UPDATE: ABC’s comedies, Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary, have just premiered their highly anticipated 2025-26 seasons with a surge in viewership that is turning heads. The shows, which aired on October 1, 2025, saw their audiences explode thanks to significant boosts from streaming and delayed viewing.
In a remarkable display of audience engagement, Shifting Gears, featuring Tim Allen, initially attracted 4.37 million viewers during its first airing. However, within just one week of streaming on platforms like Hulu and Disney+, viewership skyrocketed to an impressive 7.57 million, marking a staggering 73 percent increase. The show’s rating among adults aged 18-49 more than tripled, jumping from 0.35 to 1.17, equivalent to approximately 1.59 million viewers in that key demographic.
Meanwhile, Abbott Elementary also experienced a phenomenal rise. Starting with 2.83 million viewers on its debut, the show nearly doubled its viewership to 6.64 million after a week of streaming, reflecting a remarkable 135 percent gain. Its rating in the 18-49 category surged from 0.29 to an impressive 1.9, translating to around 2.59 million viewers within that age group.
This surge in ratings highlights the growing trend of audience migration to streaming platforms. While exact numbers for linear and streaming viewers remain undisclosed, previous reports indicate that over 42 percent of Shifting Gears viewers engaged through streaming channels last season. In contrast, Abbott Elementary garnered more than half of its total audience through digital platforms.
The significant uplift in viewership for both shows signals a robust demand for quality content and a shift in how audiences consume television. As networks adapt to these evolving viewing habits, the success of these premieres could have lasting implications on programming strategies moving forward.
As the ratings for these comedies continue to be tallied, viewers are encouraged to keep tuning in and sharing their thoughts, as the engagement around these shows is expected to grow. Stay tuned for future updates on ABC’s programming and how it continues to resonate with audiences.
