What's Happening?
ABC has announced the renewal of its comedies 'Scrubs' and 'Shifting Gears' for the 2026-27 television season. Both shows, produced by 20th Television, have performed well in ratings, with 'Shifting Gears' starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings being the network's
most-watched comedy in linear ratings this season. It averaged 5.4 million viewers with DVR playback, growing to about 7 million with streaming. The 'Scrubs' revival, which premiered in the spring, will enter its second season after attracting 9 million cross-platform viewers in its first week, increasing to 11 million in Nielsen's 35-day ratings. This renewal leaves only one scripted show, 'R.J. Decker,' in limbo for the next season.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of 'Scrubs' and 'Shifting Gears' underscores ABC's strategy to maintain a strong lineup of comedies that appeal to a broad audience. The success of these shows in both linear and streaming formats highlights the evolving nature of television consumption, where networks must cater to both traditional and digital viewers. This decision also reflects the importance of established franchises and star power, as seen with Tim Allen's involvement, in driving viewership. The renewals are likely to bolster ABC's competitive position in the network television landscape, ensuring a stable audience base and continued advertising revenue.
