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ABC Renews All Scripted Series, Sets Fall Schedule with Super Bowl Simulcast

Entertainment5/12/2026
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ABC announced its fall schedule, renewing every scripted series on the network for the first time since 1948. The lineup includes the return of 'Scrubs' and 'Abbott Elementary,' a new Tuesday night drama in 'R.J. Decker,' and a Super Bowl simulcast with ESPN. Several popular series, including 'High Potential,' will shift to midseason.

Facts First

  • ABC renewed every scripted series for the first time in over 75 years.
  • The network will simulcast the Super Bowl with ESPN, its first broadcast of the game in 21 years.
  • 'R.J. Decker' takes over the Tuesday 10 p.m. slot from the midseason-bound 'High Potential.'
  • Wednesday nights feature a comedy block with the 'Scrubs' revival at 8 p.m. and 'Abbott Elementary' at 8:30 p.m.
  • Midseason holds several major series including 'High Potential,' 'The Bachelor' franchise, and the new spinoff 'The Rookie: North.'

What Happened

ABC announced its fall schedule on Tuesday in New York. The network has renewed every scripted series on its roster, an event last seen in 1948. Several schedule moves were announced: 'High Potential' moves to midseason, with its former Tuesday 10 p.m. slot going to 'R.J. Decker.' The 'Scrubs' revival will air Wednesdays at 8 p.m., followed by 'Abbott Elementary' at 8:30 p.m. ABC will simulcast the Super Bowl with ESPN, marking the network's first broadcast of the game in 21 years. 'The Wonderful World of Disney' will premiere Sunday nights with 'Inside Out 2.'

Why this Matters to You

If you are a fan of ABC's current scripted shows, you are likely to see them all return. Your viewing schedule may change, with some favorite series like 'High Potential' and 'Shifting Gears' moving to later in the season. The network's strategy of using established hits like 'Dancing with the Stars' as a lead-in for new dramas could make it easier to discover new shows. The Super Bowl simulcast means you will have an additional broadcast option to watch the game in February.

What's Next

ABC will repeat 'R.J. Decker' throughout the summer to promote its fall launch. The midseason slate, which includes 'The Bachelor,' 'Bachelor in Paradise,' 'High Potential,' and the new spinoff 'The Rookie: North,' will be scheduled later. The scheduling for 'The Bachelorette' has not been determined following a legal saga involving star Taylor Frankie Paul. The full fall lineup is now set, with premieres expected in the coming months.

Perspectives

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Network Executives maintain that ABC is operating from a 'position of undeniable strength' by focusing on high-quality content delivery across both linear and streaming platforms.
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Programming Strategists argue that scheduling decisions, such as moving 'High Potential' to midseason, are designed to provide uninterrupted runs that cater to the 'week-over-week steadiness' preferred by modern viewers.
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Content Analysts highlight the strong performance of specific titles like 'R.J. Decker' and the 'Scrubs' revival as evidence of successful programming and opportunities for growth.
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Marketing Specialists emphasize the importance of leveraging massive live events like 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Super Bowl to drive exposure for new and existing series.