ABC has set return dates for its scripted series, joining CBS in laying out a post-strikes lineup that will see the likes of Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy, and new addition 911 join the schedule in early 2024.
The broadcast network will also have a handful of unscripted staples — American Idol, The Bachelor, and Judge Steve Harvey — and a 20/20-branded true-crime series from ABC News to round out its midseason slate.
Production on a host of scripted series is ramping back up in the coming weeks, following the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike on Nov. 9 (members of the actors union are currently voting on ratification of the deal). Writers rooms reopened in late September after the Writers Guild of America agreed on a new contract from studios and streamers, ending its strike.
With most shows not starting production until after Thanksgiving, the episode counts for scripted series will be smaller than in a typical year — 10 to 13 episodes, as opposed to between 16 and 22.
ABC’s Wednesday comedy block of The Conners, Not Dead Yet and Abbott Elementary will be the first scripted shows to return to the network’s air; with all three, along with Judge Steve Harvey, are set to premiere Feb. 7, with Abbott getting an hourlong debut. ABC has only three half-hour comedies on its roster at the moment and will announce later how it plans to fill the 9:30 p.m. Wednesday spot.
The network will stack dramas on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Second-year show Will Trent will lead off Tuesdays starting Feb. 20, followed by The Rookie and The Good Doctor. The Thursday lineup will debut March 14, with 911 — which is moving from Fox — leading into Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19.
The Bachelor will return to its usual Monday spot Jan. 22, with the true-crime series following at 10 p.m. American Idol opens its season Feb. 18, paired with ABC News’ What Would You Do? on Sunday nights. Fridays remain the same with Shark Tank and 20/20.
ABC’s midseason premiere dates are below.
Monday, Jan. 22
8 p.m.: The Bachelor
10 p.m.: 20/20 true-crime series (title TBD)
Wednesday, Feb. 7
8 p.m.: The Conners
8:30 p.m.: Not Dead Yet
9 p.m.: Abbott Elementary
10 p.m.: Judge Steve Harvey
Sunday, Feb. 18
8 p.m.: American Idol
10 p.m.: What Would You Do?
Tuesday, Feb. 20
8 p.m.: Will Trent
9 p.m.: The Rookie
10 p.m.: The Good Doctor
Thursday, March 14
8 p.m.: 911
9 p.m.: Grey’s Anatomy
10 p.m.: Station 19
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
