ABC is rewriting the rules of broadcast television. With the recent renewal of five of its most talked-about shows—including Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, and The Rookie—the Disney-owned network is reaffirming its commitment to quality drama in prime time. At a time when streaming platforms dominate the conversation, these series have proven that there’s still room for traditional TV when the right moves are made.
In addition to securing new seasons for Will Trent and the comedy Shifting Gears, ABC is making it clear that its goal is not just survival in a saturated content landscape, but dominance. The numbers speak for themselves: while 9-1-1 heads into its ninth season, Grey’s Anatomy cements its legacy with a record-breaking 22nd season, solidifying its place as the longest-running medical drama on American TV.
Drama Thrives: Series That Refuse to Bow Out
Grey’s Anatomy, under the creative banner of Shonda Rhimes and her Shondaland empire, remains ABC’s emotional backbone. Despite cast changes—including the partial exit of Ellen Pompeo—the show has stayed relevant by evolving its narrative with the audience. According to Variety, current showrunner Meg Marinis has been instrumental in keeping the format fresh, striking a balance between fan service and modern storylines.
Meanwhile, 9-1-1 has successfully transitioned from FOX to ABC. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, the series blends high-octane emergencies with intimate human moments, thanks to a cast led by Angela Bassett and Peter Krause. Its ninth season renewal is no surprise: the show continues to captivate mass audiences by merging spectacle with emotional depth.
The Rookie, starring Nathan Fillion, enters its eighth season as a staple of modern police drama. What began as a novelty—an older rookie navigating the LAPD—has grown into a layered narrative with a robust ensemble cast and intertwined subplots, elevating the show’s storytelling while maintaining its initial charm.
Strategic Bets: New Voices and Familiar Faces
Will Trent, adapted from Karin Slaughter‘s novels, has carved out its niche with a fourth season confirmed. Ramón Rodríguez‘s portrayal of the titular agent, who lives with dyslexia, brings authenticity to the role, while the crime narrative favors emotional complexity over formulaic tropes. Variety notes that this humanized approach has been key to the show’s steady rise in both viewership and critical acclaim.
On the other hand, Shifting Gears is more of a wildcard. The sitcom starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings started strong in January but ended its debut season with a 33% ratings drop. Despite the decline, ABC renewed it, likely due to its limited comedy options. With The Conners ending and only Abbott Elementary guaranteed to return, Shifting Gears fills a crucial gap in ABC’s comedy lineup.
What’s Next: Expanding Universes and Pending Decisions
Among these announcements, ABC revealed a bold move: a 9-1-1 spinoff titled 9-1-1: Nashville, starring Chris O’Donnell. This expansion strategy follows the current trend of building franchises out of successful properties, transforming standalone series into interconnected universes.
The only show still awaiting its fate is Doctor Odyssey, a high-budget cruise ship drama tied to Ryan Murphy. Although it had a strong premiere—16.5 million cross-platform viewers in 35 days, per Variety—momentum has slowed. ABC’s recent silence on the show raises questions about its future.
With bold renewals and strategic risks, ABC seems to be crafting a lineup that balances legacy, innovation, and audience loyalty. But is it enough to retain viewers in an era of fragmented attention? The upcoming season could be ABC’s most revealing test yet.
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