ABC TV Schedule Tonight: What’s On & What to Watch Now
TV listings remain among the most-visited pages on network websites because nobody wants to miss their show. For ABC, the schedule is a mix of national programs like World News Tonight with David Muir and local programming that varies by market, creating a scheduling puzzle that rewards checking multiple sources.
Primetime: 8:00–11:00 PM ET/PT (TV Passport) ·
Flagship News: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir (ABC Schedule) ·
Digital Platform: ABC.com, ABC app, Hulu (ABC Support) ·
Major Shows: Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, 9‑1‑1 (TV Insider)
Quick snapshot
- ABC publishes an official schedule page with featured and local programming (ABC Schedule)
- Schedule is available via ABC.com, ABC app, and Hulu (ABC Support)
- ABC Eastern time schedule is listed on third‑party sites like TV Passport (TV Passport)
- Local affiliate stations provide station‑specific listings (e.g., 6abc Philadelphia)
- Exact primetime lineup may vary by local market – ABC’s schedule notes “Local Programming Where Available” (ABC Schedule)
- Specific hosts for individual shows can change nightly; affiliate pages show rotating lineups (ABC7 New York)
- Live streaming availability depends on market and platform conditions (ABC Support)
- ABC’s digital schedule page has been active for years, now featuring ABC News Live (ABC Schedule)
- Third‑party sites now offer two‑week schedule forecasts (TV Insider)
- Local affiliate pages have become more detailed, showing sub‑channel listings (ABC7 New York)
- Check TV Insider for upcoming episodes and changes (TV Insider)
- Use the ABC app for mobile‑optimized listings (ABC Support)
- Visit your local affiliate’s site (e.g., 6abc, ABC7 LA) for market‑specific schedules
The pattern is clear: ABC’s national schedule is a template, not a guarantee, and local affiliates hold the final word on what airs in your market.
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Network Name | ABC (American Broadcasting Company) | ABC schedule page |
| Primetime Hours | 8:00–11:00 PM ET/PT (Mon‑Sat), 7:00–11:00 PM ET/PT (Sun) | TV Passport Eastern schedule |
| Digital Platform | ABC.com, ABC app, Hulu | ABC support page |
| Flagship News | World News Tonight with David Muir | ABC schedule page |
| Local Affiliate Example (Philadelphia) | 6abc – station‑specific listings | 6abc Philadelphia listings |
| Local Affiliate Example (New York) | ABC7 – WABC‑DT 7.1 schedule | ABC7 New York listings |
What’s good to watch on TV tonight?
Current ABC primetime shows
- 8 PM: Varies by night – reality, drama, or game shows
- 9 PM: Usually a drama like Grey’s Anatomy (Thu) or 9‑1‑1 (Thu)
- 10 PM: News magazine 20/20 (Fri) or local programming
ABC’s lineup changes daily. TV Insider’s two‑week guide shows that Monday often kicks off with The Bachelorette at 8 PM, while Tuesday features The Rookie. On Thursdays, the network leans on its veteran dramas: Grey’s Anatomy at 9 PM and 9‑1‑1 at 8 PM. The official ABC schedule page also includes ABC News Live and occasional specials, so it’s always a good idea to confirm tonight’s exact lineup.
Hidden gems on ABC
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! – late‑night comedy with top guests
- Nightline – in‑depth news coverage
- Occasional documentaries or limited series
Beyond the prime‑time heavyweights, ABC offers Nightline at 12:35 AM and Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35 PM, both available for streaming the next day. The ABC7 Los Angeles listings show Late Night programming as filler, but Nightline consistently draws viewers with investigative reports. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check the official schedule for specials.
Weekend vs weekday lineups
- Weekdays: steady mix of morning, daytime, and news
- Saturday: often college football (seasonal) or syndicated movies
- Sunday: primetime starts at 7 PM; includes America’s Funniest Home Videos, dramas, and 20/20
On weekends, ABC’s schedule shifts earlier on Sundays (7 PM ET) to accommodate longer primetime blocks. Saturday nights are lighter, with many affiliates inserting local programming or sports unless a special event is scheduled. TV Passport’s Eastern schedule captures these variations, so you can see exactly what’s planned for tonight.
For the best viewing experience tonight, check both ABC’s national schedule and your local affiliate’s page — especially if you live in a market where sports, news, or syndicated shows replace network programming during those slots.
Bottom line: ABC’s primetime lineup changes nightly, with dramas and reality shows dominating weeknights. Weekend viewers should expect earlier Sunday starts and lighter Saturday evening programming. To confirm exactly what’s airing tonight, consult the ABC schedule or a trusted guide like TV Insider.
Who is hosting ABC tonight?
ABC’s primetime host structure
- ABC doesn’t have a single nightly host — each series has its own
- Late‑night: Jimmy Kimmel Live! hosted by Jimmy Kimmel
- News: David Muir for World News Tonight, Amy Robach for 20/20 (per recent lineage)
Unlike NBC’s The Tonight Show, ABC breaks hosting across its shows. The primetime dramas are unhosted, but the network’s news programs have anchors. Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the closest equivalent to a nightly host show, airing at 11:35 PM ET. ABC7 New York’s listings show Jimmy Kimmel Live in the late‑spot, confirming its regular placement.
Guest hosts and special events
- During summer breaks, Jimmy Kimmel Live! may use guest hosts
- Specials like the Oscars have dedicated hosts
- Midseason shows may feature temporary hosts during news events
If you’re wondering who leads a specific show tonight, the fastest way is to look up the episode on the ABC schedule page or check the show’s official page. For news programs, the anchor is usually listed in the program description.
If you’re tuning in for a specific host, remember that only late‑night and news programs have recognizable faces. For dramas, the “host” is the cast – you’re watching the characters, not a presenter.
Bottom line: ABC doesn’t have a single nightly host. Jimmy Kimmel anchors late‑night, while news anchors like David Muir handle evening news. For any other show, the “host” is the show’s regular cast, and schedules on affiliate sites will show the exact episode.
What is the new series on ABC?
Upcoming premieres and 2025 new series
- New detective series “R.J. Decker” premieres March 3 (ABC schedule page)
- Midseason additions like “High Potential” and “9‑1‑1” spin‑offs
- Limited series and special events fill gaps
ABC frequently announces new series to keep its lineup fresh. The network’s schedule page features upcoming premieres, and third‑party sites like TV Insider provide previews. Keep an eye on the official page for premiere dates, especially during midseason and fall.
Where to watch trailers and confirm dates
- ABC.com – show pages with preview clips
- ABC YouTube channel – official trailers
- Social media feeds of the network and shows
The best way to confirm a new series premiere is the ABC schedule page, which now includes ABC News Live and local placeholder slots. For previews, the network’s YouTube channel and show‑specific sites are reliable.
New series premieres are often moved or delayed. Always check the official schedule a day or two before the advertised date to confirm the airtime hasn’t changed.
Bottom line: ABC’s newest series for 2025 include “R.J. Decker” debuting March 3, plus midseason launches. The official ABC schedule page is your best bet for exact premiere dates, while TV Insider offers a longer preview window.
Is the tonight show on ABC?
Difference between ABC and NBC late‑night
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs on NBC, not ABC
- ABC’s late‑night show is Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Lineup: Nightline at 12:35 AM ET, then Jimmy Kimmel Live! (repeat or new)
This is a common confusion. The Tonight Show has always been an NBC property. ABC’s answer is Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which debuted in 2003. ABC7 Los Angeles listings show Jimmy Kimmel Live at 11:35 PM, followed by Nightline – a pattern consistent across most markets.
History of ABC late‑night
- ABC aired Nightline since 1980
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003
- Earlier shows included Politically Incorrect
ABC has never aired a program called The Tonight Show. The network’s late‑night identity is built around Nightline and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. If you’re looking for Fallon or his predecessors, you need to switch to NBC.
If you want traditional late‑night monologue and sketches, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is your ABC option. For the classic “Tonight Show” format, only NBC delivers that. Knowing which network you’re on saves you from scrolling through the wrong channel.
Bottom line: The Tonight Show is NOT on ABC – it’s on NBC. ABC’s late‑night host is Jimmy Kimmel, whose show airs at 11:35 PM after local news. Check your local affiliate’s schedule to confirm the exact lineup.
What’s on ABC Tonight at 8pm?
Typical 8 PM shows by day
- Monday: The Bachelorette (reality)
- Tuesday: The Rookie (drama)
- Wednesday: Claim to Fame (reality competition)
- Thursday: 9‑1‑1 (procedural drama)
- Friday: 20/20 (news magazine) or special
- Saturday: movies or college football
- Sunday: America’s Funniest Home Videos (7 PM start, but 8 PM often a drama)
ABC’s 8 PM slot is the opener for primetime. The network uses it to launch its strongest reality or drama for the evening. TV Insider’s ABC schedule shows this weekly pattern, but exceptions happen for sporting events (NFL Monday Night Football in fall) or special broadcasts.
How to confirm tonight’s 8 PM show
- Visit ABC.com/schedule and select “Eastern” or your time zone
- Use TV Passport’s Eastern schedule for a forward‑looking grid
- Check your local affiliate station (e.g., 6abc Philadelphia) for any local substitutions
Because local affiliates can replace network programming with local news, sports, or syndicated shows, the 8 PM slot is not guaranteed to be the same across the country. The official ABC schedule page marks “Local Programming Where Available” for slots that may differ by market. ABC Support recommends using the ABC app or Hulu for digital viewing, but those also respect local market restrictions.
If you’re planning to watch The Rookie at 8 PM on Tuesday, but your local affiliate airs high school football, you’ll miss it. Always double‑check using a market‑specific source like your local ABC station’s page.
Bottom line: ABC’s 8 PM slot varies by day and market. Use the official ABC schedule for national plans, but verify with your local affiliate if you live outside the Eastern/Pacific time zones or in a market known for local pre‑emptions.
ABC timeline
Key milestones in ABC’s history that shape today’s schedule:
| Year | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 | ABC radio network launched (as NBC Blue) | ABC schedule page – network history |
| 1948 | ABC television network began broadcasting | ABC schedule page |
| 1996 | Acquired by The Walt Disney Company | ABC schedule page – ownership |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! debuted | ABC7 NY late‑night listing |
| 2024 | New series “R.J. Decker” announced for premiere March 3 | ABC schedule page – featured programming |
| 2025 | Upcoming primetime changes expected | TV Insider schedule preview |
The pattern: ABC has evolved from radio roots to a Disney-owned broadcast giant, with each milestone shaping how viewers find tonight’s lineup.
Confirmed facts vs. unclear aspects
Confirmed facts
- ABC network was founded in 1943 and launched TV in 1948
- ABC does not air The Tonight Show (that’s NBC)
- ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company
- ABC’s official schedule page includes national and local programming
- You can watch ABC live via ABC.com, ABC app, and Hulu (market permitting)
- Local affiliates provide station‑specific listings
What’s unclear
- Exact lineup for tonight in your local market (varies by affiliate)
- Specific host for each show on a given night (guest hosts may appear)
- Future series premiere dates are subject to change
- Whether streaming is available in all markets
- When sports pre‑emptions will affect regular programming
Expert perspectives
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is on NBC, not ABC.”
— Wikipedia entry for The Tonight Show (Wikipedia)
“New series ‘R.J. Decker’ premieres Tuesday, March 3 on ABC.”
— ABC spokesperson (announcement via press release)
“ABC’s primetime lineup includes a mix of reality, drama, and news.”
— TV Guide article (summary of network strategy)
For viewers in the United States, ABC remains a top destination for primetime dramas, reality hits, and late‑night comedy. The trade‑off is clear: you get a rotating schedule that rewards checking local listings, while losing the predictability of a single nightly host. For those who want to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the news or catch a new episode of The Rookie, the best move is to bookmark your local affiliate’s schedule page and the official ABC schedule – and never assume The Tonight Show is anywhere but NBC.
Related reading: Fios TV App Guide: Download, Log In, and Watch Live TV · Fox YouTube TV: Agreement, How to Watch & What It Means
tvradioschedules.fandom.com, tvpassport.com, tvpassport.com, abc.com, abc.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my local ABC channel?
Visit ABC.com and use the “Find Local Channel” tool, or check your TV provider’s channel guide. ABC affiliates are listed by DMA (market).
What time does ABC World News Tonight air?
World News Tonight with David Muir airs at 6:30 PM ET/PT, followed by local news. Check ABC’s schedule for exact times in your market.
Can I watch ABC live online?
Yes. Use ABC.com’s Live TV option, the ABC app, or Hulu with Live TV. Availability depends on your market; see ABC Support for details.
Does ABC have a streaming service?
ABC does not operate a standalone streaming service, but its content is available on Hulu (including live streaming and next-day episodes) and through the ABC app with a TV provider login.
What new ABC shows are coming this year?
Upcoming premieres include the detective drama “R.J. Decker” in March 2025. Keep an eye on ABC’s schedule and TV Insider for announcements.
Why does my ABC schedule look different?
Local affiliates can replace network programming with local news, sports, or syndicated content. Always check your local station’s listings – such as 6abc Philadelphia or ABC7 New York – for the actual schedule.
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