Network TV Fall Lineup Shakeup: 'The Rookie,' 'Ghosts' & 'High Potential' Pushed to Midseason

Network television is undergoing a major schedule shakeup, and several fan-favorite dramas and hit comedies are taking an unexpected back seat. Both CBS and ABC have unveiled upcoming broadcast plans that effectively bench major prime-time juggernauts, pushing their season premieres straight into early 2027 and leaving loyal viewers waiting months longer for fresh episodes. Over at ABC, the network is choosing to hold back some of its most buzzed-about properties. Long-running police procedural *The Rookie*, breakout legal drama *High Potential*, and the new sitcom *Shifting Gears* are all skipping the traditional autumn launch. Instead, these series are being saved for midseason debuts. Showrunner Alexi Hawley previously assured fans that *The Rookie* knows how to handle midseason rollouts, having successfully navigated a delayed return in past seasons without losing momentum. ## Why is The Rookie delayed until midseason? CBS is staging a similar strategy with its own high-profile broadcast roster. Heavy hitters like *Ghosts*, *Matlock*, and international spin-off *NCIS: Sydney* have all been moved to early 2027 launches. The scheduling shift means *NCIS: Sydney* gives up its usual time slot to *NCIS: Origins*, which is slated for a reduced episode count while pairing alongside *NCIS: New York*. Meanwhile, the newly developed drama *Einstein* will also remain on the shelf until the new year begins. To compensate for the missing hits, CBS is executing a game of prime-time musical chairs. Hit spin-off *Elsbeth* will take over the schedule slot previously held by *Matlock*, setting up a back-to-back broadcast night that allows new series *Cupertino* to premiere on the same evening. ## Which CBS and ABC shows air in fall? While news of a delay can feel frustrating for fans accustomed to a routine September rollout, midseason holding patterns are becoming an increasingly strategic play for network executives. By banking full seasons of flagship hits for early 2027, networks can air new episodes back-to-back with far fewer mid-winter hiatuses or holiday preemptions disrupting momentum. For now, viewers eager to follow John Nolan's next chapter or catch up with Woodstone Manor's resident spirits will need to update their calendars and wait for the new year to roll around.