these series highlight ABC's strategy to solidify its scripted programming lineup, particularly as “High Potential” has emerged as the network's most-watched show for two consecutive years. The success of these series reflects a growing trend in viewership for procedural dramas that resonate with audiences across various platforms, including streaming services.

Hollywood Reporter

ABC's decision to renew these series underscores their commitment to producing content that appeals to a broad audience. The network's programming strategy appears focused on maintaining successful franchises while also exploring new narratives, as evidenced by the upcoming changes in “High Potential.”

Hollywood Reporter

While the renewals have generally been well-received, some critics have expressed concerns about the reliance on established franchises rather than introducing new concepts. The shift in showrunners for “High Potential” has also raised questions about the future direction of the series.

9-1-1, 9-1-1: Nashville, and High Potential Renewed at ABC

• “What we’re plotting and planning, it has a different flavor than what we did last year, but I think it’s gonna be even more personal, even more propulsive, even more surprising than what we did in Season 1, because we’ve learned some things and the characters have gotten richer,” — Todd Harthan, Former Showrunner of “High Potential.”

Deadline Hollywood

As the 2026-2027 season approaches, viewers can anticipate the continuation of these series, with “High Potential” set to announce a new showrunner and both “9-1-1” series preparing for their upcoming seasons. The network's strategic renewals indicate a focus on maintaining high viewership while adapting to audience preferences.

Deadline Hollywood