ABC is betting everything on the "Big Couch" this year. While other networks are doubling down on procedural spin-offs that feel like they were written by a prompt-engineered bot, ABC’s Fall 2026 schedule is leaning into what they actually do well: smart, character-driven comedies and "event" family viewing that actually feels like an event.
The headline act is the Wednesday night comedy block, pairing the cultural juggernaut Abbott Elementary with the long-awaited Scrubs revival. It’s a bold move to put two heavy hitters together, but for parents, it’s a rare win—a solid hour of television that doesn't require a content filter or a "is this too much for the ten-year-old?" Google search.
TL;DR
ABC’s Fall 2026 schedule is anchored by a Wednesday night powerhouse pairing Abbott Elementary with the new Scrubs revival. Sundays remain the home of family movies, highlighted by the network premiere of Inside Out 2. While High Potential is notably missing (delayed until 2027), the overall lineup is the most co-viewing-friendly schedule we’ve seen in years.
For the last few years, Wednesday has been ABC’s "maybe" night. This fall, it’s the main event.
Abbott Elementary (8:00 PM) Janine and the crew are back, and the show remains the gold standard for "everyone is happy watching this." It’s rare to find a show that captures the reality of the American public school system while remaining genuinely hilarious and optimistic. If your kids are in elementary or middle school, they’ll get the teacher jokes; if you’re a human with a pulse, you’ll get the workplace dynamics. It’s the perfect lead-in because it sets a tone of "smart but accessible."
Scrubs: The Next Class (8:30 PM) This isn't just a lazy reboot. Zach Braff and Donald Faison are back as mentors to a new group of interns, and the vibe is surprisingly fresh. It retains the original’s "cutaway gag" DNA—which lands perfectly with a generation raised on TikTok-style editing—but with a 2026 sensibility. It’s a masterclass in how to do nostalgia right: honor the old fans without making the new ones feel like they missed the joke.
Sundays are still for the "Big Screen" experience. ABC is leaning hard into its Disney synergy, and the schedule is packed with titles that actually justify keeping the TV on a linear schedule.
The crown jewel of the fall is the network premiere of Inside Out 2. If you missed it in theaters or have been holding out on the Disney+ subscription, this is the time to gather the family. It’s the rare sequel that actually deepens the original's themes, specifically around the "Anxiety" phase of middle school.
Pro-tip: If you’re watching on ABC, use the commercial breaks for what they were originally intended for: snacks and quick debriefs. Inside Out 2 moves fast; those three-minute gaps are actually helpful for younger kids to process the heavier emotional beats.
If you were looking for the return of Kaitlin Olson’s brilliant-but-chaotic Morgan, you’re going to be disappointed. Despite a massive first season, the show is on an extended hiatus. According to the latest reports, production delays mean we won't see new episodes until well into next year.
While it's a bummer, it leaves a hole on Tuesday nights that ABC is filling with more "unscripted" content. If your family was into the mystery-solving aspect of High Potential, you might want to pivot to Only Murders in the Building (if the kids are 12+) or check out our best mystery shows for kids list.
ABC is trying a new reality competition on Thursday nights called The Maker’s Game. Think LEGO Masters meets Shark Tank, but without the soul-crushing corporate vibes. It features kids and parents teaming up to solve engineering problems with everyday household items.
It’s a "Screenwise-approved" pick because it’s actually educational without announcing itself as such. It’s a masterclass in iterative problem-solving. If your kid is the type to spend hours on Scratch or building complex Minecraft redstone circuits, this will be their new obsession.
Linear TV is a different beast than streaming. There’s no "skip intro," no "next episode in 5 seconds," and—most importantly—everyone is watching the same thing at the same time.
The Conversation Starter: With the Scrubs revival, ask your kids: "Who is the JD of your friend group?" (The one who daydreams). "Who is the Turk?" (The loyal hype-man). It’s a low-stakes way to talk about social dynamics.
The Skills Connection: Shows like Abbott Elementary are great for building empathy. The characters are flawed but trying their best. Ask your kid which teacher they’d want to have and why. You’ll learn more about their school life in five minutes of that conversation than you will by asking "How was your day?"
The biggest friction point this fall isn't the content—it's the pacing.
We’ve all become accustomed to the binge-watch. Waiting a week for a new episode of Abbott Elementary is a foreign concept to most kids under 15. Lean into it. Make it a ritual. Wednesday night pizza, phones in the basket, 8:00 PM on the dot. It turns "screen time" into "family time," and that’s a distinction worth making.
Q: Is the new Scrubs revival okay for younger kids? It sits in a solid PG-13 lane. There’s some medical "gross-out" humor and the occasional suggestive joke, but it’s mostly heart and slapstick. If they can handle The Good Place, they can handle this.
Q: When does Inside Out 2 premiere on ABC? The "Wonderful World of Disney" premiere is slated for the first Sunday in November (November 1st, 2026). It’s the perfect "post-Halloween candy coma" watch.
Q: Why isn't High Potential on the fall schedule? Production delays have pushed the second season to early 2027. ABC is prioritizing its comedy block and unscripted "Maker" content for the fall window.
Q: Are there any new shows for preschoolers on ABC this fall? ABC’s main schedule is mostly focused on the 8+ demographic. For the younger set, you’re better off sticking to the Disney Junior block or checking out our best shows for preschoolers list.
ABC is winning the "intentional parent" game this fall by not trying to be everything to everyone. They’re giving us a rock-solid Wednesday night, a reliable Sunday movie tradition, and enough smart humor to keep the adults from scrolling on their phones while the kids watch.
It’s not revolutionary, but in 2026, a schedule that actually respects the audience's intelligence—and their time—feels pretty close to it.
- For the full age-by-age breakdown of what to watch, check out our best shows for kids list.
- Planning a movie night? See our best family movies list.
- Want to dive deeper into the themes of anxiety and growth? Read our guide to Inside Out 2.