Top Monday Night TV Shows Worth Planning Around
- 01. Top Monday Night TV Shows Worth Planning Around
- 02. Current Monday Night Lineup by Network
- 03. Top 3 Shows to Watch This Monday
- 04. Sports programming dominates Monday nights
- 05. Ratings Performance Analysis
- 06. Upcoming Season 2026-27 Expectations
- 07. Why Monday Nights Matter for Viewers
- 08. Streaming Options for Monday Night TV
- 09. Final Recommendations for Planning Your Monday Nights
Top Monday Night TV Shows Worth Planning Around
The top Monday night TV shows worth planning around in May 2026 are Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC, starting September 2026), Will Trent (ABC, 8-10 p.m. ET), High Potential (ABC, 9 p.m. ET), The Rookie (ABC, 10 p.m. ET), NCIS: Origins (CBS, 10 p.m. ET), and St. Denis Medical (NBC, 8 p.m. ET).
Current Monday Night Lineup by Network
Monday nights remain a competitive battleground for television networks, with ABC dominating scripted programming and ESPN anchoring sports viewing. The following table shows the current Monday night schedule across major networks:
| Network | Show | Time (ET) | Genre | 2026 Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Will Trent | 8-9 p.m. | Crime Drama | 8.9 million |
| ABC | High Potential | 9-10 p.m. | Crime Drama | 12.33 million |
| ABC | The Rookie | 10-11 p.m. | Police Procedural | 9.35 million |
| CBS | DMV | 8-9:30 p.m. | Workplace Comedy | 0.21 rating |
| CBS | NCIS: Origins | 10 p.m. | Police Procedural | 4.03 million |
| NBC | St. Denis Medical | 8 p.m. | Medical Comedy | 0.37 rating |
| NBC | Brilliant Minds | 10 p.m. | Medical Drama | Season 2 |
| ESPN/ABC | Monday Night Football | 8:15 p.m. | Sports | Sept 14, 2026 |
Top 3 Shows to Watch This Monday
According to TV industry experts, three shows stand out for their strong viewership numbers and consistent quality:
- High Potential (ABC, 9 p.m.) - Led the week with 12.33 million viewers, a 3% increase from fall season averages
- The Rookie (ABC, 10 p.m.) - Posted its best numbers since Season 2 with 9.35 million viewers and a 0.35 rating among adults 18-49
- Will Trent (ABC, 8 p.m.) - Season 4 premiere attracted 8.9 million viewers, up 12% from last season's finale
Sports programming dominates Monday nights
Monday Night Football returns September 14, 2026, with ten games simulcast on ABC and seven exclusive to ESPN. The 2026-27 season includes 17 Monday Night Football matchups plus a Week 18 Saturday Doubleheader. Week 1 features the Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET on both ABC and ESPN.
Ratings Performance Analysis
ABC's Monday night dramas experienced significant viewership increases during their January 2026 midseason premieres. High Potential and Will Trent emerged as the top two scripted series of the week, leading the network's resurgence. The Rookie celebrated its largest series premiere on streaming platforms, ranking among the top five ABC premieres in history on Hulu.
NBC's St. Denis Medical hit its highest rating since series premiere at 0.37 on January 5, 2026, though the show has since slipped to 0.25 by late March. CBS's NCIS: Origins remains the 23rd most popular show overall on TV with 4.03 million viewers, up 13% from previous measurements.
Upcoming Season 2026-27 Expectations
The 2026-27 season will feature 55 scripted series on the big four networks-one more on each network than the previous season. CBS has faith in DMV, showcasing it with four repeats in a row on January 5, 2026, though new episodes won't return until February 23, 2026. 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville are both renewed for fall 2026, maintaining Thursday evening slots rather than Monday.
Why Monday Nights Matter for Viewers
Monday nights have long been a battleground for television networks, each vying for attention after the weekend lull. For families and educators seeking quality entertainment that balances drama with meaningful storytelling, ABC's crime procedurals offer compelling narratives while NBC's medical comedy provides lighter viewing options. The diversity of options ensures viewers can find content matching their preferences whether they crave intense drama or uplifting competition shows.
Streaming Options for Monday Night TV
Approximately one-third of viewers access Monday night shows via streaming services. High Potential's January 13 episode reached 12.33 million viewers across ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and digital platforms. All seasons of 9-1-1 are available on Hulu for those who miss the Thursday broadcast. Past episodes of St. Denis Medical are available on Peacock.
- Hulu: Will Trent, High Potential, The Rookie, 9-1-1
- Peacock: St. Denis Medical (past episodes)
- ABC App: Live episodes with cable credentials
- NFL+: Monday Night Football live streaming
Final Recommendations for Planning Your Monday Nights
For viewers seeking elite entertainment quality, prioritize ABC's 8-11 p.m. block for scripted drama, ESPN/ABC for live sports starting September 2026, and NBC's 8 p.m. comedy for lighter viewing. The data shows ABC's strategy of stacking three strong dramas consecutively creates the most consistent Monday night experience, with each show building audience momentum for the next.
Helpful tips and tricks for Top Monday Night Tv Shows Worth Planning Around
What time does Monday Night Football start in 2026?
Monday Night Football kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET for all regular season games in the 2026-27 season, with Week 1 beginning Monday, September 14, 2026.
Which network has the best Monday night shows?
ABC dominates Monday nights with its crime drama trifecta of Will Trent, High Potential, and The Rookie, collectively drawing over 30 million viewers weekly.
Is The Voice still on Monday nights?
The Voice continues on NBC Monday nights but has seen ratings decline, falling to a 0.19 rating among adults 18-49 with 2.81 million viewers as of May 2026.
Are there new Monday night shows in 2026?
Yes, CBS added DMV as a new workplace comedy in January 2026, and NBC premiered St. Denis Medical in November 2024 with new Season 2 episodes continuing in 2026.
What shows are airing on Monday nights right now?
Current Monday night shows include Will Trent, High Potential, and The Rookie on ABC; DMV and NCIS: Origins on CBS; and St. Denis Medical and Brilliant Minds on NBC.
