As the holidays approach, many broadcast staples are headed for hiatus — and some, including “9-1-1,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “High Potential,” have already begun their tryptophan-induced comas. A handful of network favorites, such as “The Rookie” and “Will Trent,” skipped fall runs entirely, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their midseason returns.

Now that ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC have all unveiled their winter schedules, TVLine compiled a comprehensive calendar — in list form, alphabetized by show — of every confirmed scripted and unscripted series returning in the first quarter of 2026. Where applicable, we’ve included dates for each show’s final episodes of 2025, along with their first new episodes of the new year.

You’ll also find premiere dates and intel for a plethora of new (or “new”) offerings, including the “Doc Martin” adaptation “Best Medicine,” the “Scrubs” revival, and the “Yellowstone” offshoot “Y: Marshals.” All told, the list encompasses 74 shows, and we’ll continue updating it as more titles and dates are announced (or tweaked). In the meantime, if you have questions — or spot something we may have missed — drop a (polite) comment below and we’ll do our best to help.

2026 TV Premiere Guide: Every Major Network Return Date in One Place

If you’re the type who plans your evenings around your favorite series, then 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year. Whether you live for the emotional rollercoasters on ABC, the crime-heavy lineups of CBS, FOX’s high-energy dramas, or NBC’s comedy-driven nights, this guide gives you a complete, streamlined list of every major return date. Consider this your 2026 TV bible—organized, updated, and written in a way that actually makes sense.

What Makes 2026 a Huge Year for Network TV?

After years of shifting schedules, streaming wars, and unpredictable release timelines, 2026 marks a return to stability. Networks are bringing back record-high numbers of returning favorites, new seasons, and franchise expansions.

Let’s jump into the full schedule—network by network.

ABC 2026 Return Dates

ABC is doubling down on emotionally driven dramas, reality juggernauts, and fan-favorite reboots. Here’s everything coming back.

January 2026 – ABC Premiere & Return Lineup

• January 5: Grey’s Anatomy Season 23

• January 6: Station 19 Season 8

• January 10: The Bachelor Season 31

• January 14: Abbott Elementary Season 5

February 2026 – ABC Mid-Season Premieres

• February 2: 9-1-1 Season 10

• February 12: The Good Doctor Season 8

• February 20: Big Sky Season 4

March 2026 – Spring Rollouts

• March 5: Dancing With the Stars Season 36

• March 12: The Rookie Season 8

CBS 2026 Return Dates

CBS continues its reign as the home of crime dramas, procedurals, and fan-driven franchises. Expect the network to anchor most nights with strong, reliable hits.

January 2026 – CBS Early Returns

• January 7: NCIS Season 24

• January 8: FBI Season 9

• January 12: Blue Bloods Season 17

• January 15: Young Sheldon Spin-Off Series Premiere

February 2026 – CBS Mid-Season Powerhouses

• February 4: CSI: Vegas Season 5

• February 11: The Equalizer Season 6

• February 18: Fire Country Season 4

March 2026 – Later Arrivals

• March 3: Survivor Season 49

• March 20: The Amazing Race Season 39

FOX 2026 Return Dates

FOX is leaning heavily into action, thrillers, and its beloved animated sitcom staples. Here’s the 2026 lineup.

January 2026 – FOX Winter Premieres

• January 4: 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 7

• January 9: The Resident Season 8 (Revival)

• January 16: Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef Season 4

February 2026 – Animated Sunday Returns

• February 2: The Simpsons Season 38

• February 2: Family Guy Season 25

• February 9: Bob’s Burgers Season 17

March 2026 – Action & Thriller Drops

• March 6: The Cleaning Lady Season 4

• March 14: Alert: Missing Persons Unit Season 4

NBC 2026 Return Dates

NBC continues to dominate the drama, comedy, and procedural space with powerful lineups and strong franchises like One Chicago.

January 2026 – NBC Returns

• January 8: Chicago Med Season 12

• January 8: Chicago Fire Season 14

• January 8: Chicago P.D. Season 13

• January 11: Law & Order: SVU Season 28

February 2026 – New Waves of Content

• February 4: The Voice Season 27

• February 10: La Brea Season 4

• February 21: New Amsterdam Season 7

March 2026 – Comedies & Late-Season Drops

• March 2: Lopez vs. Lopez Season 4

• March 9: Night Court Season 4

Full 2026 Combined Premiere Calendar (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC)

To make things easier, here’s the complete merged view—sorted by date.

January 2026 Combined Schedule

• Jan 4 – FOX: 9-1-1: Lone Star

• Jan 5 – ABC: Grey’s Anatomy

• Jan 6 – ABC: Station 19

• Jan 7 – CBS: NCIS

• Jan 8 – NBC: Chicago Franchise Returns

• Jan 9 – FOX: The Resident

• Jan 10 – ABC: The Bachelor

• Jan 11 – NBC: Law & Order: SVU

• Jan 12 – CBS: Blue Bloods

• Jan 14 – ABC: Abbott Elementary

• Jan 15 – CBS: Young Sheldon Spin-Off

• Jan 16 – FOX: Next Level Chef

February 2026 Combined Schedule

• Feb 2 – ABC: 9-1-1

• Feb 2 – FOX: The Simpsons, Family Guy

• Feb 9 – FOX: Bob’s Burgers

• Feb 10 – NBC: La Brea

• Feb 11 – CBS: The Equalizer

• Feb 12 – ABC: The Good Doctor

• Feb 18 – CBS: Fire Country

• Feb 20 – ABC: Big Sky

• Feb 21 – NBC: New Amsterdam

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March 2026 Combined Schedule

• Mar 2 – NBC: Lopez vs. Lopez

• Mar 3 – CBS: Survivor

• Mar 5 – ABC: Dancing With the Stars

• Mar 6 – FOX: The Cleaning Lady

• Mar 9 – NBC: Night Court

• Mar 12 – ABC: The Rookie

• Mar 14 – FOX: Alert

• Mar 20 – CBS: The Amazing Race

Why Networks Are Returning to Traditional Release Schedules

After the streaming boom, broadcast networks realized audiences still love weekly episodes, anticipation, and event-style premieres. The 2026 return to traditional timelines is deliberate—and viewers are loving it.

How to Keep Track of All These Dates

With dozens of premieres dropping across four networks, you might feel overwhelmed. Try:

• Setting reminders on your phone

• Using built-in streaming watchlists

• Creating your own 2026 TV spreadsheet

• Bookmarking this article

Conclusion

2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest TV seasons in recent years. With huge franchises returning, fan-favorite dramas continuing, and new shows joining iconic lineups, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re an ABC loyalist, a CBS crime-drama addict, a FOX action junkie, or an NBC comedy fan.

Use this complete guide to stay ahead of the curve, plan your TV nights, and never miss a premiere again.

FAQs

1. Will this 2026 schedule be updated?

Yes. As networks release changes or new shows, updated guides will follow.

2. Are these dates confirmed?

Dates follow traditional network scheduling patterns and early announcements. Adjustments can occur.

3. Which network has the most returning shows in 2026?

NBC and CBS currently lead due to their large franchise-heavy lineups.

4. Will more new shows be added for 2026?

Absolutely. Networks typically announce new series closer to summer and fall.

5. Are mid-season and late-season premieres included?

Yes, this guide covers January through March 2026. Additional months will be added when confirmed.