ABC’s 2026 Schedule: ‘Scrubs’ Reboot, ‘Will Trent,’ & ‘The Rookie’

As the new year approaches, ABC has unveiled its comprehensive midseason schedule for 2026, promising a diverse lineup of returning favorites and a highly anticipated reboot. Fans can look forward to the much-talked-about return of ‘Scrubs’, alongside new seasons for popular dramas ‘Will Trent’ and ‘The Rookie’, both set to premiere in January. This announcement outlines a robust slate of programming, ensuring a dynamic start to the network’s year.

The Return of Sacred Heart: ‘Scrubs’ Reboot Sets ABC Release Date

One of the most exciting announcements is the reboot of the beloved medical sitcom, ‘Scrubs’. The new iteration is slated to debut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT with two back-to-back episodes. This return will see familiar faces from the original cast, including Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Judy Reyes, and John C. McGinley, reprising their iconic roles. They will be joined by a new ensemble of characters, featuring actors such as Vanessa Bayer and Joel Kim Booster, blending classic humor with fresh perspectives. All original programming, including ‘Scrubs’, will be available to stream the next day on Hulu following their linear premieres.

Fan-Favorite Dramas: ‘Will Trent’ Season 4 and ‘The Rookie’ Season 8

January 2026 marks the return of two of ABC’s compelling crime dramas. ‘Will Trent’ is set to kick off its fourth season on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The season premiere holds a unique distinction, as it is directed by the series’ star, Ramón Rodríguez, offering an intriguing behind-the-scenes touch to its eagerly awaited return. Following ‘Will Trent’, the eighth season of ‘The Rookie’ will premiere on the same night, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, continuing the engaging journey of John Nolan and his fellow officers. These dramas are key components of ABC’s primetime offerings, known for their intricate plots and character development.

Other Key Returns: Comedies, Unscripted, and More

Beyond the headline-grabbing premieres, ABC’s midseason schedule is packed with the return of several other fan favorites across various genres:

• Unscripted Entertainment: ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ makes its Season 36 return on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT. The popular business reality show ‘Shark Tank’ will also return for its 17th season midseason on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. ‘American Idol’ begins its 24th season on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, notably taking its “Hollywood Week” to Nashville for the first time. ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ is back for its sixth season midseason on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. ‘Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars’ will premiere its fourth season on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, hosted by Ken Jennings.
• Returning Comedies: Viewers can expect the midseason returns of ‘Shifting Gears’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Abbott Elementary’ (Season 5) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 8:30 p.m. ET/PT respectively.
• Medical and Emergency Dramas: The highly popular ‘9-1-1’ and its spin-off ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ will both have their midseason returns on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Following them, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ will be back for its 22nd season midseason on the same night at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
• News and Reality: ’20/20′ returns for its 48th season midseason on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The new season of ‘The Bachelorette’, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul and hosted by Jesse Palmer, will premiere on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
• Upcoming Series: While not yet on the midseason schedule, the series ‘RJ Decker’, starring Scott Speedman, which was picked up in September, is still expected to debut in 2026, with its premiere date to be announced later.

Full Midseason Schedule Overview

The ABC midseason 2026 schedule, with all times listed in Eastern/Pacific, is as follows:

• Sunday, January 4:
  • 7:00 p.m. ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ (Season 36 Return)
• Tuesday, January 6:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘Will Trent’ (Season 4 Premiere)
  • 9:00 p.m. ‘High Potential’ (Season 2 Midseason Return)
  • 10:00 p.m. ‘The Rookie’ (Season 8 Premiere)
• Wednesday, January 7:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘Shifting Gears’ (Season 2 Midseason Return)
  • 8:30 p.m. ‘Abbott Elementary’ (Season 5 Midseason Return)
  • 10:00 p.m. ‘Shark Tank’ (Season 17 Midseason Return)
• Thursday, January 8:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘9-1-1’ (Season 9 Midseason Return)
  • 9:00 p.m. ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ (Season 1 Midseason Return)
  • 10:00 p.m. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (Season 22 Midseason Return)
• Friday, January 9:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘Celebrity Wheel of Fortune’ (Season 6 Midseason Return)
  • 9:00 p.m. ’20/20′ (Season 48 Midseason Return)
• Monday, January 26:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘American Idol’ (Season 24 Premiere)
• Wednesday, February 25:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘Scrubs’ (Two-Episode Series Premiere)
• Friday, February 27:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars’ (Season 4 Premiere)
• Sunday, March 22:
  • 8:00 p.m. ‘The Bachelorette’ (Season 22 Premiere)

Conclusion

The 2026 midseason schedule from ABC presents a compelling mix of drama, comedy, and unscripted entertainment. With the ‘Scrubs’ reboot leading the charge, complemented by the return of established hits like ‘Will Trent’ and ‘The Rookie’, the network appears committed to delivering a diverse and engaging viewing experience. Audiences can look forward to a dynamic start to the year, with all original programming also available for next-day streaming on Hulu.