Key Highlights
- ABC announces its 2026 midseason schedule with the return of “Scrubs.”
- “Will Trent” Season 4 and “The Rookie” Season 8 premiere in January.
- “American Idol” debuts its 24th season on January 26, marking a new Nashville location for Hollywood Week.
Midseason Schedule Revealed by ABC
ABC has unveiled its midseason schedule for the upcoming period, set to air from January 4 through February 27, 2026. The lineup includes highly anticipated premieres and returns of popular series.
New Episodes and Premieres
The reboot of “Scrubs” is among the highlights, scheduled to premiere on February 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT with back-to-back episodes. Original stars Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Judy Reyes, and John C. McGinley will return alongside a new cast that includes Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster.
January Returns
“Will Trent” Season 4 kicks off the midseason schedule on January 6, 2026, with “The Rookie” Season 8 premiering on January 10. The fourth season of “Will Trent,” directed by series star Ramón RodrÃguez, sets the stage for a busy month of January.
Comedy Returns
“Shifting Gears” and “Abbott Elementary” return with their midseason premieres on January 7. “9-1-1,” “9-1-1: Nashville,” and “Grey’s Anatomy” also make a comeback on January 8, while “Shark Tank” returns on the same day but in its 17th season.
Sunday Nightline
“Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” and “20/20” return to the schedule on January 9. The new season of “The Bachelorette,” starring Taylor Frankie Paul, debuts on March 22, marking a Sunday night premiere.
Other Notable Premieres
Unscripted shows like “Shark Tank” return on January 7 after “Abbott Elementary.” “American Idol” makes its 24th season debut on January 26 in Nashville, with Hollywood Week taking place there for the first time.
Industry Context and Analysis
The midseason schedule reflects ABC’s commitment to maintaining a diverse mix of programming across different genres. With “Scrubs” returning after a hiatus, fans can anticipate a blend of nostalgia and fresh content. The addition of new stars like Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster promises an exciting dynamic for the rebooted series.
“American Idol,” now in its 24th season, continues to be a significant event in the entertainment industry. Its move to Nashville signifies a strategic shift towards embracing new locations and audiences, potentially marking a fresh chapter for the show’s future.
Conclusion
ABC’s midseason schedule is packed with premieres and returns that promise a diverse range of programming. From beloved sitcoms like “Scrubs” to highly anticipated drama seasons such as “Will Trent,” viewers can look forward to an exciting line-up in the coming months.
The network’s strategic decisions, including the relocation of Hollywood Week for “American Idol,” demonstrate its commitment to staying relevant and engaging with contemporary audiences. As the midseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these shows resonate with viewers and contribute to ABC’s ongoing success in the competitive television landscape.
