ABChas revealed the fates of several shows, though one high-profile drama still hangs in limbo. The network has already renewed the Emmy-winning mockumentary comedyAbbott Elementaryfor season 5, in addition to confirming that the Kaitlin Olson detective dramaHigh Potentialwill be back for season 2. Outside those two shows, and in contrast to a few of its rivals, ABC has mostly refrained from early renewals for some of its most well-liked dramas.
Varietyreports thatABC has renewed9-1-1, Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, Will Trent,andShifting Gears. That leaves the fate ofDoctor Odysseyin question, with reports that it may be cancelled due to declining ratings and relatively high production. With this news,Grey’s Anatomywill return for season 22,Will Trentwill be back for season 4,The Rookiereturns for season 8, andShifting Gearscontinues for season 2.9-1-1season 9, meanwhile, will consist of 18 episodes.
What Does The Latest Update Mean For ABC?
The Network Only Has One New Show Coming Up
ABC recently announced that it was moving forward with9-1-1: Nashville, a spinoff of the main series that will starNCIS: Los Angelesalum Chris O’Donnell. The spinoff is the only new show that the network has confirmed for the 2025-2026 broadcast television season. That could change, but recent industry analysis has noted that it’s unlikely. In any case, if the current status holds,ABC will have the fewest scripted series among its main competitors. CBS has 18, NBC has 14, and ABC has nine.
The network’s numbers could shift, depending on what happens withDoctor Odysseyseason 2.Previous reports indicated that the medical drama was on the bubble, along withShifting Gearsseason 2. It was speculated that the family comedy, led by Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, could be saved, thanks to the fact that ABC has no other comedies lined up.The Connersis in its final season, ending in only a matter of weeks. That leaves onlyAbbott ElementaryandShifting Gears. It should be noted that the sitcom had a very strong debut of 17 million viewers, which could have helped it.
Our Take On ABC’s Renewals
They Have A Steady Line-Up
Even though it doesn’t have that many shows,ABChas done well to cultivate scripted series that audiences are genuinely invested in.9-1-1has the devoted audience of something more like a cult sci-fi drama than a network procedural.Abbott Elementary, for its part, combines acclaim, awards, and viewership. It’s been a winning formula, which is why most of their long-running series have remained after multiple seasons.
Shifting Gears
Cast
Shifting Gears is a drama about Matt, a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. Matt’s estranged daughter Riley and her teenage children move into his home, challenging him to rebuild both familial and personal connections.
9-1-1
9-1-1 is a television series that explores the intense experiences of police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Premiered in 2018, it follows these emergency responders as they navigate high-pressure situations and attempt to balance their demanding work with personal challenges in their own lives.
The Rookie
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
