“Logo text ABC’s midseason slate includes the return of Scrubs after more than 15 years and the return of The Bachelorette following a much shorter absence — but not the network’s usual winter staple, The Bachelor. After a behind-the-scenes upheaval within the franchise earlier this year that resulted in the exit of showrunners Claire Freeland and”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
ABC’s midseason slate includes the return of Scrubs after more than 15 years and the return of The Bachelorette following a much shorter absence — but not the network’s usual winter staple, The Bachelor.
After a behind-the-scenes upheaval within the franchise earlier this year that resulted in the exit of showrunners Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner and the hiring of Bachelor in Paradise EP Scott Teti to lead The Bachelorseason 30 of the show is being pushed to a later date (which is still to be determined). Season 22 of The Bachelorettewith Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul in the title role, will be the next version of the franchise to hit ABC, beginning March 22.
The Bachelorette will run on Sunday nights — previous seasons have mostly aired on Mondays or Tuesdays — and American Idol will fill The Bachelor’s usual Monday spot on the ABC schedule starting Jan. 26.
Dramas Will Trent and The Rookie will be the first midseason shows to debut for ABC, joining High Potential on Tuesday nights after a successful run there last season. The Scrubs revival, featuring original series stars Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison, will premiere with two episodes on Feb. 25, then pair with Abbott Elementary on Wednesday nights (Shifting Gears will finish its season before that Scrubs premiere). An all-star season of Celebrity Jeopardy! is set to start Feb. 27.
ABC also has an unfilled spot at 9 pm Wednesdays starting in January, following the conclusion of The Golden Bachelor. The network has yet to announce what will air in that hour; it has used Hulu shows several times in recent seasons to patch holes in the schedule. The recently picked up drama RJ Deckerstarring Scott Speedman, will premiere later in 2026.
ABC’s midseason premiere dates are below; all times are ET/PT unless noted.
Tuesday, Jan. 6
8 p.m.: Will Trent
9 p.m.: High Potential (new time)
10 p.m.: The Rookie
Saturday, Jan. 24
8 pm ET/5 pm PT: Inside the NBA
8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT: NBA Saturday Primetime
Monday, Jan. 26
8 p.m.: American Idol
Wednesday, Feb. 25
8 p.m.: Scrubs (two episodes)
Friday, Feb. 27
8 p.m.: Celebrity Jeopardy! All-Stars
Sunday, March 22
8 p.m.: The Bachelorette