
ABC has set its fall schedule with premiere dates for Ryan Murphy’s flagship 9-1-1 and new spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville. 9-1-1 will move to Thursdays from its previous Tuesday night slot beginning Thursday, Oct. 16 at 8 PM, followed by new spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville at 9 PM. The night will be capped off with television’s longest-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy at 10 PM. ABC’s breakout drama High Potential returns for its second season Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 10 PM following Dancing with the Stars, which kicks off its 20th anniversary year.
The Golden Bachelor returns Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8 PM, with a two-hour premiere featuring the latest golden man Mel Owens, a 66-year-old NFL veteran-turned-lawyer. It will be followed by a new season of Shark Tank at 10 PM. The Golden Bachelor moves to its regular timeslot on Wednesday, Oct. 1, following returning comedies Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary.
Ryan Seacrest kicks off his inaugural season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune alongside Vanna White on Friday, Sept. 29. It will be followed by new episodes of ABC News’ 20/20. America’s Funniest Home Videos returns Sunday, Sept. 28 as a lead-in to the broadcast premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Additional movies to air this fall include the broadcast premieres of Elemental, Avatar: The Way of Water and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been dying to know when your favorite ABC shows are coming back. The wait is finally over! ABC just dropped the full slate of Fall 2025 premiere dates, and it’s packed with drama, action, laughs, and a little sparkle on the dance floor. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, can’t get enough of the ‘9-1-1’ franchise, or are eager to see the buzzed-about newcomer ‘High Potential’, there’s something for everyone this season. Let’s break it all down, show by show, day by day.
ABC’s Fall 2025 Lineup – What’s New, What’s Returning, and When
The network’s strategy this year focuses on blockbuster returning series and a few fresh faces, all set to heat up your fall evenings. Here’s your go-to guide for everything premiering, rebooting, or returning on ABC this fall.
Monday Nights Just Got Intense
‘9-1-1’ Returns with Explosive New Episodes
Premiere Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
The high-octane drama that fans have followed for years is back – and not holding back. With a shift in location and heart-stopping rescues, expect ‘9-1-1’ Season 8 to deliver major twists.
‘High Potential’ Makes Its Series Debut
Premiere Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
ABC’s newest mystery procedural, ‘High Potential’, stars Kaitlin Olson as an unlikely crime-solver with a messy personal life and a brilliant mind. The buzz around this show is real – think Monk meets The Mentalist, but with more heart and humor.
Tuesdays Sparkle with ‘Dancing with the Stars’
The Ballroom is Back in Action
Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
It wouldn’t be fall without sequins and the cha-cha. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ kicks off with a glittery premiere and a cast full of surprises – including a viral TikTok star and a former NFL quarterback. Drama? Check. Twirls? Check. Unexpected eliminations? Always.
Wednesday Means Smart, Funny, and Fresh
‘Abbott Elementary’ Rings the Bell
Premiere Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Emmy-winning hit is back for Season 4, and the laughs just keep coming. Principal Ava’s antics, Gregory’s slow-burn charm, and Janine’s over-the-top enthusiasm are ready to make Wednesday nights must-watch again.
‘The Rookie’ Holds the Line
Premiere Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Expect higher stakes and bigger cases in Season 7 of ‘The Rookie’, as Officer Nolan faces his biggest challenge yet – training the next generation.
Thursday Nights Belong to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
A Legacy Series Enters Season 22
Premiere Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
The longest-running primetime medical drama, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, continues to make history. With Ellen Pompeo’s reduced role, all eyes are on the next generation of Grey Sloan’s brightest minds. Relationships will be tested, careers on the line, and yes – there will be tears.
‘Station 19’ Spinoff Update – What We Know
While ‘Station 19’ wrapped its final season earlier this year, rumors swirl about a new spinoff in development. ABC has stayed mum – but fans are hopeful.
Fridays Feature Comedy and Family
‘The Conners’ Brings Back Blue-Collar Heart
Premiere Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
The family we’ve grown up with is back for another season. ‘The Conners’ continues to tackle real-life issues with humor and heart – making it one of ABC’s most grounded (and underrated) sitcoms.
‘Not Dead Yet’ – Still Kicking and Still Hilarious
Premiere Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Gina Rodriguez returns in Season 3 of ‘Not Dead Yet’, balancing her quirky afterlife column with some surprisingly emotional character arcs.
Sunday = Drama, Drama, Drama
‘The Good Doctor’ Returns on a New Night
Premiere Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Now airing Sundays, ‘The Good Doctor’ takes a darker, more mature turn this season, as Shaun faces ethical dilemmas that hit close to home.
‘Will Trent’ Brings Crime-Solving Charm
Premiere Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Season 3 of ‘Will Trent’ promises more Southern sass, sharp cases, and character-driven storytelling that’s made it a fan-favorite sleeper hit.
New Series to Keep Your Eye On
‘High Potential’ – The One Everyone’s Talking About
With early buzz suggesting award potential, ‘High Potential’ is shaping up to be ABC’s breakout hit of 2025. The show flips the detective formula on its head and gives us a flawed yet fiercely lovable lead.
‘Judgment’ – Legal Drama with a Twist
Premiering midseason, ‘Judgment’ is a high-stakes legal thriller starring Sarah Shahi. While not on the fall schedule yet, it’s one to mark on your radar.
Notable Absences from the Lineup
Fans were quick to notice some missing titles. Here’s what’s not returning (yet):
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‘Big Sky’ – officially canceled after three seasons.
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‘The Wonder Years’ – no word yet on renewal.
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‘Home Economics’ – shelved indefinitely, possibly done.
Full List – ABC Fall 2025 Premiere Dates At A Glance
Date | Show |
---|---|
Sept 22 (Mon) | 9-1-1, High Potential |
Sept 23 (Tues) | Dancing with the Stars |
Sept 24 (Wed) | Abbott Elementary, The Rookie |
Sept 25 (Thurs) | Grey’s Anatomy |
Sept 26 (Fri) | The Conners, Not Dead Yet |
Sept 28 (Sun) | The Good Doctor, Will Trent |
Why This Lineup Matters to Viewers
ABC seems to be playing a smart game – balancing familiar comfort shows with fresh storytelling. The inclusion of ‘High Potential’ and strategic moves (like shifting ‘The Good Doctor’ to Sunday) show that ABC’s fall 2025 strategy is all about capturing attention and keeping viewers engaged all week long.
How Streaming Plays a Role in the Fall Schedule
Don’t forget: ABC’s shows stream next-day on Hulu, giving cord-cutters plenty of options to stay up to date without a traditional TV package.
Final Thoughts
The ABC Fall 2025 schedule offers a powerful mix of what we love and what we didn’t know we needed. From emotional medical moments in Grey’s to chaotic rescues in ‘9-1-1’ to a new kind of sleuth in ‘High Potential’, the season promises bold stories, fresh faces, and unforgettable drama.
So grab your snacks, set those DVRs (or streaming reminders), and get ready — fall TV is about to heat up.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Is ‘Station 19’ really over for good?
A1: Yes, ‘Station 19’ ended with its series finale in Spring 2025. However, rumors of a spinoff or revival continue to swirl.
Q2: Which new ABC show has the most hype for Fall 2025?
A2: Definitely ‘High Potential’ – early critics are calling it the next big procedural hit with an emotional twist.
Q3: Where can I stream ABC’s shows after they air?
A3: You can catch most ABC series on Hulu the day after they air live.
Q4: Will Ellen Pompeo appear in the new season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’?
A4: Yes, but in a limited capacity. Expect her to appear in a few key episodes.
Q5: Is ‘Big Sky’ coming back?
A5: No, ABC officially canceled ‘Big Sky’ earlier this year after Season 3.