“Everything You Need to Know: ABC’s 2026 Mid-Season Lineup Revealed” md03

When the new year rolls around, our favorite TV shows get a fresh boost — and the folks over at ABC have just unveiled their mid-season 2026 premiere schedule. It’s packed with returning favorites, new time slots, and some big surprises. Whether you’re a drama devotee, reality-TV binge-watcher, or just tune in for one hit show, this lineup deserves your attention.

Here’s everything you should know — from important dates and times, to what changes for some key shows, and how to plan your watch list.

What “mid-season” means for ABC’s schedule

The term “mid-season” might seem vague, but in TV industry terms it’s pretty clear: this period refers to the window after the fall peak of shows, where networks launch new series or bring back returning ones for the remainder of the season. For ABC, the mid-season window for 2026 begins in early January and stretches into March. According to multiple reports, ABC’s slate kicks off on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Mid-season scheduling often means:

• A break or hiatus for fall shows, then a refreshed return.

• New shows launching when the competition is lighter.

• Potential shifts in time slots to capture more viewers.

So if you’re tracking your must-watch shows, this mid-season period is key.

Highlights of ABC’s Mid-Season 2026 Launches & Returns

Here are some of the big moments you’ll want to mark:

• Sunday, January 4, 2026 — 7:00 p.m. ET/PT

• America’s Funniest Home Videos (Season 36 Return) kicks things off.

• Tuesday, January 6, 2026 — 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.

• Will Trent (Season 4 Premiere) at 8 p.m.

• High Potential (Season 2 Mid-season Return) at 9 p.m.

• The Rookie (Season 8 Premiere) at 10 p.m.

• Wednesday, January 7, 2026

• 8:00 p.m.: Shifting Gears (Season 2 Return)

• 8:30 p.m.: Abbott Elementary (Season 5 Return)

• 10:00 p.m.: Shark Tank (Season 17 Return)

• Thursday, January 8, 2026

• 8:00 p.m.: 9‑1‑1 (Season 9 Return)

• 9:00 p.m.: 9‑1‑1: Nashville (Season 1 Return)

• 10:00 p.m.: Grey’s Anatomy (Season 22 Return)

• Friday, January 9, 2026

• 8:00 p.m.: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (Season 6 Return)

• 9:00 p.m.: 20/20 (Season 48 Return)

• Saturday, January 24, 2026

• 8:00 p.m.: NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC

• 8:30 p.m.: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks

• Monday, January 26, 2026 — 8:00 p.m.

• American Idol (Season 24 Premiere) — note: the show is moving to Mondays.

• Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — 8:00 p.m.

• Scrubs (Two-Episode Series Premiere/Revival)

• Friday, February 27, 2026

• Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars (Season 4 Premiere)

• Sunday, March 22, 2026

• The Bachelorette (Season 22 Premiere)

Why This Schedule Matters

1. Big time-slot shifts

Some shows are changing days or time slots — for instance, American Idol moving to Monday. These changes can affect what viewers watch live vs. stream.

2. Revivals and major returns

The Scrubs revival is one of the most noteworthy: long-time fans of the original will likely tune in.

3. Strategic launches

By front-loading big premieres in early January, ABC is positioning itself to capture viewers coming off holiday breaks. It’s a smart move to build momentum for the remainder of the season.

How to Plan Your Viewing & Streaming

• Mark the key dates: Use the list above to add reminders in your calendar.

• Check time zones: All times noted are Eastern/Pacific unless otherwise stated.

• Streaming backup: Many of these shows will also be available on Hulu the day after airing.

• Set game-night expectations: If you’re tuning in for sports (like the NBA game on Jan 24) make sure you’re ready early.

• Follow your favourite show’s news: For example, if you’re a fan of The Bachelorette, its later March date is something to plan ahead for.

Spotlight on Select Series

Will Trent (Season 4)

Launching January 6 at 8 p.m., this show returns with new story arcs and is positioned as one of the stronger drama offerings in ABC’s mid-season slate.

The Rookie (Season 8)

Also launching on January 6 at 10 p.m., this series sees the rookie cops tackle bigger stories and a global backdrop, according to early previews.

Scrubs Revival

Premiering February 25, this revival has the original cast (including Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke) returning to a new era of the hospital comedy-drama. Long-time fans, get ready.

The Bachelorette (Season 22)

Premiering March 22, this reality show has some buzz thanks to the new lead (Taylor Frankie Paul) and a shift to Sunday nights. It’s a big moment for the franchise.

What This Means for Streaming & Cord-Cutters

If you’re someone who doesn’t watch live TV anymore, you’ll still benefit from the schedule:

• Set reminders so you don’t miss premieres and then stream the day after.

• If you binge missed episodes, you can jump in when the mid-season return happens and enjoy the storyline resets.

• Keep an eye on Hulu (or other streaming platforms) to catch episodes if you’re not free during original broadcast times.

Potential Pitfalls & What to Watch For

• Time-slot conflicts: If you watched one show at a certain time last season and now it’s moved, you might miss the first episode if you’re not paying attention.

• Hiatus period: Some shows take longer breaks. If you tuned out after the fall finale, make sure to re-engage when the return date hits.

• Streaming rights: While many shows will stream next-day, sometimes there are regional or rights limitations. Always check your local availability.

• Premiere vs. return: Not all launches are “new series” — many are returns of established ones after a mid-season break. Understanding the difference means you won’t be caught off guard.

Pro Tips to Get the Most Out of Mid-Season TV

• Use a tracking app: There are apps that remind you when a show returns from hiatus.

• Join fandom communities: If you’re into a show like Abbott Elementary or Grey’s Anatomy, jumping into social chatter around the premiere makes the experience more fun.

• Plan a watch party: Especially for big premieres like American Idol or The Bachelorette, setting up a gathering (in-person or virtual) makes it more engaging.

• Check for spoilers: When shows come back after a break, plenty of early reviews and spoilers may pop up online. If you like to watch fresh, maybe avoid social posts until you’ve caught up.

• Reset your DVR or streaming list: If you use a DVR or a streaming watch-list, make sure you update it with the new time slots so you’re ready.

Quick Reference Mid-Season Premiere Table

Looking Ahead: What to Expect After These Premieres

Once the mid-season premieres roll out, you’ll likely see:

• A burst of new story arcs and narrative momentum as shows restart or launch.

• Networks testing out which night works best for unscripted shows that have shifted time slots.

• Additional announcements (sometimes for April/May) once ratings begin to settle in from early 2026 premieres.

• Streaming and catch-up analytics becoming more important: how many watchers tune live vs. same-day vs. later.

For fans and viewers, this means the early months of 2026 are rich with opportunity to re-engage with shows, discover new ones, and plot a viewing strategy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who keeps your finger on the pulse of TV — whether for fun, fandom, or just to avoid missing your favourite shows — then ABC’s mid-season 2026 schedule is one to bookmark. From big-name returns like Grey’s Anatomy to exciting revivals like Scrubs, and major reality-TV shifts, there’s something for everyone.

So get your snacks ready, set your reminders, and maybe even coordinate with friends for a watch party. Because when your favourite show returns after a break, you don’t want to be the one asking “Wait… when did this start again?”