The fall 2026 television season is shaping up to be an exciting one for ABC viewers. The network has revealed its premiere dates for a slate of highly anticipated shows, including Dancing With the StarsScrubs and the 9-1-1 franchise. With a mix of drama, comedy, and reality programming, ABC aims to capture audiences throughout the season.
As the fourth broadcast network to unveil its fall schedule, ABC joins NBC, Fox, and CBS in setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive television landscape. From the return of beloved series to the debut of new episodes, there’s something for every viewer to look forward to.
The Fall Kickoff: Dancing With the Stars and R.J. Decker
The network’s fall lineup gets underway on Tuesday, September 15 with the premiere of Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. The popular reality competition show will lead into the Season 2 premiere of R.J. Decker starring Scott Speedman. A second episode of Dancing With the Stars will air the following night, giving the season a robust four-hour premiere.
Fans of the show can catch the cast reveal on Wednesday, September 2 during a special segment on Good Morning America. This early start sets the tone for a season packed with entertainment and surprises.
Mid-September Highlights: America’s Funniest Home Videos and Disney
On Sunday, September 27 viewers can tune in for the premiere of Season 37 of America’s Funniest Home Videos featuring a two-episode debut. Following that, The Wonderful World of Disney will make its return with the world television premiere of Inside Out 2.
These premieres offer a mix of lighthearted entertainment and family-friendly programming, perfect for a Sunday evening. The network continues to diversify its offerings to cater to a wide range of audiences.
Late September and October: Scrubs, Shark Tank, and More
On Wednesday, September 30 the highly anticipated Season 2 of Scrubs will return with a two-episode premiere. Following that, Season 18 of Shark Tank will debut with back-to-back episodes. This lineup promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh content for viewers.
The following week, on Wednesday, October 7Season 6 of Abbott Elementary will kick off at 8:30 p.m., leading into new episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Shark Tank. This schedule showcases ABC’s commitment to a diverse range of genres and formats.
The Thursday-night block featuring 9-1-19-1-1: Nashville and Grey’s Anatomy will return on October 15. This trio of dramas has been a staple of ABC’s lineup and is sure to draw in dedicated viewers.
Additionally, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will premiere on Friday, October 2 adding another layer of entertainment to the network’s fall schedule.
Midseason Holdovers and New Additions
While ABC has unveiled an impressive fall lineup, several shows are being held for midseason. These include The BachelorHigh PotentialThe RookieThe Rookie: NorthShifting Gears and Will Trent. The network has also announced a new Grey’s Anatomy spinoff set in Texas, which will debut in midseason along with the new season of Celebrity Jeopardy!.
This strategic scheduling ensures that viewers have plenty to look forward to throughout the entire television season. ABC’s fall 2026 lineup promises a mix of returning favorites and exciting new content, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
