ABC Renews Trio of Hit Dramas: ‘High Potential,’ ‘9-1-1,’ and ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Secure Future Seasons Amid Showrunner Shake-Up

LOS ANGELES — In a major boost for its prime-time lineup, ABC announced on March 5, 2026, the renewal of three powerhouse dramas: the quirky procedural “High Potential” for its third season, the long-running emergency responder series “9-1-1” for a milestone 10th season, and the freshman spin-off “9-1-1: Nashville” for a second outing. The decision underscores the network’s commitment to its heavy hitters, which have dominated ratings on both ABC and its streaming partner Hulu, drawing millions of viewers weekly with their blend of high-stakes action, emotional depth, and star power.

The renewals come as no surprise given the shows’ strong performance metrics. “9-1-1,” created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear, has been a cornerstone of ABC’s schedule since moving from Fox in 2018. Now entering its fourth season on the network (and 10th overall), the series follows the intense lives of Los Angeles first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. Led by stars Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, and Oliver Stark, it continues to deliver edge-of-your-seat emergencies—from bee swarms to building collapses—while exploring personal dramas like relationships and mental health struggles. This season alone, “9-1-1” has averaged over 5 million viewers in live-plus-same-day ratings, making it one of broadcast TV’s top dramas.

Expanding the “9-1-1” universe, “9-1-1: Nashville” premiered in October 2025 as the franchise’s third installment, following the Austin-set “9-1-1: Lone Star.” Set against the vibrant backdrop of Music City, the series shifts focus to a new team of emergency workers navigating disasters in Tennessee’s capital. Starring Chris O’Donnell as Captain Don Hart, Jessica Capshaw as Blythe Hart, and country music icon LeAnn Rimes as paramedic Dixie Bennings, alongside Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz, Hailey Kilgore, and Hunter McVey, the show has quickly resonated with audiences. Its debut season highlighted themes of family, fame, and resilience amid crises like floods and concert stampedes, earning it the title of the No. 1 new drama among adults 18-49. ABC executives cited its fresh take on the formula and strong Hulu streaming numbers as key factors in the swift renewal.

High Potential (#2 of 3): Mega Sized TV Poster Image - IMP Awards
impawards.com

High Potential (#2 of 3): Mega Sized TV Poster Image – IMP Awards

Meanwhile, “High Potential” has emerged as a breakout hit since its 2024 premiere. Based on the French series “HPI,” the show stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, a single mom and cleaning lady with an extraordinary IQ who becomes an LAPD consultant, solving crimes with her unconventional genius. Co-starring Daniel Sunjata as Detective Karadec, Judy Reyes, and Javicia Leslie, the series mixes humor, mystery, and heart, appealing to fans of procedurals like “Psych” and “The Mentalist.” Season 2, currently airing Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET, has built on its debut success, with episodes delving deeper into Morgan’s family dynamics and professional challenges. ABC praised the show’s unique voice and Olson’s magnetic performance for driving its renewal to Season 3.

However, the “High Potential” renewal comes with a notable change behind the scenes. Showrunner Todd Harthan, who has steered the series through its first two seasons, is departing to helm the live-action adaptation of Christopher Paolini’s fantasy novel “Eragon” for Disney+. Harthan, known for his work on “The Resident” and “Psych,” joined “High Potential” after original showrunner Rob Thomas exited before the premiere. His exit marks the second leadership shift for the show, but ABC remains optimistic, promising a new showrunner announcement soon. In a recent interview, Harthan teased upcoming episodes, including a major spotlight on tech-savvy character Daphne, hinting at unresolved storylines that will carry into Season 3.

Todd Harthan Takes Over as Showrunner on ABC's 'High Potential'
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Todd Harthan Takes Over as Showrunner on ABC’s ‘High Potential’

These renewals align with ABC’s broader strategy to stabilize its schedule amid industry challenges like streaming competition and production delays. Following the early pickup of “Abbott Elementary” for Season 6, the network is focusing on proven franchises and innovative concepts to retain viewers. “The Ryan Murphy duo of ‘9-1-1’ and ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ continues to deliver momentum,” noted an ABC spokesperson, emphasizing the spin-off’s cultural tie-in with Nashville’s music scene, enhanced by Rimes’ real-life star power.

Fans have reacted enthusiastically on social media, with Reddit threads buzzing about potential crossovers between the “9-1-1” series and speculation on “High Potential’s” new direction. One user on r/television lamented Harthan’s departure, crediting him for the show’s witty tone reminiscent of “Psych.” As for “Eragon,” Harthan’s next project co-showrun with Todd Helbing under his 20th Television deal, it promises to revisit the dragon-riding epic that flopped as a 2006 film but has a dedicated book fanbase eager for a faithful adaptation.

Eragon: 8 Most Exciting Things We Know About The Series So Far
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Eragon: 8 Most Exciting Things We Know About The Series So Far

Looking ahead, production on the new seasons is expected to begin in summer 2026, with premieres slated for fall. ABC’s move locks in these “heavy hitters” for the 2026-2027 broadcast year, ensuring a mix of familiarity and fresh storytelling. For viewers, it means more thrilling rescues, clever deductions, and heartfelt moments—proving that in the world of network TV, these shows still have plenty of potential.