Early in 2025, CBS and ABC will change how TV shows are made by announcing ambitious midseason schedules that include new shows, returning hits, and new ways of presenting material.
To get people’s attention, both networks are making big changes. Drew Barrymore will host the new show “Hollywood Squares,” and CBS will move its medical drama “Watson” to follow the hit show “Tracker.” This move moves “The Equalizer” to 10 PM, another planned schedule change.
ABC is having a lot of success right now, especially with “High Potential,” which had the most viewers of any new show on the network in almost four years. Streaming material is now being shown on broadcast TV for the first time, bringing Hulu originals like “Only Murders in the Building” to people who usually watch TV.
On March 9, 2025, “American Idol’s” 20th anniversary season will be a big deal for ABC. Carrie Underwood will be a judge, returning to the show twenty years after winning it. The rest of the performers are Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest.
Both networks are putting more effort into properties that are doing well. In addition to “NCIS: Origins,” CBS will add more FBI shows to its block. ABC will improve its Thursday night mix with returning shows like “9-1-1,” “Doctor Odyssey,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
People are also interested in reality TV. “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race” will return on CBS. ABC is bringing back “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” with new hosts from “The Home Edit,” and the eighth season of “The $100,000 Pyramid” has been picked up.
By airing a crossover episode between “Abbott Elementary” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” ABC is showing that it’s not afraid to try new things with its programming.
Streaming is still a big deal. ABC will add new episodes to Hulu and Disney+ the day after they air on TV, and CBS will keep supporting its Paramount+ app.
The broadcast business is always changing, and these midseason schedules reflect that. They balance traditional shows with new ideas to keep viewers interested across multiple platforms.
