ABC has set its premiere dates for the start of the 2025-26 TV season, with the likes of High Potential, Abbott Elementary and a pair of 911 series debuting over several weeks.

The network’s fall schedule is fairly stable, with anchor shows like Monday Night Football, Dancing With the Stars and 911 all staying in the spots they held last season. One notable change is that Abbott Elementary — the lone comedy on ABC’s lineup in fall 2024 — won’t have to go it alone. It will pair with Shifting Gears on Wednesday nights starting Oct. 1. Dancing With the Stars and High Potential — last season’s most watched new series — will lead off ABC’s entertainment slate, premiering on Sept. 16 in the same Tuesday spots they occupied a year ago. The Golden Bachelor and a relocated Shark Tank will debut Wednesday, Sept. 24, with the former getting a two-hour premiere and then moving back to 9 p.m. the following week to make space for the Shifting Gears-Abbott comedy block. Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will take over Shark Tank’s former Friday spot starting Sept. 26.

ABC’s Thursday lineup of 911, spinoff 911: Nashville and Grey’s Anatomy will be the last to roll out, with a scheduled date of Oct. 16 for all three shows. American Idol, The Bachelor, The Rookie, Will Trent and the recently ordered Scrubs revival are all set for 2026 premieres. ABC’s fall premiere dates are below. All times are ET/PT unless noted; new series denoted with an asterisk.

ABC Sets Fall Rollout for ‘High Potential,’ ‘Abbott Elementary’ and More Series

ABC is coming in hot this fall with a power-packed lineup of returning favorites and intriguing new shows. If you’re a fan of feel-good comedies, dramatic mysteries, or just crave quality television, you’re going to want to bookmark this schedule. Let’s break down what ABC has planned for Fall 2025 — and why you should be excited.

What’s New This Fall on ABC?

‘High Potential’ Makes a High-Stakes Debut

ABC’s newest crime procedural, ‘High Potential’, is already generating major buzz. This isn’t your average whodunit. The show follows a brilliant single mom with a knack for solving complex cases — and she’s not even a cop. She’s a cleaner for the police department who accidentally stumbles into a high-profile murder case and proves she’s got more brains than half the detectives on the force.

Think “Monk” meets “The Good Wife” — but with more heart and humor.

Returning Fan-Favorites That Are Back and Better

‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 4: More Laughs, More Lessons

‘Abbott Elementary’ continues to be ABC’s comedy crown jewel. The Emmy-winning mockumentary-style sitcom returns this fall with more chaotic classrooms, endearing teachers, and unexpected guest stars. Expect more witty one-liners, emotional moments, and some new faces walking the halls.

‘The Rookie’ & ‘The Rookie: Feds’

Both shows are coming back stronger. John Nolan and his squad face even more dangerous missions, while ‘The Rookie: Feds’ delves deeper into undercover ops and high-level investigations.

The Full Weekly ABC Fall 2025 Schedule

Here’s what your primetime lineup is going to look like:

Monday Nights

• 8 PM: ‘Dancing with the Stars’

• 10 PM: ‘The Good Doctor’ – Back with big medical twists.

Tuesday Nights

• 8 PM: ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’

• 9 PM: ‘Abbott Elementary’

• 9:30 PM: ‘Not Dead Yet’

• 10 PM: ‘High Potential’ (New Series)

Wednesday Nights

• 8 PM: ‘The Conners’

• 8:30 PM: ‘The Goldbergs’

• 9 PM: ‘Home Economics’

• 9:30 PM: ‘American Housewife’

• 10 PM: ‘A Million Little Things’

Thursday Nights

• 8 PM: ‘Station 19’

• 9 PM: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

• 10 PM: ‘Will Trent’

Friday Nights

• 8 PM: ‘Shark Tank’

• 9 PM: ‘20/20’

Sunday Nights

• 7 PM: ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’

• 8 PM: ‘The Wonderful World of Disney’

• 10 PM: Special programming (Rotates weekly)

Why ‘High Potential’ Could Be ABC’s Breakout Hit

Unique Storyline

Let’s be honest — procedural dramas are everywhere. But ‘High Potential’ flips the formula with a lead who’s not a trained officer. She’s relatable, hilarious, and smart as hell. That twist alone makes it a must-watch.

Single Mom Superpower

The lead character juggles solving crimes with raising kids. It’s a fresh take that adds emotional depth and real-world relatability.

Diverse Casting

ABC is doubling down on inclusivity, and this show reflects a broader slice of American life.

‘Abbott Elementary’ Keeps Getting Better

Award-Winning Writing

Already a critics’ darling, ‘Abbott’ delivers smart, socially aware comedy without getting preachy.

Teachers as Heroes

It keeps shining a light on the importance (and struggles) of educators. Teachers deserve the spotlight, and Abbott gives it to them with heart and humor.

Other New and Returning Shows to Watch

‘The Good Doctor’ Continues to Impress

With more medical emergencies, moral dilemmas, and character growth, Dr. Shaun Murphy remains one of ABC’s most compelling leads.

‘Will Trent’ Returns With Bigger Cases

Based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels, ‘Will Trent’ brings grit, suspense, and sharp twists to Thursday nights.

What ABC’s Fall Strategy Says About the Network

Smart Mix of Genres

ABC is balancing comedy, crime, and feel-good reality shows to appeal to every viewer. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt storytelling or high-stakes investigations, you’ll find something you love.

Ratings-Driven Programming

By stacking returning hits with promising newcomers, ABC is playing a long game that prioritizes audience loyalty and quality storytelling.

Risky Moves That Could Pay Off

Tuesday Night Shuffle

Placing a new drama like ‘High Potential’ at 10 PM after comedies like ‘Abbott Elementary’ is bold. But it might work. Light-hearted laughs followed by a crime-solving binge? Yes, please.

Keeping Legacy Shows Fresh

Instead of ditching long-time series, ABC’s investing in evolving their storylines — making old favorites feel new again.

How ABC Is Competing With Streaming Giants

Traditional TV With a Streaming Twist

Episodes are available next day on Hulu, giving fans the freedom to binge or go weekly.

Social Media Engagement

ABC’s shows are social media gold — especially ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Expect GIFs, memes, and trending moments.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Excited? Absolutely.

ABC’s 2025 fall rollout is more than just another network shuffle. It’s a carefully crafted mix of laugh-out-loud comedies, clever dramas, and impactful storytelling. With new gems like ‘High Potential’ and returning icons like ‘Abbott Elementary’, your fall TV calendar just got a lot more exciting.