ABC in March 2026: A Month of Exciting Programming
March is a pivotal month for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), packed with high-profile events, reality show premieres, and returning dramas. As awards season reaches its zenith, ABC’s lineup promises a blend of live television, cultural significance, and high ratings potential. This article explores the complete March 2026 TV schedule, highlighting major events, premieres, and returning favorites.
Major Live Events on ABC – March 2026
The 98th Academy Awards
- Network: ABC
- Air Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (Live Coast-to-Coast)
- Official Site: Oscars on ABC
The Academy Awards remain one of the most-watched live broadcasts on U.S. television. The 98th Oscars will feature red-carpet coverage, musical performances, and industry honors. Live viewing is highly recommended, as social media reactions unfold in real time, making it essential to avoid spoilers.
Why it Matters:
- One of ABC’s highest-rated annual broadcasts
- Major advertising event
- Significant cultural and entertainment impact
- Strong same-night viewership across all demographics
Viewing Tip: Tune in at least 30 minutes early for pre-show coverage on your local ABC affiliate.
NBA Sunday Showcase (Select Sundays in March)
- Typical Time Slot: 1:00 PM ET
- Check Weekly Listings: ABC Schedule
ABC continues to broadcast nationally televised NBA games throughout March. Matchups vary weekly and may include playoff-seeding implications as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Why Watch:
- High-definition live sports free over-the-air
- No subscription required with an antenna
- One of the strongest Sunday daytime sports blocks on broadcast TV
Major Premieres in March 2026
Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars – Season 4 Premiere
- Premiere: Friday, March 13, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Official Page: Celebrity Jeopardy
The All-Stars edition brings back returning champions and celebrity competitors in a tournament format. Expect higher stakes, faster pacing, and charity-driven prize pools.
Why It Stands Out:
- Built-in fan base from the Jeopardy franchise
- Event-style competitive episodes
- Strong Friday night ratings anchor
Best For: Game show fans, trivia enthusiasts, and casual viewers seeking appointment television.
The Bachelorette – Season 22 Premiere
- Premiere: Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Official Page: The Bachelorette
ABC’s long-running reality dating franchise launches a new season in late March, strategically positioned after the Oscars to retain Sunday viewership momentum.
What to Expect:
- Two-hour premiere episode
- Introduction of contestants
- Early eliminations and headline drama
- Heavy social media engagement
Why Watch Live: This franchise trends in real time on social platforms, making live viewing more engaging.
Returning Primetime Hits in March 2026
ABC maintains a stable primetime lineup during March with several returning episodes following winter hiatus breaks.
Abbott Elementary
- Typically Wednesdays at 8:30 PM ET
- Official Site: Abbott Elementary
A critically acclaimed workplace comedy set in a public school, known for sharp writing and strong ensemble chemistry.
Why It’s Important:
- Multi-award-winning series
- Consistent ratings performance
- Appeals to both younger and family audiences
Grey’s Anatomy
- Typically Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET
- Official Site: Grey’s Anatomy
One of the longest-running medical dramas in television history continues new episodes in March.
Why It Remains Relevant: The show continues to attract a loyal audience with its compelling storylines and character development.
9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville
- Typically Thursdays starting at 8:00 PM ET
- Official Site: 9-1-1
These first-responder dramas anchor ABC’s Thursday lineup.
Why Watch:
- High-intensity rescue sequences
- Episodic storytelling with ongoing character arcs
- Strong lead-in to Grey’s Anatomy
Sample Week Snapshot (Eastern Time)
-
Sunday
- 7:00 PM – Oscars (March 15)
- 8:00 PM – The Bachelorette (March 22 onward)
-
Wednesday
- 8:00 PM – Primetime programming
- 8:30 PM – Abbott Elementary
- 9:00 PM – Drama block
-
Thursday
- 8:00 PM – 9-1-1
- 9:00 PM – Grey’s Anatomy
- Friday
- 8:00 PM – Celebrity Jeopardy! All Stars (from March 13)
Local news typically airs at 11:00 PM ET following primetime programming.
How to Watch ABC in March 2026
1. Free Over-the-Air (Recommended)
ABC is available free nationwide via digital antenna.
Benefits:
- Full HD broadcast quality
- No subscription fees
- Access to live sports and awards shows
- Emergency broadcast alerts
To check signal strength in your area, visit: FCC DTV Maps
2. ABC Website and App
- Website: ABC
- App: Available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV
3. Live TV Streaming Services
Services that typically carry ABC live include:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Fubo
- DirecTV Stream
These require subscriptions but provide DVR and multi-device streaming.
ABC’s March 2026 schedule combines prestige live programming, competitive reality premieres, long-running dramas, and national sports broadcasts. For viewers using an antenna, it remains one of the most valuable free broadcast networks in the United States. Whether tuning in for Hollywood’s biggest night, primetime comedy, medical drama, or Sunday basketball, March 2026 is set to be a high-impact month on ABC.
