ABC may have the most new shows on the fall schedule than any other broadcast network, according to its upfront announcement today. Of nine new series on the 2016-2017 roster, five will be on when the fall; other networks so far have packed the bulk of their new titles onto midseason.
After a rough year that saw the ouster of its head of entertainment, the new schedule includes another entry from Shondaland, with “Scandal” bumped to midseason; two new shows that have to do with the White House; and the requisite concept for fall programming, time travel.
Its Emmy-nominated “American Crime” will be back for a third season, with an entirely new story and cast that were not announced. There will also be a miniseries about LGBT activists, a “Dirty Dancing” musical and a two hour Muhammad Ali special.
Here’s a look at the new ABC dramas announced:
- “Conviction,” stars Hayley Atwell (“Marvel’s Agent Carter”) as a lawyer and former First Daughter who agrees to work for the district attorney to avoid a drug conviction. Law and politics shape her career. With Eddie Cahill and Shawn Ashmore. Will run in the “Castle” slot Mondays at 10 in the fall.
- “Designated Survivor” stars Keifer Sutherland as a cabinet member who becomes president after a D.C. tragedy to start the conspiracy tale. With Natascha McElhone, Maggie Q and Kal Penn. Wednesdays this fall.
- “Notorious,” stars Piper Perabo and Daniel Sunjata as a cable news producer and defense attorney, based on the life of Mark Garages and Wendy Walker, who are executive producers of the show that will “look at the unique, sexy and dangerous interplay of criminal law and the media.” Thursdays this fall.
- “Still Star-Crossed,” a Shondaland period drama that picks up the Romeo and Juliet story after their deaths. With Wade Briggs, Anthony Head and Zuleikha Robinson. Midseason.
- “Time After Time,” Kevin Williamson’s reboot of the movie, with H.G. Wells (Freddie Stroma) looking for Jack the Ripper (Josh Bowman) in modern day Manhattan. Midseason.
New ABC comedies are:
- “American Housewife” stars Katy Mixon as a mother of three who feels she doesn’t quite fit in tony Westport, Conn. Formerly titled “Fattest Housewife,” it’s written by Sarah Dunn and also stars Diedrich Bader. Starts Wednesdays this fall.
- “Downward Dog” stars Alison Tolman (“Fargo”) as a struggling millennial told from the point of view of her dog, voiced by co-creator and writer Samm Hodges. With Lucas Neff. Midseason.
- “Imaginary Mary” stars Jenna Elfman (“Dharma & Greg”) as a career woman who is aided by her imaginary friend, who is animated and voiced by Rachel Dratch. From “Goldbergs” creator Adam F. Goldberg.
- “Speechless” stars Minnie Driver as a mom with a special needs child. With John Ross Bowie and Micah Fowler. Midseason.
Returning shows include “The Catch,” “Dr. Ken,” “Last Man Standing,” “The Real O’Neals,” “American Crime,” The Bachelor,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Black-ish,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “The Goldbergs,” “”Grey’s Anatomy,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Quantico,” “Scandal,” “Secrets and Lies,” “Shark Tank” and “20/20.”
Not returning are “Nashville,” “The Muppets,” “The Family,” “Galavant,” “Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Castle,” “Blood & Oil,” and “Wicked City.”