US Broadcast Television Schedule: 2026-2027 Season
The upcoming 2026-2027 broadcast television season brings a dynamic mix of high-stakes sports, returning favorites, and bold new series. Navigating the primetime landscape requires an understanding of how major networks—ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and The CW—balance their scripted entertainment with massive live sporting events that often shift traditional time slots.
Across the United States, programming is generally listed in Eastern and Pacific Time. Viewers in Central, Mountain, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian time zones should subtract one hour from these listings. While most shows follow a rigid grid, live sports are broadcast simultaneously across all time zones in Eastern Time, with local affiliates managing the remaining schedule.
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Key Facts
- NFL Impact: Monday Night Football and other exclusive cable/streaming games (Peacock, Netflix, ESPN DTC) may cause primetime delays or shifts in 31 primary markets.
- Sports Preemptions: Fox primetime will be preempted October 23, 24, 26, and 27 (and potentially 28, 30, and 31) for the 2026 World Series.
- Flexible Scheduling: CBS and Fox adjust their Sunday schedules based on whether NFL games are "singleheaders," which can shift subsequent programming by 30 to 60 minutes.
- Major Events: The season features the 84th Golden Globes (Jan 10, 2027), 69th Grammy Awards (Feb 7, 2027), Super Bowl LXI (Feb 14, 2027), and the 99th Academy Awards (March 14, 2027).
Weekly Primetime Breakdown
Sunday: The Sports Powerhouse
Sundays are dominated by the NFL. CBS and Fox lead with afternoon games, while NBC features Sunday Night Football (Fall), Sunday Night Basketball (Winter), and Sunday Night Baseball (Spring). ABC focuses on family entertainment with America's Funniest Home Videos and The Wonderful World of Disney starting September 27.
Monday through Wednesday: Scripted and Reality Hits
Mondays are defined by Monday Night Football on ABC. CBS counters with a heavy procedural lineup including FBI and CIA. Tuesdays see a mix of competition and drama, with Dancing with the Stars on ABC and the NCIS franchise on CBS. Wednesdays feature high-stakes reality shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race on CBS, and the Chicago franchise on NBC.
Thursday through Saturday: Genre and Live Events
Thursdays are a battleground for dramas, featuring Grey's Anatomy (ABC) and Law & Order (NBC). Fridays offer a blend of news and sports, including Fox College Football Friday. Saturdays are dedicated to collegiate sports and special events, with Saturday Night Live airing in real-time for Pacific and Mountain Time Zone affiliates to maintain its live nature.
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Season Programming Summary
| Network | Key Series/Events | Primary Sports Focus | Notable Premiere Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1, Oscars | College Football, Super Bowl LXI | Sept 27 (Disney/AFV) |
| CBS | Survivor, NCIS, Golden Globes | NFL on CBS, College Football | Sept 13 (60 Minutes) |
| Fox | The Simpsons, Hell's Kitchen | NFL, World Series, MLB | Sept 13 (The OT) |
| NBC | The Voice, Law & Order, Emmy Awards | Sunday Night Football, NBA | Sept 13 (Football Night) |
| The CW | WWE NXT, Police 24/7 | NASCAR | Sept 1 (WWE NXT) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do NFL games affect regular primetime shows?
In 31 primary markets, games airing exclusively on cable or streaming services (like Netflix or Peacock) may be simulcast on local broadcast stations. This can result in primetime programs being delayed or moved to a sister station.
What happens if a Sunday NFL game runs long?
On Fox, if a game overruns past 7 p.m. ET, programming may be joined in progress. On CBS, 60 Minutes will usually air in full, delaying subsequent shows. If a Fox game overruns past 8 p.m. ET, The OT is typically preempted.
When are the major award shows airing?
The 84th Golden Globes air January 10, 2027 (CBS), the 69th Grammys air February 7, 2027 (ABC), and the 99th Academy Awards air March 14, 2027 (ABC).
How is Saturday Night Live handled in the West Coast time zones?
NBC's Pacific and Mountain Time Zone affiliates carry new episodes of Saturday Night Live in real-time. This may cause other primetime programming to be shifted, delayed, or preempted.
Are there any special commemorative broadcasts?
ABC and CBS are expected to dedicate their September 11, 2026, primetime schedules to programs commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.