ABC Shakes Up Fall Lineup with NFL Simulcasts, Delays Game Show Premieres

In a strategic move, ABC is reshuffling its fall programming lineup, delaying the premieres of popular game shows like "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" and "Press Your Luck" to 2025. This decision comes as the network adds six simulcast NFL games to its schedule, further solidifying its commitment to sports programming and cross-promotional opportunities within the Disney ecosystem.

Maximizing Reach and Viewership Across Disney's Media Empire

NFL Simulcasts Take Center Stage

The new ABC/ESPN simulcasts, which will air at 8:15 p.m. ET, include a diverse lineup of high-profile NFL matchups. Fans can look forward to seeing the Bills face off against the Jets on October 14th, the Ravens take on the Buccaneers on October 21st, the Buccaneers battle the Chiefs on November 4th, the Texans square off against the Cowboys on November 18th, the Ravens clash with the Chargers on November 25th, and the Saints take on the Packers on December 23rd.This strategic decision, made in collaboration with the league, is designed to leverage the cross-promotional opportunities between ABC, ESPN, and the NFL. By maximizing the reach of NFL programming across Disney's vast media ecosystem, the network aims to drive increased viewership and engagement.

Reshuffling the Game Show Lineup

As a result of the NFL simulcasts, ABC has made the decision to push the premieres of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," "Press Your Luck," and ABC News' "Scamanda" back to 2025. This move is intended to provide a more consistent, weekly run for the network's game shows during the midseason, avoiding conflicts with football and the 2024 election.

Expanding the Reach of "What Would You Do?"

In addition to the changes in the game show lineup, ABC is also making adjustments to the scheduling of "What Would You Do?". The popular series will now move to Wednesdays starting October 16th, with episodes available the next day on Hulu. This shift aims to further broaden the show's reach and accessibility for viewers.

ESPN's Exclusive NFL Games Deliver Impressive Viewership

ESPN's involvement in the NFL programming extends beyond the simulcasts. The network has a total of 25 games on the 2024 NFL schedule, including 14 ABC simulcast games (with playoffs), seven ESPN-exclusive games, three ABC-exclusive games, and one ESPN+-exclusive game.The network has already aired four of those exclusive games for the 2024 season and will have three additional ones: two in November and one in December. These ESPN-exclusive games have delivered the most-watched and the fourth most-watched ESPN-only/non-ABC simulcast games since 2019, underscoring the network's ability to attract and retain a loyal NFL audience.Furthermore, last season's increased simulcasts resulted in the most-watched "Monday Night Football" in 23 years, with viewership surpassing each of the previous 18 seasons in the ESPN era (2006-present) and the five seasons leading into that era when "MNF" aired solely on ABC.

Securing the Future: ABC to Air Super Bowl LXI in 2027

As part of Disney's ongoing agreement with the NFL, ABC will also have the honor of airing Super Bowl LXI in February 2027. This prestigious event further solidifies the network's commitment to sports programming and its position as a premier destination for live, high-profile sporting events.The strategic decisions made by ABC and its parent company, Disney, demonstrate a clear focus on maximizing the reach and viewership of their NFL programming. By leveraging the cross-promotional opportunities within their media ecosystem and reshuffling their game show lineup, the network aims to deliver a more cohesive and engaging viewing experience for sports fans and general audiences alike.