ABC has revealed the fates of several shows, although one high-profile drama still hangs in limbo. The network has already renewed the Emmy-winning mockumentary comedy Abbott Elementary for season 5, in addition to confirming that the Kaitlin Olson detective drama High Potential will 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.
Variety reports that ABC has renewed 9-1-1, Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, Will Trent, and Shifting Gears. That leaves the fate of Doctor Odyssey in question, with reports that it may be canceled due to declining ratings and relatively high production. With this news, Grey’s Anatomy will return for season 22, Will Trent will be back for season 4, The Rookie returns for season 8, and Shifting Gears continues for season 2. 9-1-1 season 9, in the meantime, will consist of 18 episodes.
What Does The Latest Update Mean For ABC?
ABC recently announced that it was moving forward with 9-1-1: Nashville, a spinoff of the main series that will star NCIS: Los Angeles alum 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 with Doctor Odyssey season 2. Previous reports indicated that the medical drama was on the bubble, along with Shifting Gears season 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 Conners is in its final season, ending in only a matter of weeks. That leaves only Abbott Elementary and Shifting 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
Even though it doesn’t have that many shows, ABC has done well to cultivate scripted series that audiences are truly invested in. 9-1-1 has the devoted audience of something more like a cult sci-fi drama than a network procedural. Abbott Elementary, for its part, combines recognition, awards, and viewership. It’s been a winning formula, which is why most of their long-running series have remained after multiple seasons.
