ABC Announces 2026 Midseason Premiere Dates

Disney has announced details on its 2026 midseason premiere dates, featuring a slate of hilarious comedies, thrilling dramas, and high-stakes unscripted series, including “Will Trent”, “The Rookie”, “Abbott Elementary”, “Shifting Gears”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “9-1-1” and much more.  

Also returning in 2026 is the hit comedy series, “Scrubs”, which is being revived with Zach Braff, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke returning.  In the revival, JD and Turk scrub in together for the first time in a long time: Medicine has changed; interns have changed; but their bromance has stood the test of time. Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.

Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said in a statement regarding the new midseason premiere dates:

“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.”

It’s been revealed that “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will kick off the week on Sunday, 4th January 2026 and it will be followed two days later with the season four premiere of “Will Trent”.

“High Potential” will also make its midseason return, along with the Season 8 premiere of “The Rookie.”  The hit comedies “Shifting Gears” and “Abbott Elementary” return on Wednesday nights, followed by the return of “Shark Tank.”

Thursdays will see “9-1-1,” “9-1-1: Nashville” and “Grey’s Anatomy” return, with “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” and Friday’s most-watched newsmagazine, ABC News’ “20/20,” rounding out the week.

It’s also been confirmed that “NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC” will return for select Saturdays from January 24th 2025 (Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks). 

Other shows returning next year include the ninth season of “American Idol”, along with Ken Jennings-hosted “Celebrity Jeopardy!”, which returns for Season 4 with a brand-new All-Stars Tournament.  While the drama-filled season premiere of “The Bachelorette” starring “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul and hosted by Jesse Palmer kicks off on its new night, Sunday, March 22.

As previously announced, new drama series “RJ Decker” (working title) starring Scott Speedman will debut in 2026. The premiere date will be announced at a later time. With this newest addition to the schedule, ABC ups its drama count to seven series, and 10 scripted series overall.

Here is the schedule for early 2026:  

Note: All times listed are Eastern/Pacific. All original programming will stream the next day on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.

SUNDAY, JAN. 4

• 7:00 p.m.          “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (Season 36 Return)

TUESDAY, JAN. 6

• 8:00 p.m.          “Will Trent” (Season 4 Premiere)
• 9:00 p.m.          “High Potential” (Season 2 Midseason Return)
• 10:00 p.m.        “The Rookie” (Season 8 Premiere)

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7

• 8:00 p.m.          “Shifting Gears” (Season 2 Midseason Return)
• 8:30 p.m.         “Abbott Elementary” (Season 5 Midseason Return)
• 10:00 p.m.        “Shark Tank” (Season 17 Midseason Return)

THURSDAY, JAN. 8

• 8:00 p.m.          “9-1-1” (Season 9 Midseason Return)
• 9:00 p.m.          “9-1-1: Nashville” (Season 1 Midseason Return)
• 10:00 p.m.        “Grey’s Anatomy” (Season 22 Midseason Return)

FRIDAY, JAN, 9

• 8:00 p.m.          “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” (Season 6 Midseason Return)
• 9:00 p.m.         “20/20” (Season 48 Midseason Return)

SATURDAY, JAN. 24

• 8:00 p.m.          “Inside the NBA”
• 8:30 p.m.         Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

MONDAY, JAN. 26

• 8:00 p.m.          “American Idol” (Season 24 Premiere)

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25

• 8:00 p.m.          “Scrubs” (Two-Episode Series Premiere)

FRIDAY, FEB. 27

• 8:00 p.m.          “Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars” (Season 4 Premiere)

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

• 8:00 p.m.          “The Bachelorette” (Season 22 Premiere)

 

It’s also important to note that these release dates are just for the United States and the international Disney+ release details for some of these shows will likely be different.

Which show are you looking forward to returning in 2026?  Let me know on social media!