Personally, I think ABC’s decision to pivot its fall schedule toward ‘High Potential’ midseason isn’t just a strategic move—it reflects a deeper desire to sustain high-quality programming throughout the year. While Season 3 of ‘Will Trent,’ ‘The Rookie,’ and their uninterrupted runs have been successful, the linear audience’s preference for week-to-week consistency has led to the need for more flexibility. By keeping ‘R.J. Decker’ in the air until midseason, ABC ensures continuity while also capitalizing on streaming success, which has made the show an even bigger hit. What makes this particularly fascinating is how ABC balances tradition with innovation—by reinventing a classic series without losing its appeal. In my opinion, this approach strengthens ABC’s ability to deliver quality content over time, especially as it prepares for the Super Bowl simulcast. However, there’s also a possibility that smaller episode counts could emerge next year, depending on how the network manages its budget and creative direction.
