It may be hard to believe, but we’re already reaching fall finales, meaning your favorite shows will be briefly going on hiatus, some for just a few weeks and some a bit longer. But it also means midseason is here, with several favorites returning with new seasons and new series premiering.
ABC was the first broadcast network to release its midseason schedule, featuring the returns of Will Trent and The Rookie after last spring’s finales on January 6. The schedule also sets High Potential, 9-1-1, Grey’s Anatomy, and other series’ midseason premieres early on in January. American Idol is back with a new season, moving to Mondays, while the next Bachelorette lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, will be looking for love on Sundays now, beginning in March.
Fox was next with its schedule, which includes Best Medicine and Memory of a Killer, on January 6 and 26, respectively. Also in its lineup are unscripted favorite The Masked Singer and the new Fear Factor, House of Fear, as well as the returns of comedies Animal Control and Going Dutch. The other broadcast networks have yet to announce their premiere dates, but we do know shows that will be joining each’s schedule. CBS will add CIA and Y: Marshals, while NBC has The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.
The Mid-Season Magic of 2026
Okay, TV fans—you know the drill. The fall shows have settled in, we’ve had the sweeps and big premieres, and now the real fun starts: mid-season 2026. This is that golden window where networks debut new shows and bring back returning favourites. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you’ll want to mark your calendar now.
In this article we’ll walk through everything: why networks launch mid-season, what big shows are returning, what new series to watch, and of course the full list of premiere & return dates from the major networks.
Why Mid-Season Matters in 2026
What is “mid-season” anyway?
Mid-season typically refers to shows that launch or return roughly between January and March (sometimes into April) rather than the traditional fall kickoff. It’s a strategic time slot for networks.
Why networks lean into mid-season
Networks do this for a few reasons:
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They fill the gap after fall shows wind down.
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They launch with less competition (sports and big events are over).
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They test new ideas without the spend and hype of fall.
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They bring back proven hits to keep viewers engaged.
What’s different in 2026
For 2026 the mid-season is stacked: returning megahits, major milestone episodes (hello 800th episode of The Simpsons), and fresh series ready to steal spotlight. Networks are shaking things up. For example, Fox announced the 800th episode of The Simpsons and the return of Family Guy—along with new dramas. Meanwhile ABC laid out a full mid-season lineup with returning hits and premieres.
Network by Network: What to Know
ABC’s Mid-Season 2026 Lineup
ABC unveiled its mid-season schedule with strong returns and new premieres. Key highlights:
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Sunday, Jan 4: America’s Funniest Home Videos Season 36 returns (7:00 p.m.)
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Tuesday, Jan 6: Will Trent Season 4 premiere at 8 p.m.; High Potential Season 2 midseason return at 9 p.m.; The Rookie Season 8 premiere at 10 p.m.
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Wednesday, Jan 7: Shifting Gears Season 2 return; Abbott Elementary Season 5 return; Shark Tank Season 17 return.
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Thursday, Jan 8: 9‑1‑1 Season 9; 9‑1‑1: Nashville Season 1; Grey’s Anatomy Season 22.
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Monday, Jan 26: American Idol Season 24 premiere.
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Wednesday, Feb 25: Scrubs (two-episode series premiere/revival) at 8 p.m.
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Friday, Feb 27: Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars Season 4 premiere at 8 p.m.
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Sunday, March 22: The Bachelorette Season 22 premiere at 8 p.m.
Fox’s Mid-Season 2026 Lineup
Fox is bringing the big guns. Highlights:
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Tuesday, Jan 6: Best Medicine (series premiere) at 8 p.m. – a remake of Doc Martin style medical drama.
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Wednesday, Jan 7: The Masked Singer two-hour Season 14 premiere at 8 p.m.
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Wednesday, Jan 14: 9 p.m. premiere of Fear Factor: House of Fear
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Monday, Jan 26: 9 p.m. series premiere of Memory of a Killer starring Patrick Dempsey.
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Sunday, Feb 15: 8 p.m. milestone episode: The Simpsons’ 800th episode; 9:30 p.m. Family Guy Season 24 premiere (450th episode).
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Sunday, Feb 22: 9 p.m. American Dad! Season 20 premiere.
CBS, NBC and Other Networks: What’s in Store
While ABC and Fox have already dropped full mid-season schedules, the other majors are a bit more ambiguous at present:
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CBS is confirmed to introduce titles like CIA and Y: Marshals in mid-season 2026.
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NBC’s detailed mid-season slate hasn’t been fully announced yet but expect returns and new series.
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The rolling nature of mid-season means keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Big-Picture Highlights You Need to Know
Milestone Episodes
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The Simpsons (800th episode) on Fox Sunday, Feb 15.
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Family Guy 450th episode on Sunday, Feb 15 (Season 24) on Fox.
Surprise Returns and Revivals
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Scrubs returns Wednesday, Feb 25 on ABC.
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American Dad! returns on Fox Sunday, Feb 22 (Season 20) after migrating back.
New Series to Watch
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Best Medicine (Fox, Jan 6)
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Memory of a Killer (Fox, Jan 26)
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The Bachelorette (ABC, March 22) shifts to Sundays.
Time-Slot Shuffles & Strategy
Networks are shifting their anchor shows: e.g., American Idol moving to Mondays on ABC starting Jan 26. These shifts are strategic—they aim to maximize live viewership and streaming spillover.
Full List: Mid-Season Premiere & Return Dates (so far)
ABC Key Dates
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Jan 4 (Sun) 7:00 p.m. – America’s Funniest Home Videos (Season 36 return)
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Jan 6 (Tue) 8:00 p.m. – Will Trent (Season 4 premiere)
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Jan 6 (Tue) 9:00 p.m. – High Potential (Season 2 return)
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Jan 6 (Tue) 10:00 p.m. – The Rookie (Season 8 premiere)
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Jan 7 (Wed) 8:00 p.m. – Shifting Gears (Season 2 return)
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Jan 7 (Wed) 8:30 p.m. – Abbott Elementary (Season 5 return)
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Jan 7 (Wed) 10:00 p.m. – Shark Tank (Season 17 return)
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Jan 8 (Thu) 8:00 p.m. – 9-1-1 (Season 9 return)
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Jan 8 (Thu) 9:00 p.m. – 9-1-1: Nashville (Season 1 return)
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Jan 8 (Thu) 10:00 p.m. – Grey’s Anatomy (Season 22 return)
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Jan 9 (Fri) 8:00 p.m. – Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (Season 6 return)
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Jan 9 (Fri) 9:00 p.m. – 20/20 (Season 48 return)
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Jan 26 (Mon) 8:00 p.m. – American Idol (Season 24 premiere)
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Feb 25 (Wed) 8:00 p.m. – Scrubs (two-episode series premiere)
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Feb 27 (Fri) 8:00 p.m. – Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars (Season 4 premiere)
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March 22 (Sun) 8:00 p.m. – The Bachelorette (Season 22 premiere)
Fox Key Dates
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Jan 6 (Tue) 8:00 p.m. – Best Medicine (Series premiere)
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Jan 7 (Wed) 8:00 p.m. – The Masked Singer (Season 14 two-hour premiere)
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Jan 14 (Wed) 9:00 p.m. – Fear Factor: House of Fear (Series premiere)
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Jan 26 (Mon) 9:00 p.m. – Memory of a Killer (Series premiere)
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Feb 15 (Sun) 8:00 p.m. – The Simpsons’ 800th episode; 9:30 p.m. Family Guy (Season 24 premiere)
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Feb 22 (Sun) 9:00 p.m. – American Dad! (Season 20 premiere)
Others to Watch (CBS, NBC etc.)
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CBS: CIA & Y: Marshals planned for mid-season 2026.
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NBC: Full schedule yet to be finalized; anticipate the usual mix of returning dramas, comedies, and unscripted shows.
Tips for TV Fans: How to Stay Ahead
Use a Countdown or Calendar
It helps to set reminders for Jan/Feb launches. Many schedules drop just before or during holiday breaks.
Consider Streaming & DVR
Many shows now debut on networks and streaming the next day. Always check if your favourite show will drop early online.
Be Flexible with Time-Slots
Networks often shift shows mid-season (or swap nights). Keep an eye on promos.
Prioritise Must-Watch Shows
If you have limited time, pick the shows that matter most to you: returning favourites, new series you’re excited about, and milestone events.
Engage on Social Media
Many shows create buzz around premieres—join the conversation on X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok. You’ll get extra content, spoilers, live chats, etc.
What This Means for Advertisers & Streaming
Ad Opportunities
Mid-season launches often bring strong live-viewership because viewers are back after holiday breaks. Advertisers can benefit from fresher content and less clutter.
Streaming Synergy
Networks are leaning into streaming pickups. Many mid-season shows will be available on platforms the next day, which means the initial premiere drives buzz, and streaming extends the lifecycle.
Viewer Behaviour Trends
With more people time-shifting or streaming, networks must maximize the first-week impact. That’s why you’ll see big premiere nights and promotional pushes during this window.
Challenges & Considerations
Competing with Events
Even mid-season can be impacted by major live events (sports championships, awards shows). Those can skew ratings.
Audience Fragmentation
With so many platforms, viewers are spread across choices. A mid-season show must stand out.
Scheduling Risk
Shows launching mid-season may face short runs, quick burn-offs, or tighter episodes. Less room for error.
The Big Takeaway
Mid-season 2026 is a TV lover’s playground. With strong returns, new series, milestone episodes and network shake-ups, there’s plenty to watch, discuss and stream. Being plugged in now means you won’t miss a beat—and you’ll have a front-row seat when your favourite show comes back or a new one emerges.
Keep that calendar ready, set up alerts, and get ready to binge, DVR, or stream. The next few months are going to be a wild ride in televisual land.
Conclusion
There you have it—the full rundown of what we know so far for mid-season 2026 across major networks: key dates, returning favourites, exciting premieres, and what you need to keep on your radar. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a devoted TV aficionado, this schedule shift matters. It’s the moment when your favourite show comes roaring back, a fresh story catches fire, or the network changes the game. So get ready, mark your dates, and let the shows begin. You’ll be ahead of the game.
