The wait is over! ABC has officially dropped its thrilling 2026 midseason lineup, confirming the highly-anticipated return of the beloved sitcom ‘Scrubs’ with its reboot, set to premiere in February. Fans can also mark their calendars for new seasons of hit dramas like ‘Will Trent’ and ‘The Rookie’, along with a host of other returning comedies and unscripted favorites, all available to stream on Hulu the day after their linear premieres.
The dawn of 2026 is set to bring a wave of excitement to television viewers as ABC reveals its comprehensive midseason schedule. From long-awaited revivals to the return of established fan-favorite dramas and comedies, the network is poised to deliver a diverse slate of programming. This announcement highlights ABC’s ongoing commitment to captivating audiences across its linear broadcast and its streaming hub on Hulu.
The Highly Anticipated Revival of ‘Scrubs’
One of the biggest headlines from the announcement is the much-anticipated reboot of the iconic sitcom ‘Scrubs’. The show, which garnered a devoted fanbase during its original run, will make its triumphant return on Wednesday, February 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT with back-to-back episodes. This revival marks a significant moment for fans who have long hoped for the return of Sacred Heart Hospital’s most beloved (and dysfunctional) medical staff.
The new iteration will feature a blend of familiar faces and fresh talent. Original stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Judy Reyes, and John C. McGinley are all confirmed to reprise their roles, promising a dose of nostalgic charm. They will be joined by new cast members Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster, bringing a fresh dynamic to the hospital halls, as reported by Variety.
January Kicks Off with Returning Dramas and Comedies
The new year begins quickly for drama enthusiasts. ‘Will Trent’ is set to premiere its fourth season on Tuesday, January 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Adding a unique touch this season, the premiere episode is directed by series star Ramón Rodríguez. Following this, the second season of ‘High Potential’ will return for its midseason run at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with an increased episode count of 18 for this season, a detail noted by TV Insider. Completing the Tuesday night drama block, ‘The Rookie’ will launch its eighth season at 10 p.m. ET/PT, continuing its high-stakes police procedural action.
Midweek on Wednesday, January 7, ABC’s comedy lineup makes its return, with ‘Shifting Gears’ season 2 midseason premiere at 8 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the critically acclaimed ‘Abbott Elementary’ for its fifth season midseason return at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. The popular business reality series ‘Shark Tank’ will also return for its 17th season midseason premiere at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Thursday nights on January 8 are dedicated to established procedural dramas. Fans can anticipate the return of ‘9-1-1’ for its ninth season midseason premiere at 8 p.m. ET/PT, followed by ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ with its season 1 midseason return at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The enduring medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ will also be back for its 22nd season midseason return at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Unscripted Favorites and Schedule Shifts
The unscripted slate also brings plenty of excitement, including some notable schedule changes. ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ returns on Sunday, January 4, at 7 p.m. ET/PT for its 36th season. Later in the month, ‘American Idol’ will debut its 24th season on a new night, Monday, January 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This season will feature a first for the series, with its iconic “Hollywood Week” taking place in Nashville, dubbed “Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover.”
Other unscripted and news returns include:
- ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ (Season 6 midseason return) on Friday, January 9, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
- ’20/20′ (Season 48 midseason return) on Friday, January 9, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
- ‘Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars’ (Season 4 premiere), hosted by Ken Jennings, on Friday, February 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
‘The Bachelorette’ Finds a New Home
Reality romance fans will note a significant shift for ‘The Bachelorette’. Its 22nd season, starring Taylor Frankie Paul from ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ and hosted by Jesse Palmer, will kick off on its new night, Sunday, March 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Upcoming: ‘RJ Decker’
While not yet assigned a specific premiere date, the new drama series ‘RJ Decker’, starring Scott Speedman, is still expected to debut in 2026. ABC has indicated that its exact premiere details will be announced later, keeping fans eager for more information on this new addition to the network’s drama slate.
ABC’s Vision for Engaging Storytelling
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, affirmed the network’s commitment to quality programming. “Across ABC and its streaming home on Hulu, we have the best shows on television, from acclaimed dramas to standout comedies and unscripted hits,” said Erwich. “Our midseason schedule underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional storytelling and engaging content to audiences wherever they choose to watch.” This statement reinforces ABC’s strategy to provide accessible and high-quality entertainment across multiple platforms.
ABC’s Full 2026 Midseason Premiere Schedule
Here’s the complete breakdown of ABC’s 2026 midseason premieres and returns (all times listed are Eastern/Pacific):
- Sunday, January 4
- 7:00 p.m. ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ (Season 36 return)
- Tuesday, January 6
- 8:00 p.m. ‘Will Trent’ (Season 4 premiere)
- 9:00 p.m. ‘High Potential’ (Season 2 midseason return)
- 10:00 p.m. ‘The Rookie’ (Season 8 premiere)
- Wednesday, January 7
- 8:00 p.m. ‘Shifting Gears’ (Season 2 midseason return)
- 8:30 p.m. ‘Abbott Elementary’ (Season 5 midseason return)
- 10:00 p.m. ‘Shark Tank’ (Season 17 midseason return)
- Thursday, January 8
- 8:00 p.m. ‘9-1-1’ (Season 9 midseason return)
- 9:00 p.m. ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ (Season 1 midseason return)
- 10:00 p.m. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (Season 22 midseason return)
- Friday, January 9
- 8:00 p.m. ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ (Season 6 midseason return)
- 9:00 p.m. ’20/20′ (Season 48 midseason return)
- Saturday, January 24
- 8:00 p.m. ‘Inside the NBA’
- 8:30 p.m. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Monday, January 26
- 8:00 p.m. ‘American Idol’ (Season 24 premiere)
- Wednesday, February 25
- 8:00 p.m. ‘Scrubs’ (Two-episode series premiere)
- Friday, February 27
- 8:00 p.m. ‘Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars’ (Season 4 premiere)
- Sunday, March 22
- 8:00 p.m. ‘The Bachelorette’ (Season 22 premiere)
