ABC is currently weighing its options for next season’s primetime schedule, Deadline recently reported, with most of the network’s high-profile scripted dramas and comedies having a high probability of returning for the 2026-2027 television season, though, in some instances, at potentially reduced production costs.
According to the outlet, “Grey’s Anatomy,” the network’s longest-running scripted primetime series, is facing another budget cut, which could lead to cast departures and fewer episodes overall as it looks toward securing a 23rd season.
Citing the show’s age and ensemble nature, the medical drama reportedly features some of the highest-paid actors on broadcast TV, which is why episode guarantees for veteran cast members have been reduced over the last two seasons, with each appearing in 14 of the show’s 18 episodes in Seasons 21 and 22. Caterina Scorsone, who plays Amelia Shepherd, saw her guarantee reduced even further, scheduled to appear in just 10 episodes this season.
“Grey’s Anatomy” remains a success story for ABC and continues to dominate its Thursday night time slot. Most recently, after seven days of viewing, the series averaged 6.21 million viewers and a 1.37 rating among Adults 18-49 across linear and streaming (ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms), rising +154% (vs. 2.44 million) and +523% (vs. 0.22 rating), respectively, over the initial Live+Same Day audience for its January 29 episode, displaying the show’s best multiplatform performance among Total Viewers since the show’s season premeire (6.61 million on October 9, 2025).
Looking at a Season 10 renewal, “9-1-1” is also a strong performer on ABC, with the show’s January 29 episode averaging 8.20 million viewers and a 1.34 rating among Adults 18-49, rising +80% (vs. 4.55 million) and +283% (vs. 0.35 rating), respectively, over the show’s initial Live+Same Day audience and its best multiplatform performance among Total Viewers since its season premiere (8.30 million on October 9, 2025).
Despite the show’s continued success, like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “9-1-1” is also facing budget cuts, even after co-lead Peter Krause‘s exit last season. Ditto for “The Rookie,” the police drama starring “One Life to Live” alum Nathan Fillion, which is looking to be renewed for Season 9, with conversations reportedly underway with Lionsgate, the show’s lead studio.
Other shows expected back at ABC next season include “Abbott Elementary” (Season 6), “Will Trent” (Season 5), “High Potential” (Season 3), “Shifting Gears” (Season 3) and freshman “9-1-1: Nashville” (Season 2).