ABC is locking in its lineup for the 2025-2026 season with a wave of renewals, one brand-new series order, and one high-profile drama still awaiting its fate.
The network has officially renewed seven scripted shows, bringing back fan favorites and critical darlings alike. The seven returning shows include:
- The Rookie (Season 8)
- Grey’s Anatomy (Season 22)
- 9-1-1 (Season 9 — and its third on ABC)
- Will Trent (Season 4)
- Shifting Gears (Season 2)
- Abbott Elementary (Season 5 — previously renewed)
- High Potential (Season 2 — previously renewed)
READ: Saying Goodbye: TV Shows Canceled or Ending in 2025
Joining them is a straight-to-series order for 9-1-1: Nashville, a spinoff of the long-running emergency response drama. Meanwhile, Doctor Odyssey — Ryan Murphy’s high-budget medical series set on a luxury cruise ship — remains the lone show still in limbo.
Here’s a breakdown of ABC’s refreshed slate:
The Rookie continues its strong ratings streak and will return for Season 8. Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan is still going strong, this time helping usher in two new rookies while recovering from a near-death encounter. The procedural remains one of ABC’s top performers across broadcast and Hulu and is the subject of a potential second spinoff.
Will Trent, based on the best-selling novels by Karin Slaughter, scored a Season 4 renewal following a standout third season. Ramón Rodríguez leads the series as Special Agent Will Trent, who balances solving high-profile cases with managing a turbulent personal life. Season 3 introduced Gina Rodriguez and Scott Foley to the cast, adding new layers to the show’s emotional stakes.
READ: ABC Gives Official Series Order to ‘9-1-1: Nashville,’ the Franchise’s Third Spinoff
9-1-1 will be back for Season 9 with an 18-episode order. The series, which made the jump from Fox to ABC last year, continues to dominate across platforms. The renewal comes alongside the official pickup of its new offshoot, 9-1-1: Nashville, starring Chris O’Donnell as a rugged fire captain navigating emergencies and family secrets in Music City.
Grey’s Anatomy isn’t slowing down either. With its renewal for a 22nd season, the long-running medical drama is extending its record as the longest-running primetime medical series. Ellen Pompeo will continue as executive producer and narrator, and Trevor Jackson is expected to join the cast full-time after guest-starring in the final episodes of Season 21.
READ: Trevor Jackson Joins ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in Key Role Ahead of Season 21 Finale
Shifting Gears, starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, earned a Season 2 pickup after delivering one of ABC’s biggest new series premieres in years. While it saw some ratings decline across its first season, the network is betting on its continued potential as it tries to rebuild its comedy slate. Season 2 will consist of 10 episodes.
Meanwhile, two previously renewed shows — High Potential and Abbott Elementary — round out the returning roster. Abbott continues to thrive as ABC’s flagship comedy, while High Potential is cementing itself as one of the most promising new dramas on the network.
The only scripted series left in renewal limbo is Doctor Odyssey. Despite its high production value and creative pedigree, ABC has yet to make a decision on the Ryan Murphy-led medical drama. Sources say the show’s hefty budget and modest ratings are factors in the delay, though the season finale was reportedly crafted to serve as a potential series finale if needed.