ABC’s 2026 winter lineup is shaping up to be a fan-favorite reunion of classics, comebacks, and high-stakes crime dramas. With The Rookie, Will Trent, and the long-awaited Scrubs revival all returning to screens this January, the network is promising one of its most dynamic and emotionally charged seasons yet.
The Rookie Returns With a Global Twist
Leading the charge is The Rookie, back for its eighth season on January 9, 2026. The series, starring Nathan Fillion as Officer John Nolan, has become a cornerstone of ABC’s drama lineup — balancing intense police action with human stories about resilience and hope.
Following a shocking Season 7 finale, the new season will reportedly expand beyond Los Angeles. Early teasers show Nolan and his team tackling threats that span borders, hinting at international operations tied to organized crime.
Fans can also expect the continuation of the show’s most emotional arcs — especially the unresolved tension between Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil).
“Season 8 is bigger, braver, and more emotional,” showrunner Alexi Hawley teased. “The team will face challenges that test not just their skills, but their hearts.”
Will Trent Season 4: The Investigator Fans Can’t Stop Rooting For
Following immediately in The Rookie’s time slot is Will Trent — the network’s breakout procedural starring Ramón Rodríguez as the brilliant yet emotionally scarred Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent.
Based on Karin Slaughter’s novels, the show’s third season ended on a powerful note, with Trent uncovering corruption close to home and struggling to protect those he loves most.
Season 4 is expected to dig deeper into Trent’s past, bringing more psychological depth and new moral dilemmas.
“We’re peeling back layers of who Will is,” Rodríguez shared. “His pain is what drives him — but also what makes him human.”
ABC confirmed that Will Trent remains one of its strongest performers on both broadcast and streaming, making it a perfect anchor for the midweek lineup.
The Scrubs Revival: Nostalgia Meets New Beginnings
After years of rumors, Scrubs is officially making its comeback in 2026 — with series creator Bill Lawrence and stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison returning to the fold.
The revival, described as a “spiritual continuation” rather than a full reboot, will reportedly follow JD and Turk as medical school professors guiding a new generation of doctors. The tone will blend nostalgia with fresh humor and heart — hallmarks of the original’s Emmy-winning run.
ABC’s decision to pair Scrubs with its drama-heavy lineup is a clever one: offering audiences both laughter and heart in one night.
“We wanted a lineup that makes people feel something — whether that’s tears, tension, or laughter,” said ABC President Craig Erwich. “This winter, our shows deliver all three.”
A Perfectly Balanced Winter Schedule
With The Rookie kicking off the action, Will Trent deepening the drama, and Scrubs reviving laughter and hope, ABC’s 2026 winter lineup represents the network’s strongest balance of tone and genre in years.
Industry analyst Fiona DeMarco noted:
“ABC is embracing what it does best — character-driven storytelling across multiple emotional registers. Viewers want authenticity, and this lineup delivers that.”
The combination also signals ABC’s strategy to reclaim appointment TV — encouraging audiences to tune in weekly, much like the golden era of network dramas.
Fans Are Ready
Within hours of the announcement, social media lit up with excitement. “The Rookie and Scrubs on the same night? That’s comfort TV right there,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Will Trent deserves all the love — best crime drama on TV right now.”
From nostalgic laughter to pulse-pounding investigations, ABC’s 2026 lineup has something for everyone.
Premiere Lineup Summary
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The Rookie – Season 8 Premiere: January 9, 2026
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Will Trent – Season 4 Premiere: January 16, 2026
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Scrubs Revival – Series Launch: January 23, 2026
As ABC boldly steps into 2026, its message is clear: whether you’re chasing criminals, chasing dreams, or chasing laughs — this winter, ABC is where stories come alive.
