ABC Renews 'Scrubs' Revival and 'Shifting Gears', Passes on Rachel Bloom's 'Do You Want Kids?' Pilot
ABC has confirmed the renewal of its popular series, the 'Scrubs' revival, and the multi-camera comedy 'Shifting Gears'. This marks a significant moment for both shows, with the 'Scrubs' revival entering its second season and 'Shifting Gears' returning for its third. However, the network has opted not to proceed with the comedy pilot 'Do You Want Kids?', a project co-created by and starring Rachel Bloom, signaling a strategic shift in its programming lineup.
The 'Scrubs' revival, which brought back original cast members such as Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison after a 16-year hiatus, has proven to be a resounding success. Its first episode alone captivated 11 million viewers across various platforms within its initial 35 days of availability, demonstrating a strong audience demand for the beloved medical comedy. The return of additional original stars, including John C. McGinley, Judy Reyes, and Christa Miller, in recurring or guest capacities further contributed to its popularity, blending nostalgia with fresh storylines.
'Shifting Gears', a family comedy led by Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, is also set to continue its run. The series revolves around Matt (Allen), a classic car shop owner whose life takes an unexpected turn when his daughter Riley (Dennings) and her two children move into his home. The show's ensemble cast, featuring Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis, has resonated with viewers, leading to its upcoming third season. The second season of 'Shifting Gears' aired between October 2025 and February 2026, building a solid foundation for its future.
Conversely, Rachel Bloom and Dan Gregor's comedy pilot 'Do You Want Kids?' will not be picked up by ABC. The pilot explored the differing life paths of a married couple, played by Bloom and Rory Scovel, depending on whether they chose to have children. This decision highlights the competitive nature of television development and ABC's careful consideration of its future programming slate.
With these recent decisions, ABC has largely finalized its primetime scripted lineup for the 2026-2027 broadcast season. Most of its current shows have received renewals, with only a few, like the midseason entry 'RJ Decker' starring Scott Speedman and 'The Rookie' offshoot 'The Rookie North' pilot, awaiting final word on their fate. The network continues to strategically build a diverse and engaging schedule for its audience.
ABC's latest programming announcements reflect a mix of successful revivals, ongoing comedies, and new pilot considerations. The decision to bring back 'Scrubs' with its original cast has been met with significant viewership, while 'Shifting Gears' continues to establish its presence. The network's careful selection process for new projects, as seen with the 'Do You Want Kids?' pilot, underscores its commitment to curating a compelling and diverse content offering for the upcoming broadcast season.
