When it comes to primetime television, survival isn’t guaranteed. One week you’re trending, the next you’re canceled. But right now? Things are looking incredibly bright for two of ABC’s biggest scripted hits — The Rookie and 9-1-1.

According to industry chatter and early performance indicators, both series are in strong positions for renewal for the 2026–2027 season. And honestly? It makes perfect sense.

Let’s break down why these two fan-favorites are standing tall while other shows hold their breath.

The Power of Consistency in a Shifting TV Landscape

Television has changed. Streaming competition is brutal. Audience loyalty is fragile. Yet some shows keep delivering steady numbers year after year.

That’s exactly what The Rookie and 9-1-1 have done.

They don’t just survive — they dominate their time slots and pull reliable viewership across platforms. In today’s fragmented media world, consistency is gold. ABC knows it.

Why The Rookie Continues to Defy Expectations

A Concept That Still Feels Fresh

When The Rookie premiered starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, a middle-aged man chasing his dream of becoming an LAPD officer, it sounded like a gamble.

Fast forward years later, and it’s one of ABC’s most dependable dramas.

Why?

Because the premise isn’t just about crime. It’s about reinvention. It’s about second chances. And who doesn’t connect with that?

Character-Driven Storytelling Keeps Viewers Invested

Procedurals live or die by their characters. If we don’t care about the people behind the badge, we stop watching.

The Rookie understands that balance. High-stakes police work meets personal vulnerability. Relationships evolve. Conflicts feel human. Stakes feel real.

That emotional core keeps fans coming back — not just for action, but for connection.

Strong Multi-Platform Performance

Linear ratings are only half the story now. Streaming, delayed viewing, and social media engagement matter just as much.

The Rookie consistently performs well across digital platforms, making it more valuable than raw overnight numbers suggest. In renewal math, that matters — a lot.

9-1-1 — A Franchise That Became a Lifeline for ABC

A Strategic Move That Paid Off

When 9-1-1 transitioned to ABC after originating on another network, some questioned the move.

But the gamble paid off.

The Ryan Murphy-produced procedural quickly became one of ABC’s top-rated dramas. It brought a loyal audience and delivered adrenaline-fueled storytelling that fit perfectly into ABC’s lineup.

Big Set Pieces, Bigger Emotional Impact

Let’s be honest — few shows stage disasters like 9-1-1.

From earthquakes to plane crashes, it’s spectacle television. But beneath the chaos is heart. Firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers aren’t superheroes — they’re people.

That balance between large-scale emergencies and intimate character arcs gives the show staying power.

Strong Ensemble Cast Appeal

An ensemble that clicks is rare. But 9-1-1 built chemistry that feels authentic.

Audiences don’t just tune in for emergencies. They tune in for relationships — friendships, romances, mentorships. When characters grow, fans grow with them.

That loyalty translates into renewal security.

ABC’s Bigger Strategy for 2026–2027

Renewals aren’t emotional decisions. They’re strategic investments.

ABC’s programming slate depends on stable anchors. Shows like The Rookie and 9-1-1 provide predictable ratings, strong advertiser appeal, and built-in fanbases.

In an unpredictable market, stability wins.

The Importance of Franchise Identity

Procedurals build brand identity.

9-1-1 strengthens ABC’s action-drama reputation. The Rookie reinforces its character-driven storytelling strength.

Together, they form a dependable block that keeps viewers locked in for hours.

That kind of programming synergy is difficult to replace.

Ratings Trends and Audience Retention

While specific season numbers fluctuate, both shows have demonstrated resilience.

Retention rates remain competitive.
Streaming performance boosts total viewership.
International markets add long-term value.

Networks don’t just analyze “Who’s watching tonight?” They analyze “Who will keep watching next year?”

Both series pass that test.

Fan Engagement — The Hidden Renewal Factor

Social media conversations, fan art, online communities — these aren’t just noise.

They’re measurable indicators of passion.

Shows that trend generate cultural relevance. Cultural relevance drives longevity.

You can cancel a show with weak engagement. You hesitate to cancel one with an active, vocal fanbase.

Production Efficiency and Cost Control

Renewals also depend on production logistics.

Long-running shows often benefit from established production pipelines. Crew familiarity, streamlined workflows, and predictable budgets make renewals less risky.

By 2026–2027, both series will have optimized their operations, strengthening their business case.

Competition Within ABC’s Slate

Let’s be real — not every show can survive.

But when executives compare performance, The Rookie and 9-1-1 consistently rank among stronger scripted performers.

In renewal season, outperforming internal competition is half the battle.

The Franchise Effect — Longevity Through Evolution

Spinoff Potential and Crossovers

Procedural universes thrive on expansion.

Crossovers boost ratings.
Spinoffs extend brand life.
Shared universes deepen fan investment.

Both The Rookie and 9-1-1 have storytelling structures that allow expansion — a key long-term advantage.

Why Viewers Still Care in 2026

Television fatigue is real. So why are these shows still relevant?

Because they evolve.

Characters age.
Relationships shift.
Storylines mature.

Audiences don’t feel stuck in repetition. They feel like they’re watching lives unfold.

Advertiser Confidence Matters

Advertisers favor predictable performers. A stable demographic, consistent engagement, and cross-platform reach equal revenue security.

That financial stability makes renewal far more likely.

What Could Threaten Renewal?

No show is untouchable.

Rising production costs.
Unexpected ratings dips.
Creative burnout.

But as of current projections, neither series shows significant red flags heading into the 2026–2027 cycle.

Industry Confidence and Early Indicators

Industry insiders often spot renewal signals months in advance:

• Scheduling stability
• Script development timelines
• Contract negotiations
• Marketing commitments

All signs suggest ABC views both dramas as valuable long-term assets.

Why Cancellation Seems Unlikely Right Now

Canceling either series would create a gap in ABC’s lineup — one that would be difficult to fill quickly.

Why remove something reliable when so much else is uncertain?

In television, reliability is currency.

And both shows are wealthy.

Conclusion: ABC’s Safe Bets for 2026–2027

If current trends hold, The Rookie and 9-1-1 are not just likely renewals — they’re strategic pillars for ABC’s upcoming season.

They deliver ratings.
They drive streaming.
They maintain loyal audiences.
They support advertiser confidence.

In a world where shows disappear overnight, these two dramas look firmly planted.

Renewal isn’t official until announced. But all signs point toward another year of sirens, suspense, and second chances.

And honestly? Fans wouldn’t have it any other way.