ABC has announced the new fall premiere dates for three of its popular dramas. Along with the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, the flagship 9-1-1 and its latest spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville, have moved ahead on the fall schedule. The three ABC dramas have been bumped up by about a week, which is earlier than initially scheduled. According to the press release from the network, the new season premieres have marked their new spots on the calendar and will now take place on Thursday, October 9. At first, the three shows were scheduled to premiere on Thursday, October 16. The ABC sitcoms, Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary, have been unaffected by the changes and will hold onto their premieres at the beginning of October.
The principal series, 9-1-1, returns for its ninth season and will kick off Thursday nights at 8pm, followed by its newest iteration, 9-1-1: Nashville, at 9pm. Grey’s Anatomy returns for Season 22 and closes out the night at 10pm. 9-1-1: Nashville will have 10 episodes for its debut season, while the others are expected to air 18 episodes.
What ABC’s Fall Lineup Shift Means For The 9-1-1 Franchise & Grey’s Anatomy
9-1-1 Continues To Be ABC’s Powerhouse. In October, 9-1-1 will be heading into its third season on ABC and its ninth season overall. The series previously aired on Fox for about six seasons before jumping networks, but since then, ABC has proven its decision to pick up Fox’s castoff a smart one, as it’s been a juggernaut for the network and the move up shows just how much confidence it has in the show. Meanwhile, the move also shows how much faith ABC is putting into the new Nashville-based 9-1-1 spinoff.
Led by veterans like Chris O’Donnell, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Capshaw, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, 9-1-1: Nashville is expected to focus as much on the music scene as the first responders, making it an exciting standout in the 9-1-1 franchise. Grey’s Anatomy continues to hold onto its viewership, despite losing Ellen Pompeo (Good American Family) as a series regular. In a guest star capacity, Pompeo reprised her role as Meredith Grey for seven episodes in season 21. She is expected to appear in the same number of installments in the new season.
The fall TV schedule just got hotter, and ABC is turning up the heat with bold programming moves. If you’re a fan of 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy, you’re in for a thrilling ride this season. With network shakeups, prime-time shifts, and major premieres, ABC is betting big—and audiences are here for it. Let’s break down what’s changing, why it matters, and how it’ll impact your Thursday night binge plans.
ABC’s Fall 2025 Schedule Just Got Wild
ABC just announced its premiere lineup for Fall 2025, and it’s a game-changer.
What’s New? A Prime-Time Power Shift
In a surprising move, ABC is promoting the 9-1-1 franchise to a more prestigious time slot, while Grey’s Anatomy returns with its landmark 21st season. The network is clearly prioritizing these juggernauts to draw in audiences early in the season.
9-1-1 Finds a New Home on ABC Thursdays
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the firetruck.
9-1-1 Season 9 Premiere Date Locked In
ABC has officially set 9-1-1‘s Season 9 premiere for Thursday, September 26, 2025. The high-stakes rescue drama is taking over the 8 PM ET/PT time slot.
Why Thursdays?
Thursdays have long been a battleground for top-rated shows. By positioning 9-1-1 at 8 PM, ABC is setting it up as the lead-in to the rest of its powerhouse dramas.
Grey’s Anatomy Returns for Its 21st Season
Yes, you read that right. Grey’s Anatomy is still going strong, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Grey’s Fall 2025 Premiere Date
Season 21 of Grey’s Anatomy premieres Thursday, September 26, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT, immediately following 9-1-1.
The Shonda Rhimes Legacy Lives On
Even without Shonda Rhimes at the helm full-time, Grey’s continues to deliver dramatic tension, emotional surgeries, and unforgettable character arcs.
What This Means for ABC’s Strategy
This isn’t just about dates—it’s about a bigger vision for ABC’s prime-time dominance.
ABC Doubles Down on Proven Franchises
By pairing 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy back-to-back, ABC is creating a two-hour drama block with proven audience loyalty.
Smart Programming = Better Ratings
Moving 9-1-1 up signals that ABC sees this franchise as more than just a procedural—it’s event television. This strategic pairing is expected to drive up viewership across the board.
What’s New in 9-1-1 Season 9?
Let’s be real: fans are dying to know what’s coming.
Cast Shakeups and Story Twists
Season 9 teases new emergencies, deeper character arcs, and possibly a few shocking exits. Buck, Athena, and the rest of the team are diving into personal challenges like never before.
Bigger Emergencies, Higher Stakes
Expect natural disasters, freak accidents, and more gut-wrenching rescues—all delivered with cinematic flair.
What’s Brewing in Grey’s Anatomy Season 21?
The longest-running medical drama is still pulling heartstrings and breaking ground.
Meredith Grey—Will She Return?
While Ellen Pompeo has scaled back her appearances, rumors suggest a few surprise cameos this season.
New Interns, Old Drama
Season 21 introduces a fresh batch of interns while revisiting long-standing rivalries and romances. It’s classic Grey’s, with a twist.
The Full Thursday Lineup – What to Watch
Let’s break it down so your DVR can thank you later.
8 PM – 9-1-1
Get ready for sirens, explosions, and adrenaline-pumping drama.
9 PM – Grey’s Anatomy
From broken bones to broken hearts, it’s the drama you can’t look away from.
Social Media Reacts – Fans Are Buzzing
The news of this double-header dropped on social, and the reaction was explosive.
Twitter Erupted with Excitement
Hashtags like #911onABC and #GreysAnatomy21 trended within hours. Fans love the idea of back-to-back emotional chaos.
Why This Matters to Viewers
It’s not just about the shows—it’s about the ritual. Thursdays are officially “emergency and emotions” night.
Behind the Network’s Bold Move
So why the shift? There’s a strategy here.
Chasing Streaming Audiences
With audiences scattered across platforms, event-style programming brings people back to live TV.
Appointment Viewing is Making a Comeback
ABC is banking on the idea that fans will tune in weekly if the content is compelling enough—and these shows deliver.
What About the 9-1-1: Lone Star Spin-off?
While 9-1-1 gets the spotlight, fans wonder: What’s happening with Lone Star?
Still Waiting on Renewals
ABC hasn’t confirmed a return date for 9-1-1: Lone Star yet. Keep an eye out—it might get a midseason slot.
How to Watch – Don’t Miss the Premieres
Here’s how to catch every second of the drama.
Stream or Watch Live
Both shows will air live on ABC and stream next day on Hulu.
Key Dates to Add to Your Calendar
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9-1-1 Season 9: Thursday, Sept 26, 2025 – 8 PM
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Grey’s Anatomy Season 21: Thursday, Sept 26, 2025 – 9 PM
Conclusion: Fall TV Just Got Real
ABC isn’t playing it safe this fall. By moving up 9-1-1 and bringing Grey’s Anatomy back-to-back, they’re turning Thursday nights into must-watch events. Whether you’re in it for the medical drama or the firehouse action, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars—it’s going to be one unforgettable season.
