What's Happening?
ABC has announced the renewal of its revival of 'Scrubs' for a second season, marking the show's 11th season overall. The network has also renewed the multi-cam comedy 'Shifting Gears' for a third season. 'Scrubs' returned to ABC after a 16-year hiatus,
featuring original stars such as Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison. The first episode of the revival reached 11 million viewers across all platforms within 35 days of its release. Meanwhile, 'Shifting Gears', starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, follows the story of a classic car shop owner whose life is disrupted when his daughter moves in with her children. However, ABC has decided not to move forward with the comedy pilot 'Do You Want Kids?', co-created by Rachel Bloom and Dan Gregor.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of 'Scrubs' and 'Shifting Gears' reflects ABC's strategy to maintain a strong lineup of familiar and successful shows, which can attract a loyal audience base. The decision to cancel the pilot 'Do You Want Kids?' indicates the network's selective approach in choosing new content that aligns with its programming goals. These renewals are part of ABC's broader effort to secure its primetime scripted lineup for the 2026-2027 broadcast season, ensuring a mix of established hits and potential new successes. The network's choices can significantly impact viewership ratings and advertising revenue, influencing the competitive landscape of television programming.
What's Next?
With the renewals, ABC is expected to continue developing its primetime lineup, potentially announcing more renewals or cancellations in the coming months. The network is also evaluating the fate of other shows, such as the midseason entry 'RJ Decker' and the pilot for 'The Rookie North'. These decisions will shape ABC's programming strategy and its ability to compete with other networks for audience attention. The success of 'Scrubs' and 'Shifting Gears' in their upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining their long-term viability and the network's overall performance.
