What's Happening?
ABC has announced the renewal of its comedy series 'Scrubs' and 'Shifting Gears' for the 2026-27 television season. This marks the second season for the 'Scrubs' revival and the third for 'Shifting Gears', a sitcom starring Tim Allen. Both series have
demonstrated strong ratings performances, which contributed to their renewals. 'Scrubs' has been particularly successful, becoming the highest-rated comedy telecast among Adults 18-49 this season, with over 11 million viewers across platforms. Meanwhile, 'Shifting Gears' has maintained its status as ABC's most-watched comedy on linear television. However, the future of the freshman drama 'R.J. Decker', starring Scott Speedman, remains uncertain. The show is currently on the bubble, with its renewal odds considered 50-50. Despite solid performance on Hulu, 'R.J. Decker' lags behind other ABC dramas in linear ratings.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of 'Scrubs' and 'Shifting Gears' underscores ABC's commitment to maintaining a strong comedy lineup, which is crucial for attracting a diverse audience and securing advertising revenue. The success of these shows highlights the network's ability to leverage nostalgia and star power to capture viewer interest. The uncertainty surrounding 'R.J. Decker' reflects the competitive nature of television programming, where new shows must quickly prove their worth to secure a place in future lineups. The decision on 'R.J. Decker' could impact ABC's strategy for balancing its drama and comedy offerings, as well as its approach to new pilot orders. The outcome will also affect the network's budget allocations and scheduling decisions for the upcoming season.
What's Next?
ABC is expected to make a decision on 'R.J. Decker' soon, as it weighs the show's performance against other potential series like 'The Rookie: North'. The network may opt to reduce episode orders for returning dramas to accommodate new shows within its budget. The presence of Scott Speedman at a recent Disney TV awards event suggests that 'R.J. Decker' remains a contender for renewal. Meanwhile, ABC's comedy pilot 'Do You Want Kids?' will not move forward, indicating a focus on strengthening existing series. The network's final decisions will shape its programming strategy for the 2026-27 season, influencing viewer engagement and competitive positioning.
