ABC Reshuffles Fall 2026 Lineup With Four Shows Moving to Mid-Season Premieres

May 11, 2026

ABC is making waves with its fall 2026 programming strategy, announcing a major shift in its premiere schedule that will see several series pushed to the new year.

The network is reserving four scripted shows for mid-season debuts, a timing that traditionally translates to January 2027 premieres. The Rookie and Will Trent have maintained this mid-season pattern for years, and both will continue following that schedule. Joining them for the first time are Shifting Gears and High Potential, marking a notable change for the latter series.

High Potential has maintained a September premiere slot since its inception, but season three will break from that tradition and launch in 2027 instead. The shift comes as one cast member is departing ahead of the show's third season.

The fall 2026 schedule also notably excludes any Bachelor franchise programming. Both The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise will return to the network's slate in 2027.

ABC Fall 2026 Schedule:

Monday