ABC has confirmed the renewal of two of its most successful comedy series, "Scrubs" and "Shifting Gears," for the upcoming 2026-27 broadcast season. These early renewals highlight the network's confidence in both shows, which have consistently delivered robust viewership figures. "Shifting Gears," a multi-camera sitcom, has garnered significant linear ratings, positioning it as ABC's top comedy in traditional viewership. Meanwhile, the revival of "Scrubs" has proven to be a cross-platform hit, accumulating substantial numbers across various viewing formats. These decisions underscore ABC's strategy to maintain a strong comedic presence in its primetime schedule.

The network's commitment to these comedies comes after a season of strong performance, particularly for "Shifting Gears," which stars Tim Allen and Kat Dennings. Its consistent audience engagement, especially when factoring in DVR and streaming, makes it a valuable asset for ABC. The "Scrubs" revival has also captivated a large and loyal fanbase, indicating that its unique blend of humor and heart continues to resonate with viewers. With these renewals, ABC is setting a clear path for its next season, ensuring that fan favorites will return, while only one new drama awaits its fate.

"Shifting Gears" Drives Strong Ratings for ABC

"Shifting Gears," starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, has been a significant success for ABC, earning its third season renewal for 2026-27. The sitcom consistently performed as the network's highest-rated comedy in traditional linear viewership during the recent season, attracting an average of 5.4 million viewers within seven days of its initial broadcast, including DVR playback. When factoring in streaming platforms, the show's total audience swelled to approximately 7 million viewers per episode after a week, showcasing its broad appeal and strong performance across diverse viewing habits. This impressive growth underscores the series' ability to capture and retain a substantial audience.

The multi-camera comedy's consistent popularity and viewership numbers have made it a cornerstone of ABC's Wednesday night programming. The show's strong performance across various metrics, from live broadcasts to on-demand streaming, demonstrates its vital role in the network's overall strategy. Its ability to draw in and keep a large audience has undoubtedly contributed to ABC's decision to greenlight another season, solidifying its position as a key player in the network's comedic offerings. The show's success points to a robust future for its cast and crew, who continue to deliver content that resonates with a wide demographic.

"Scrubs" Revival Maintains Robust Fan Base

The highly anticipated revival of "Scrubs" has successfully secured its second season on ABC, confirming its enduring popularity. The series made a strong debut, drawing 9 million viewers across all platforms within its first seven days. This initial success further escalated to an impressive 11 million viewers in Nielsen's comprehensive 35-day, all-platform ratings, illustrating its significant reach and sustained appeal beyond initial airings. Furthermore, in linear ratings alone, the "Scrubs" revival distinguished itself as ABC's top comedy among adults aged 18-49 for the current season, highlighting its strong demographic performance and critical role in the network's programming.

The consistent high performance of the "Scrubs" revival, both in traditional linear broadcasts and across various digital platforms, solidifies its status as a vital component of ABC's comedy lineup. The show's ability to engage a wide audience, particularly within the coveted 18-49 age demographic, demonstrates its cultural relevance and comedic staying power. The return of Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke, alongside the creative leadership of original series creator Bill Lawrence and showrunner Aseem Batra, has clearly resonated with both long-time fans and new viewers, ensuring that the beloved medical comedy continues to thrive and entertain for another season.