While CBS has made some big moves in the 2024–2025 TV season, other networks have not. ABC has opted not to cancel or renew too many of its lineup. Granted, that's partly because some shows didn't arrive until January 2025, but there are still many ABC shows on the bubble.
At the time of writing this, only High Potential and Abbott Elementary have been renewed. ABC's schedule is a little light when it comes to scripted shows, but there are still six on the bubble. Which ones are likely to be renewed, and which ones are at risk of cancellation?
ABC shows likely canceled: The Rookie, Grey's Anatomy
I hate to say it, but there are two scripted shows that are most at risk at the moment. The Rookie and Grey's Anatomy are the least-watched scripted shows this year. I had hoped that The Rookie's move to the earlier timeslot would help, but the linear ratings are still down compared to last year, according to TV Series Finale.
The ratings are down for both shows and not by a small amount in one case. The Rookie has only lost around 9% of its demo and 6% of its total audience, which gives it a small chance. Grey's Anatomy's move to the 10 p.m. timeslot on Thursdays has seen the show drop almost 45% in the demo and almost 30% in the total audience.
I'm also worried about Doctor Odyssey. The new series from Ryan Murphy hasn't managed to benefit too much from its lead-in, 911. It has just a 0.28 demo rating (compared to 911's 0.4) and has pulled in 3.18 million viewers on average (compared to 911's 4.5 million). If Grey's is canceled, I could see Doctor Odyssey making it through for one season, but ABC could decide to cancel the freshman show and put Grey's Anatomy back on at 9 p.m.
ABC shows likely renewed: Shifting Gears, 911
Speaking of 911, I fully expect to see a ninth season confirmed soon. The series continues to be the No. 1 scripted drama on the network, and it's the most-watched show in terms of total audience numbers.
The only show that is ahead of it in the demo is the freshman comedy Shifting Gears. With the strong start and the fact that Abbott Elementary has been renewed, I expect to see Tim Allen return to our screens next year. I also expect this series to be moved to the fall.
Will Trent is also performing well, and I expect this series to be renewed as well. Will Trent is the only series on the network to see a boost in the linear ratings, going up 14% in the demo and 16% in the total audience. The fact that more people are tuning in tells ABC that this is a series to keep. It paired well with High Potential earlier this year, so I'd expect to see the two air on Tuesdays today next year. I'm not complaining if they're both 18-episode midseason shows with minimal breaks!
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