ABC in March 2026
ABC in March 2026

March is one of the most important programming months for the American Broadcasting Company. With awards season at its peak, major reality premieres, sports coverage, and returning scripted hits, ABC’s March 2026 lineup combines live television, high ratings potential, and cultural relevance.

Read more: Top 5 Largest Free National TV Networks in the United States

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: https://abc.com/shows/oscars

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 strongly recommended, as social media reaction unfolds in real time and spoilers spread quickly.

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 at: https://abc.com/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 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: https://abc.com/shows/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: https://abc.com/shows/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: https://abc.com/shows/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: https://abc.com/shows/greys-anatomy

One of the longest-running medical dramas in television history continues new episodes in March.

Why it remains relevant:

  • Loyal multi-generational audience

  • Strong streaming afterlife

  • Emotional character arcs

9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville

Typically Thursdays starting at 8:00 PM ET
Official site: https://abc.com/shows/9-1-1

First-responder dramas continue to 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.

Steps:

  • Purchase indoor antenna ($20–$50 typical range)

  • Connect to TV

  • Run channel scan

  • Locate your local ABC affiliate

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:
https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

2. ABC Website and App

Website: https://abc.com
App: Available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV

Features:

  • Next-day episode streaming

  • Selected free content

  • Live TV access (may require provider login)

3. Live TV Streaming Services

Services that typically carry ABC live:

  • Hulu + Live TV

  • YouTube TV

  • Fubo

  • DirecTV Stream

These require subscription but provide DVR and multi-device streaming.

Final Takeaway

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 you’re tuning in for Hollywood’s biggest night, primetime comedy, medical drama, or Sunday basketball, March 2026 is a high-impact month on ABC.