ABC has released its Summer 2026 primetime lineup, laying out a mix of live music, quiz shows, reality installments and a steady rotation of feature films. The schedule gives viewers and advertisers an early look at how the network plans to fill warm-weather evenings and which marquee franchises will return.
The slate opens with a three-hour country music special from Nashville: the network will broadcast the CMA Fest concert on Thursday, June 25. Performers and planned collaborations have not yet been announced, but the event resumes ABC’s seasonal tradition of marquee live programming.
Game shows form the backbone of weekday summer nights. Two rebooted favorites—one hosted by a perennial TV panelist and another fronted by a Hollywood actor—will arrive in early July, while a late-week staple returns later in the month.
- Celebrity Family Feud — new season, premieres Thursday, July 9 (host: Steve Harvey)
- Press Your Luck — new season, premieres Thursday, July 9 (host: Elizabeth Banks)
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire — returns Wednesday, July 22 (host: Jimmy Kimmel)
On Mondays beginning July 13, ABC will air Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, with Robert Irwin—fresh off a Mirrorball victory—taking on hosting duties for the spin-off format. The move expands the Dancing franchise’s summer presence and keeps the series’ competitive format in viewers’ schedules beyond the flagship season.
Mid-July brings sports entertainment: ABC will broadcast the annual ESPYS on Wednesday, July 15, continuing its partnership with the awards show that draws audiences interested in both sports and celebrity culture.
Sunday evenings will be reserved for movies, a programming choice aimed at families and casual viewers seeking predictable, appointment viewing. The lineup mixes classics, animated hits and action titles:
- Cocktail
- Father of the Bride Part II
- Independence Day
- Moana
- The Parent Trap
- The Princess Diaries
- The Sandlot
- Sister Act
- Speed
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Toy Story 4
- True Lies
- What About Bob?
ABC also reiterated that new seasons of several tentpole reality franchises — including The Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise and Dancing With the Stars — are already greenlit. Exact premiere dates for those shows will be announced at a later time.
For viewers, the release clarifies which weekly habits will return this summer and where to find live events and family-friendly films. For advertisers and affiliates, the schedule signals where audiences are likely to concentrate as networks compete for summer attention.
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Hello, I’m Beckett. I cover series and show news for you to make your evenings more captivating.