• by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, May 15, 2024

Two new scripted dramas plus a serialized, documentary crime story derived from a true-crime podcast were among the fall, prime-time schedule announcements made Tuesday by ABC.

In addition, as expected, the newest entry in the “Bachelor/Bachelorette” universe -- “The Golden Bachelorette” -- will also premiere this fall.

ABC made the announcements early Tuesday afternoon in advance of the Disney Upfront later in the afternoon.

The first of ABC’s new dramas is a detective show centered on a mom-turned-sleuth played by Kaitlin Olson [pictured above] from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” 

“A single mom with an exceptional mind whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective,” ABC said. The casting of the “by-the-book” detective was not announced.

The show, titled “High Potential,” was announced a year ago, but it fell victim to the writers’ and actors’ strikes last year. 

This fall, it will take its place on the lineup Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. Eastern following “Dancing with The Stars” from 8 to 10 p.m.

The other new drama is “Doctor Odyssey,” a medical drama on a cruise ship in which the action centers on the luxury liner’s infirmary staff, who are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies and treat passengers.

Joshua Jackson plays one of the doctors, “Max,” who is positioned in ABC’s announcement as the show’s central character.

Don Johnson is also in the show, but his role was not specified. “It’s all hands on deck as Max and his small, but mighty medical team navigate unique medical crises and each other, miles from shore,” says ABC.

“Doctor Odyssey” will join the fall lineup on Thursday nights at 9 Eastern, hammocked between “9-1-1” at 8 p.m. Eastern, and the workhorse hospital drama “Grey’s Anatomy” at 10.

“Grey’s” will be returning for its 21^st season, moving forward an hour out of the 9-10 p.m. slot in which it has aired this season.

Wednesday nights next fall will lead off with 90-minute episodes of “The Golden Bachelorette” from 8 p.m. to 9 :30 p.m., followed by the fourth season of “Abbott Elementary” at 9:30 and, at 10, the true-crime serial, “Scamanda,” from 10 to 11.

Produced by ABC News, “Scamanda” evidently seeks to take advantage of the true-crime podcast craze that has made this sector one of the most popular in the podcast universe.

ABC’s description of the show is grim. “Based on the podcast of the same name, ‘Scamanda’ tells the story of Amanda Riley -- a wife, mother, blogger and Christian -- whose tragic cancer tale captivates thousands. 

“But Amanda has a secret that she’s dying [italics theirs] to keep, and after an anonymous tip to an investigative reporter, her own words may prove to be her downfall.”

True crime is also the stock in trade for ABC’s long-running “20/20,” also from ABC News, which will start its 47^th season this fall in its traditional two-hour time period, 9-11 p.m. on Fridays.

“Shark Tank” will take up the 8-9 p.m. hour on Fridays. The hugely popular “pitch your business” reality series will be starting its 16^th season.

The rest of ABC’s fall prime-time plans are: “Monday Night Football” (obviously on Mondays); college football on Saturday nights; and “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (back for its 35^th season) at 7-8 p.m. Sundays, followed by “The Wonderful World of Disney” taking up the rest of Sunday prime time from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern.

Scripted shows due to return in midseason are “The Rookie” and “Will Trent. 

Also scheduled for midseason is “The Conners,” the show that rose from the ashes of ABC’s short-lived revival of “Roseanne” in 2018, returning for its final season.