Typical weekly schedule for new ABC episodes
On most weeks, ABC premieres new scripted series episodes during the broadcast season in late summer or early fall and schedule them on specific nights by franchise. News and sports programming follow their own calendars, and some scripted series may shift day or hour year to year depending on renewal and time-zone logistics. Use the network grid and series pages to confirm the exact night for a particular show each week.
ABC broadcast season timing and renewal patterns
When new seasons usually start and end
ABC typically announces renewal decisions in May for scripted series and in late spring or early summer for unscripted shows. Broadcast seasons for scripted dramas and comedies usually run from September through April or May, with midseason replacements arriving in January or February. Summer often features reruns, limited new series, and reality or news specials, so the schedule varies by franchise. Renewal dates, pickup announcements, and fall preview specials are the clearest public indicators of when to expect fresh episodes.
How to read the ABC upfront and schedule grid
Upfront presentations in spring outline the major series lineup and intended night for each franchise. Networks then release a schedule grid in May that maps shows to days and time zones. Local affiliates and time-shift rules can slightly move start times, and breaking news or sports can pre-empt slots. Check the current grid and series-specific show pages for the most accurate day and time.
| Show or Block | Typical New-Episode Window | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| TGIT scripted dramas/comedies | Friday evenings, with variations for special presentations | ABC schedule grid |
| Monday Night Football season | Primarily Sunday evenings during fall on ABC | ABC schedule grid |
| Good Morning America and news magazines | Daily; live or same-day slots in morning and afternoon | ABC schedule grid |
| Primetime and sports specials | d>Anytime with advance announcementPress release and schedule update |
Where to find official ABC episode information
ABC.com, the ABC app, and the network’s social accounts post episode airings, special announcements, and rebroadcast details. Press pages and show pages on abc.com often carry premiere dates, and local station sites list affiliate-specific times. Authoritative sources are most reliable for status changes, delay notices, or schedule swaps.
How to watch new episodes when they air
Over the air via local ABC affiliates, on cable or satellite if your provider carries the network, and via live-TV services that carry ABC in your region. The ABC app and ABC.com usually offer live streams for eligible viewers with TV provider authentication. If you subscribe to a subscription video-on-demand service with ABC, on-demand episodes typically appear shortly after broadcast.
- Live TV streaming services that carry ABC include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream.
- Over-the-air antennas provide free access to ABC local broadcasts.
- ABC.com and the ABC app may require TV provider login for live streams.
Time zones, delays, and pre-emption factors
ABC operates in multiple Eastern and Central time zones, and local affiliates can shift start times within legal and network guidelines. Pre-emptions for news, sports, or special events can move episodes to another night or pull them from live streams. Delays of several minutes occur for content advisories and live sports coordination. Check a show’s specific page or your local listing for the most current slot and streaming availability.
Frequently asked questions about ABC episode releases
- Do new episodes always air on the same day each week?
- Can I watch new episodes the same day as broadcast online for free?
- What happens if a game runs long and pushes back the episode time?
- Why do some shows appear to skip a week or change nights?
- How can I set reminders so I don’t miss new episodes?
Quick checklist to avoid missing new ABC episodes
- Check the current ABC schedule grid for the show’s night and local time.
- Confirm live-stream eligibility if you plan to watch via the ABC app.
- Enable notifications in the ABC app for premiere reminders.
- Verify local affiliate and time zone if the start time differs from primetime grids.
- Watch on-demand the next day if you miss live airings.