The ABC schedule tonight delivers a strong mix of family-friendly comedy, gripping drama, and lively entertainment for viewers across the U.S. As of Tuesday, December 10, 2025, ABC continues its tradition of offering one of the most well-rounded primetime lineups on network television.
From the much-loved Abbott Elementary to the festive Dancing with the Stars: Holiday Special and the action-driven The Rookie: CTU, tonight’s programming promises both laughs and excitement. Here’s the full breakdown of everything airing on ABC this evening, including primetime shows, late-night programs, and key highlights you won’t want to miss.
ABC Primetime Lineup for Tuesday, December 10, 2025
Tonight’s lineup showcases ABC’s strength in comedy, reality entertainment, and character-driven drama. The schedule remains consistent across most U.S. markets, though exact times may vary slightly depending on local affiliates.
ABC Primetime Schedule (Eastern Time)
| Time (ET) | Program | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Dancing with the Stars: Holiday Special | A festive edition of the hit series featuring holiday-themed performances and celebrity guests. |
| 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Abbott Elementary (New Episode) | The Emmy-winning workplace comedy returns with a brand-new episode full of humor and heart. |
| 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | The Rookie: CTU | The action-packed drama delivers another suspenseful episode as the team faces a digital crime threat. |
This evening’s lineup combines live entertainment, award-winning storytelling, and original ABC content designed to appeal to multiple age groups.
8:00 PM – Dancing with the Stars: Holiday Special
The night begins with sparkle and rhythm as Dancing with the Stars: Holiday Special hits the ballroom floor. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, this one-night event features celebrity contestants from recent seasons performing festive routines to holiday classics.
Highlights for Tonight’s Episode:
- Each dance performance carries a holiday theme with winter-inspired costumes and choreography.
- A live orchestra provides music for several routines.
- Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough delivers an exclusive group number choreographed for the event.
- Viewers can expect surprise guest appearances and a special charity segment supporting children’s hospitals.
Filmed earlier this December, the Holiday Special celebrates both the end of the show’s season and the start of the holiday TV lineup. It sets an energetic, family-friendly tone for the rest of the night.
9:00 PM – Abbott Elementary (New Episode)
Following the special, ABC transitions to laughter and relatability with a fresh episode of Abbott Elementary. The critically acclaimed comedy, now in its fourth season, continues to lead the network’s comedy roster.
Tonight’s episode, titled “Snow Day Dilemma,” sees teachers and students scrambling when an unexpected storm disrupts their winter showcase plans. The episode balances humor, chaos, and heartfelt moments as the staff learns to improvise — a hallmark of the show’s charm.
Main Cast:
- Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues
- Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie
- Janelle James as Principal Ava Coleman
- Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard
- Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill
The new episode continues to highlight Abbott Elementary’s signature mix of clever writing and ensemble chemistry. Following its initial broadcast, the episode will be available for streaming on Hulu starting tomorrow morning.
With high ratings throughout 2025 and multiple Emmy wins, Abbott Elementary remains one of ABC’s defining shows. Its relatable storytelling and realistic portrayal of school life have cemented its place as a network staple.
10:00 PM – The Rookie: CTU
The final hour of ABC’s primetime block brings intensity with The Rookie: CTU. Starring Nathan Fillion, this spin-off continues to attract viewers who love a blend of crime, technology, and character-driven action.
Tonight’s episode, titled “Firewall,” places the Central Task Unit in a race against time to stop a ransomware attack targeting Los Angeles’ power grid. Officer John Nolan and his team uncover a trail that leads them deep into a web of digital espionage and corruption.
Episode Highlights:
- Guest Appearance: Mekia Cox returns as Nyla Harper for a key investigation sequence.
- Action Sequence: A high-tech chase across downtown Los Angeles involving drone surveillance.
- Cliffhanger Ending: Sets up next week’s midseason finale.
The Rookie: CTU continues to perform well in the 10 PM slot, attracting a mix of loyal fans and new viewers drawn to its fresh storytelling. Its focus on cybersecurity and modern law enforcement keeps it relevant in today’s technology-driven era.
11:00 PM – Local News Broadcasts
Following primetime, local ABC affiliates across the U.S. air nightly news programs. These broadcasts include regional headlines, weather updates, and sports recaps. Coverage varies by market, but most stations follow the standard hour-long format before transitioning to late-night programming.
Major stories tonight are expected to include national weather developments, early holiday travel trends, and political updates as the year-end congressional session continues.
11:35 PM – Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Late-night viewers can unwind with Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which continues its successful run as ABC’s flagship talk show.
Tonight’s episode features a blend of celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and live music:
- Guest 1: Chris Evans joins to promote his upcoming sci-fi film debuting this winter.
- Guest 2: Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo performs her latest single live with her full band.
- Segment: The fan-favorite “Mean Tweets: Holiday Edition” returns, showcasing celebrities reading seasonal social media posts.
Broadcast from Los Angeles, Jimmy Kimmel Live! maintains its signature mix of humor and pop culture insight, consistently ranking among the top late-night programs nationwide.
12:37 AM – Nightline
After Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Nightline provides a late-night blend of investigative reporting and feature stories. Anchored by Byron Pitts, Juju Chang, and Linsey Davis, the show delves into the biggest headlines shaping the week.
Tonight’s Nightline topics include:
- A deep dive into U.S. holiday retail trends and consumer spending.
- An interview with a leading climate researcher discussing 2025 weather patterns.
- A look at how artificial intelligence is transforming the film industry.
The program continues to be one of ABC News’ most respected broadcasts, delivering concise and meaningful journalism long after most nightly newscasts end.
ABC Late-Night Schedule (Eastern Time)
| Time | Program | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 PM | Local News | Regional coverage of community, weather, and sports. |
| 11:35 PM – 12:37 AM | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Celebrity interviews, comedy, and live performances. |
| 12:37 AM – 1:05 AM | Nightline | Late-night journalism and in-depth reporting. |
ABC’s Tuesday Lineup Performance and Viewer Trends
Tuesday remains one of ABC’s most consistent nights for viewership in 2025. The network’s mix of comedy, competition, and procedural storytelling continues to deliver strong ratings across key demographics.
- Abbott Elementary consistently ranks among the top comedies on broadcast television.
- Dancing with the Stars maintains a loyal fan base, performing especially well in family households.
- The Rookie: CTU attracts a stable adult audience, particularly in the 25–54 age group.
ABC’s success on Tuesdays reflects its ability to balance lighthearted programming with serious drama. Additionally, the network benefits from its streaming partnerships, with next-day viewership on Hulu boosting overall engagement.
How to Watch the ABC Schedule Tonight
Viewers can catch all ABC programming live through their local ABC affiliate stations nationwide. For cord-cutters and on-the-go audiences, ABC’s shows are available through multiple streaming platforms.
Ways to Watch:
- ABC App / ABC.com: Live streaming with TV provider login.
- Hulu: Next-day access to all major ABC series.
- YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV: Live access for subscribers.
Check your local listings for airtime adjustments in Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones, as schedules may vary slightly based on regional programming or live events.
Upcoming Highlights Later This Week
ABC continues to roll out strong content throughout December 2025, offering audiences an exciting lineup for the holidays.
Upcoming Premieres and Specials:
- Wednesday, Dec. 11: The Conners holiday episode and Not Dead Yet season finale.
- Thursday, Dec. 12: Grey’s Anatomy midseason finale, marking the return of familiar characters.
- Friday, Dec. 13: 20/20 special focusing on major stories of 2025.
- Sunday, Dec. 15: America’s Funniest Home Videos holiday edition.
ABC’s programming for December continues to focus on a mix of new episodes, festive specials, and family entertainment designed to capture the holiday spirit.
Whether you’re tuning in for the laughs of Abbott Elementary or the action of The Rookie: CTU, the ABC schedule tonight offers something for every viewer. Which show will you be watching? Share your thoughts below!