ABC fall primetime schedule
ABC's "Marvel's Inhumans" stars Eme Ikwuakor, Ken Leung, Anson Mount, Serinda Swan, Isabelle Cornish and Iwan Rheon. (ABC/Michael Muller)

ABC fall primetime schedule: Friday nerd night

ABC is counting on genre fans being too nerdy to go out Fridays. The ABC fall primetime schedule puts one fantasy and two superhero shows on the night.

The network is moving “Once Upon a Time,” its fantasy that brings fairy tales and the modern world together. The new season, airing at 8/7c Fridays, will follow the adventures of an adult Henry (Andrew J. West).

ABC will premiere its new superhero series, “Marvel’s Inhumans,” at 9/8c Fridays in the fall. The eight-episode season will be followed by the return of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a morning press call that fans of ABC’s genre series have long asked for the network to air them on the same night.

“We wanted to make Friday a destination night,” she said.

Other highlights of ABC’s plans for the 2017-18 season include the return of “American Idol” with Katy Perry as an anchor judge, a shakeup to the comedy blocks on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the return of Thursday’s Shondaland drama block. However, “Scandal” will end after the 2017-18 season.

Later in the day at the networks Upfront presentation in New York, Dungey announced that ABC has picked up a spin-off of “Grey’s Anatomy” that follows a group of heroic firefighters.

Dungey also confirmed the reboot of “Roseanne” will air in 2018. Read more about the “Roseanne” reboot here.

You’ll find the ABC fall primetime schedule below with premiere dates, followed by descriptions of new shows.

 

ABC fall primetime schedule

All times listed are Central. New shows are in bold.

MONDAY

7 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (returns Sept. 18)

9 p.m. “The Good Doctor” (debuts Sept. 25)

TUESDAY

7 p.m. “The Middle” (returns Oct. 3)

7:30 p.m. “Fresh Off the Boat” (returns Oct. 3; new time period)

8 p.m. “black-ish” (returns Oct. 3; new day and time period)

8:30 p.m. “The Mayor” (debuts Oct. 3)

9 p.m. Kevin (Probably) Saves the World (debuts Oct. 3)

WEDNESDAY

7 p.m. “The Goldbergs” (returns Sept. 27)

7:30 p.m. “Speechless” (returns Sept. 27)

8 p.m. “Modern Family” (returns Sept. 27)

8:30 p.m. “American Housewife” (returns Sept. 27; new day and time period)

9 p.m. “Designated Survivor”  (returns Sept. 27)

THURSDAY

7 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy” (returns Sept. 28)

8 p.m. “Scandal” (returns Oct. 5)

9 p.m. “How to Get Away with Murder” (returns Sept. 28)

FRIDAY

7 p.m. “Once Upon a Time” (returns Oct. 6; new day and time period)

8 p.m. “Marvel’s Inhumans,” (debuts Sept. 29) then “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

9 p.m. “20/20”

SATURDAY

7 p.m. “Saturday Night Football” 

SUNDAY

6 p.m.  “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (returns Nov. 26)

7 p.m. “To Tell the Truth” (returns Oct. 8; new day and time period)

8 p.m. “Shark Tank” (returns Oct. 1; new day and time period)

9 p.m. “Ten Days in the Valley” (debuts Oct. 1)

 

New fall, midseason series

Dramas

The Crossing

Midseason

Refugees from a war-torn country seek asylum in a small American fishing town, only the country these people are from is America—and the war they are fleeing hasn’t happened yet. As the government tries to uncover the truth behind this mysterious migration only one thing is certain: The lives of the people here—both the townspeople and these newcomers—will never be the same. Writers Dan Dworkin and Jay Beattie executive produce with Jason Reed.

“The Crossing” stars Steve Zahn as Jude Miller, Natalie Martinez as Reece, Sandrine Holt as Emma Ren, Rick Gomez as Nestor, Jay Karnes as Craig Lindauer, Marcuis Harris as Caleb and Simone Kessel as Rebecca. Also starring are Kelly Missal as Hannah, Rob Campbell as Paul, Grant Harvey as Roy, Bailey Skodje as Leah, Jon D’Leo as Will, Luc Roderique as Bryce and Tommy Bastow as Marshall.  

Rob Bowman directed the pilot. The series is from ABC Studios.

Deception

Midseason

When his career is ruined by scandal, superstar magician Cameron Black has only one place to turn to practice his art of deception, influence and illusion—the FBI. Using every trick in the book and inventing new ones, he will help the government catch the world’s most elusive criminals while staging the biggest illusions of his career. Writer Chris Fedak (“Chuck”) executive produces along with Greg Berlanti, Martin Gero and Sarah Schechter. Illusionist David Kwong (“Now You See Me”) will co-produce.

“Deception” stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Cameron Black/Jonathan Black, Ilfenesh Hadera as Kay Daniels, Lenora Crichlow as Dina Clark and Amaury Nolasco as Mike Alvarez. Also starring are Justin Chon as Jordan Kwon, Laila Robins as Special Agent Deakins and Vinnie Jones as Gunter Gustafsen

 The series is from Berlanti Productions and Quinn’s House in association with Warner Bros. Television. David Nutter directed “Deception” and also serves as executive producer.

For the People

Midseason

Set in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, aka “The Mother Court,” this new Shondaland drama follows brand-new lawyers working for both the defense and the prosecution handling the most high-profile and high-stakes federal cases in the country—all as their lives intersect in and out of the courtroom. Shondaland’s Paul William Davies created the series. Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers executive produce.

The ABC Studios series stars Ben Rappaport as Seth Oliver, Susannah Flood as Kate Littlejohn, Wesam Keesh as Jay Simmons, Regé-Jean Page as Leonard Knox, Ben Shenkman as Roger Gunn, Hope Davis as Jill Carlan, Vondie Curtis-Hall as Judge Nicholas Byrne and Anna Deavere Smith as Tina Krissman.

The Good Doctor

10/9c Mondays this fall

Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues. Daniel Dae Kim (“Lost,”“Hawaii Five-O”) and David Shore (“House”) executive produce.

The series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Brown, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neal Melendez, Chuku Modu as Dr. Jared Kalu, Beau Garrett as Jessica Preston. Additionally, Hill Harper stars as Dr. Marcus Andrews and Richard Schiff plays Dr. Aaron Glassman.

The series is from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. David Shore is writer and executive producer. Daniel Dae Kim, David Kim and Sebastian Lee also are executive producers. Seth Gordon directed the pilot and is also an executive producer.

The Gospel of Kevin

10/9c Tuesdays this fall

Kevin Finn, a cluelessly self-serving person, is on a dangerous path to despair. In a downward spiral, Kevin returns home to stay with his widowed twin sister Amy and his niece. On his first night there, an unlikely celestial being named Yvette appears to him and presents him with a mission—to save the world.  Executive producers Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters (“Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Resurrection,” “Reaper”) created this light drama.

“The Gospel of Kevin” stars Jason Ritter as Kevin Finn, JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Amy, J. August Richards as Nate, Chloe East as Reese, Dustin Ybarra as Tyler and India de Beaufort as Kristin.

Paul McGuigan directed the pilot. The series is from ABC Studios.

Marvel’s Inhumans

8/7c Friday, Sept. 29

“Marvel’s Inhumans” explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where their surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them may prove to not only save them, but Earth itself.

“Marvel’s Inhumans” stars Anson Mount as Black Bolt, Iwan Rheon as Maximus, Serinda Swan as Medusa, Eme Ikwuakor as Gorgon, Isabelle Cornish as Crystal, Ken Leung as Karnak, Ellen Woglom as an undisclosed character, Sonya Balmores as Auran and Mike Moh as Triton.

Scott Buck serves as showrunner and executive producer. Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory also executive produce. Roel Reiné will direct the first two episodes. This series is a Marvel and IMAX project and is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios.

The legendary comic book series will be brought to life in a way that has never been done before, as a version of the first two episodes will be shown globally in IMAX theaters for a two-week period beginning Sept. 1, 2017. ABC will then air the entirety of the series on the network, with additional exclusive content that can only been seen on ABC.

Ten Days in the Valley

10/9c Sundays this fall

“Ten Days in the Valley” stars Kyra Sedgwick as Jane Sadler, an overworked television producer and single mother in the middle of a separation whose life is turned upside down when her young daughter goes missing in the middle of the night. Just like her controversial police TV show, everything is a mystery, everyone has a secret and no one can be trusted. 

“Ten Days in the Valley” stars Kyra Sedgwick as Jane Sadler, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as John Bird, Kick Gurry as Pete Greene, Erika Christensen as Ali Petrovich, Felix Solis as David Gomez, Josh Randall as Tom Petrovich, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Matt Abigail Pniowsky as Lake and Francois Battiste as Gus.

“Ten Days in the Valley” is from Skydance Television. It is created and written by Tassie Cameron. Cameron executive produces along with Kyra Sedgwick, Jill Littman, Dana Goldberg, David Ellison and Marcy Ross.

Untitled Grey’s Anatomy spin-off

Midseason

Set in a Seattle firehouse, the latest series from the executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” follows a group of heroic firefighters. From the captain to the newest recruit, the new show follows these brave men and women as they risk their lives and their hearts both in the line of duty and off the clock.

Stacy McKee will write the script and executive produce the ABC Studios series. Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder”) and Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder”) also are executive producers.

 

Comedies

Alex, Inc.

Midseason

Alex Schuman is a brilliant radio journalist, husband and father of two who is about to do something crazy—quit his job and start his own company. He quickly discovers it’s going to be a lot harder than he thought. Zach Braff stars, directs and is executive producer with Matt Tarses (“Scrubs”) and Davis Entertainment (“Dr. Ken,” “Blacklist”). Series is based on the podcast StartUp.

Matt Tarses is writer and executive producer. Zach Braff is director and executive producer. John Davis and John Fox also are executive producers of the series, from Davis Entertainment. Additionally, Alex Blumberg, Chris Gilberti  and Matt Lieber (Gimlet Media) serve as executive producers in association with Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.

The Mayor

8:30/7:30c Tuesdays this fall

Young rapper Courtney Rose needs his big break. For years he’s toiled away in a small inner-city apartment, making music in his junk-filled bedroom closet. Tired of waiting for opportunity, Courtney cooks up the publicity stunt of the century—running for mayor of his hometown in California to generate buzz for his music career. Unfortunately for Courtney, his master plan goes wildly awry, ending in the most terrifying of outcomes: an election victory. With the help of his mother, Dina, and friends, including Valentina, Courtney will have to overcome his hubris if he wants to transform the struggling city he loves.

The series stars Brandon Micheal Hall as Courtney Rose, Lea Michele as Valentina, Bernard David Jones as Jermaine Hardaway and Yvette Nicole Brown as Dina. Marcel Spears also stars.

Daveed Diggs (Tony winner for Broadway’s “Hamilton”), writer Jeremy Bronson (“Speechless,” “The Mindy Project,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”) and Jamie Tarses (“Happy Endings”) serve as executive producers for the ABC Studios series. James Griffiths (“black-ish”) directed the pilot. Griffiths also serves as an executive producer.

Splitting Up Together

Midseason

Based on the Danish series, “Splitting Up Together” is the story of a couple whose marriage is reignited by their divorce. Emily Kapnek (“Suburgatory”) writes and serves as executive producer of this new comedy, along with Ellen DeGeneres.

The series stars Jenna Fischer as Lena, Oliver Hudson as Martin, Bobby Lee as Arthur, Diane Farr as Maya, Lindsay Price as Camille, Olivia Keville as Mae, Van Crosby as Mason and Sander Thomas as Milo.

Jeff Kleeman, Mette Heeno, Mie Andreasen and Hella Joof are also executive producers of “Splitting Up Together,” which is based on the original series created by Heeno. It is produced by A Very Good Production and Piece of Pie Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Dean Holland directed the pilot.

 

Alternative Series

American Idol

Midseason

ABC is bringing back “American Idol.” The network, along with producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, will revive television’s most successful and recognized music competition series for the 2017-2018 season, bringing back the fan-favorite and making more dreams come true. A host and judges will be announced at a later time.

“American Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

The Bachelor Winter Games

Midseason

America’s favorite participants from past seasons of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” from arch rivals to villains, will take competitive dating to a chilling new level.  In an ode to the Winter Olympic Games and slated to premiere in February 2018, “The Bachelor Winter Games” will reunite the all-stars at a luxurious winter resort, where they will go head-to-head in winter-themed athletic challenges, including the toughest sport of all—love.

“The Bachelor Winter Games” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton executive produce.

Dancing with the Stars Junior

Spring 2018

A fresh new take on an established favorite, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” will pair celebrity kids and kids of celebrities with professional junior ballroom dancers to perform choreographed routines, which will be judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, to be announced at a later date. BBC Worldwide Productions produces “Dancing with the Stars Junior.”

 

Returning Series

Dramas

Designated Survivor (Season 2), Grey’s Anatomy (Season 14), How To Get Away With Murder (Season 4), Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Season 5), Once Upon A Time (Season 7), Quantico (Season 3), Scandal (Season 7)

Comedies

American Housewife (Season 2), black-Ish (Season 4), Fresh Off the Boat (Season 4), The Goldbergs (Season 5), The Middle (Season 9), Modern Family (Season 9), Speechless (Season 2)

Alternative

20/20 (Season 40), America’s Funniest Home Videos (Season 28), The Bachelor (Season 22), The Bachelorette (Season 14), Dancing with the Stars (Season 25), Shark Tank (Season 9), To Tell The Truth (Season 3)

 

Specials

The Wonderful World Of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live!

Tuesday, Oct. 3

In a two-hour special event, ABC will take the iconic “The Little Mermaid” animated feature film and intertwine it with show stopping LIVE musical performances via cutting-edge technology for an explosive evening honoring one of Walt Disney’s most celebrated classics. Fans of “The Little Mermaid” and Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Oscar-winning songs will enjoy this never-before-seen live action/animation hybrid television experience. A soon-to-be announced roster of celebrity artists will perform songs that will weave seamlessly throughout the original animated film.

“The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live!” premieres Tuesday, Oct. 3. Done + Dusted produces the special. Hamish Hamilton, Ian Stewart, David Jammy and Katy Mullan serve as executive producers. Richard Kraft of Kraft-Engel Productions also serves as executive producer.

Rolling Stone 50 

Feb. 7, 2018

For half a century, Rolling Stone has remained an iconic and important voice in American music, culture and politics. Now, the people who have told their stories through the Rolling Stone lens are coming together to reflect on the last 50 years. “Rolling Stone 50” will pay homage to the brand’s influence and impact through a curated journey of its most seminal moments. Live from New York City, the three-hour special television event, set to debut Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, will showcase live performances, short films, iconic on-stage moments, never-before-seen musical pairings, and celebrities that have shaped pop culture, music and politics.

Done + Dusted and Wenner Media produce the special. Jann Wenner and Gus Wenner of Wenner Media will executive produce. Ian Stewart, David Jammy and Katy Mullan of Done + Dusted also serve as executive producers.

Untitled Kimmel and Theroux Project

Jimmy Kimmel and renowned actor/screenwriter Justin Theroux are teaming up to produce a live sitcom special for the 2017/2018 season. The “Untitled Kimmel and Theroux Project” will bring viewers classic sitcom scripts from the 70s, 80s and 90s, to be acted out live by today’s biggest names in comedy.

Smoking Baby Productions will produce the show, which will be taped in front of a live studio audience. Jimmy Kimmel and Justin Theroux serve as executive producers.

More fall TV news

CBS fall schedule

Fox fall schedule