Major networks are preparing for a high-impact week of television starting September 27, 2026. Fox and ABC are leading the charge with premieres of established hits like The Simpsons and Shark Tank, alongside the second season of the Scrubs revival.
The Simpsons Season 38 and Fox's Sunday Comedy Block
Fox is leaning heavily into its Sunday night identity to anchor the start of the 2026-27 television season. According to the report, The Simpsons will return for its 38th season on September 27 at 8 p.m. ET with an episode titled “The Children’s Book Job.” This installment features guest stars Emma Thompson and Colin Jost, following a plot where Marge attempts to save Springfield Elementary via a school book fair.
This premiere follows Fox's standard Sunday night NFL programming, setting the stage for a comedy-heavy evening. The network's Sunday lineup includes:
- The Simpsons (Season 38): 8 p.m. ET on Fox
- Animal Control (Season 5): 8:30 p.m. eT on Fox
Immediately following the Springfield antics, Fox will air the fifth season premiere of Animal Control. Starring Joel McHale as the cynical Frank Shaw, the show is positioned as one of the network's most popular live-action sitcoms. The new season kicks off with a mission to save the Seahawks' missing mascot, a plot point that highlights the chaotic workplace energy the series is known for.
Zach Braff and the ABC Wednesday Night Revival
ABC is betting on nostalgia and established characters to drive its mid-week viewership. The network's Wednesday, September 30 schedule features the second season of the Scrubs revival, which returns with two new episodes. The series continues to follow J.D. Dorian, played by Zach Braff, as he navigates his role at Sacred Heart hospital alongside longtime cast members like Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, and Judy Reyes.
The upcoming season of Scrubs promises to delve into more complex interpersonal dynamics, specifically the relationship between a divorced J.D. and Elliot. As the report says,the two-episode premiere will also see the ensemble rally around Dr. Perry Cox, played by John C. McGinley, following his recent autoimmune disease diagnosis. This 10-episode season aims to leverage the deep connection fans have with the original cast to secure a foothold in the fall lineup.
Shark Tank’s Milestone Season 18 on ABC
ABC is also reinforcing its Wednesday night lineup with the return of its heavyweight competition series, Shark Tank. The show is set to premiere its 18th season on September 30 at 9 p.m. ET. To build momentum for this milestone year, the network has scheduled a two-episode premiere immediately following the Scrubs revival. This strategy suggests ABC is looking to create a high-energy block of programming to capture diverse audience segments on a single night.
The missing pieces of the 2026-27 network schedule
While the week of September 27 provides a strong start,several details regarding the broader fall season remain unverified. The report notes that while this week is one of the busiest stretches so far, the bulk of the season's major premieres are still to come. This leaves viewers and industry analysts wondering which high-profile shows will fill the subsequent weeks.
Additionally, there is a lack of clarity regarding the competition from other major networks. While the report mentions that CBS will air a "classic competition show" to kick off the fall, it does not specify which program will be airing. Without the name of this CBS show or a full list of the upcoming major premieres, the complete landscape of the 2026-27 network season remains partially obscured .
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