With The Rookie consistently releasing in January in the last two years, we almost expected its delayed 2027 release for Season 9. But with how well High Potential has performed for ABC, the decision to move Season 3 to the new year comes as a shock. But this isn’t the only show; Will Trent is also getting this treatment, and so is Shifting Gears.
To a degree, the decision makes complete sense when we factor in the detail that there are fewer hiatuses with this type of release, and we can watch all the episodes weekly, but it also feels like a bummer because sometimes, the hiatuses are okay. They’re especially fine with High Potential, where Season 2 felt like a breeze in the way it was scheduled out. But after the finale we experienced? The wait after that? Send help and cookies (chocolate chips intact because I’m not Karadec, and only he can have that specifically from Morgan.)
In addition, while The Rookie left us with the long-anticipated Chenford proposal, it also ended with the two of them knocked unconscious and kidnapped, so we’re in for the wildest new year with both these shows returning at the same exact time.
Still, as someone whose favorite season is fall, losing her favorite show feels personal. (I’m kidding, but I’m not.) Pacing myself with High Potential has been one of the most rewarding parts about writing for the show and it feels like a really strange decision that makes no sense. Deadline has also reported its numbers, stating, “High Potential is ABC’s top series in total viewers, adults 18-49. It is also the No.1 broadcast entertainment series of the season in 18-49 (Live+7) and No.3 in total multiplatform viewers (through 35 days).” I suppose time will tell if the slot improves these numbers even more. Diehard fans will be seated, without a doubt, but how it’ll impact the general audience can be interesting.
What are your thoughts on ABC’s new timeline?
First Featured Image Credit: ©ABC