The upcoming FOX television season brings an updated Sunday night lineup that blends longtime fan favorites with newer comedies. Following another season of NFL coverage, the network has confirmed when viewers can expect returning scripted programming to begin and which series will headline one of television’s most competitive nights.
Sunday has long been one of the network’s biggest viewing nights thanks to professional football leading into entertainment programming. For Fall 2026, that tradition continues while several scheduling decisions introduce a different look compared with previous years. Some familiar animated hits remain in place, while others have been shifted to later in the season, making room for a refreshed mix of comedy.
For viewers planning their weekly television schedule, this year’s lineup offers a combination of stability and change that reflects the network’s evolving programming strategy.
A Fresh Sunday Night Lineup Begins This Fall
The official Sunday entertainment schedule starts on September 27, 2026, following the opening weeks of the NFL regular season. Football once again serves as the lead-in before scripted programming begins during primetime.
The lineup includes a mix of animated favorites and live-action comedy, creating a viewing experience that appeals to longtime fans while introducing newer series to a broader audience.
Unlike some previous television seasons, this year’s Sunday programming is not built entirely around animation. Instead, viewers will see one live-action sitcom placed between returning animated comedies, giving the evening a slightly different rhythm.
This approach allows the network to diversify its Sunday offerings without moving away from the comedy-focused identity audiences have come to expect.
Complete Sunday Night Programming Lineup
Beginning in late September, viewers can expect the following primetime schedule.
| Time (ET/PT) | Program |
|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | NFL coverage (varies by market) |
| 7:30 PM | The OT or encore programming |
| 8:00 PM | The Simpsons |
| 8:30 PM | Animal Control |
| 9:00 PM | Universal Basic Guys |
| 9:30 PM | Grimsburg |
While kickoff times and postgame coverage may occasionally affect local broadcasts during football season, this represents the planned entertainment lineup for Sunday evenings throughout the fall.
The Simpsons Continues Its Historic Legacy
Few television programs have enjoyed the longevity of The Simpsons, and the animated institution remains the centerpiece of Sunday evenings.
Returning for its 38th season, the series continues an extraordinary run that spans multiple generations of viewers. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and the colorful residents of Springfield remain among television’s most recognizable characters.
Despite major changes across the television industry over the decades, the show has consistently maintained its position as one of FOX’s signature programs.
The continued placement at 8:00 PM demonstrates the network’s confidence that the series remains a dependable audience draw.
Longtime viewers can expect fresh storylines while preserving the humor and satire that have defined the show for nearly four decades.
Animal Control Receives a Major Sunday Promotion
One of the most significant changes this season involves Animal Control.
The comedy starring Joel McHale moves into one of the network’s most valuable timeslots after establishing itself as a successful workplace sitcom.
Its promotion to Sunday nights reflects growing confidence in the series as it enters another season.
The show’s mix of workplace humor, quirky personalities, and fast-paced storytelling has helped it build a loyal audience. By following one of television’s biggest animated series, the comedy has an opportunity to reach even more viewers throughout the season.
The move also introduces greater variety into Sunday programming by placing a live-action comedy alongside animated favorites.
Universal Basic Guys Returns for Another Season
After making a successful debut, Universal Basic Guys continues building its place within the network’s expanding animation lineup.
Returning for its third season, the comedy once again occupies the important 9:00 PM position.
The series explores everyday life through exaggerated situations and unconventional humor, giving viewers another modern animated option during Sunday evenings.
Keeping the show in a consistent timeslot helps establish viewing habits while allowing newer audiences to discover the series following earlier programs.
Its continued presence demonstrates the network’s commitment to developing fresh animated franchises alongside established classics.
Grimsburg Closes Out Sunday Nights
Rounding out the evening is Grimsburg, which returns for another season.
The animated detective comedy follows Marvin Flute as he attempts to solve bizarre mysteries while navigating equally unusual personal challenges.
The series brings a different comedic style to the lineup, combining crime stories with absurd humor and eccentric supporting characters.
By airing last, it serves viewers who prefer slightly edgier comedy after the earlier family-oriented programming.
The show’s return provides continuity while helping maintain a full evening of original entertainment.
Football Continues to Shape Sunday Viewing
Professional football remains one of the biggest reasons Sunday nights perform so well for the network.
Each week, regional NFL broadcasts attract millions of viewers across the United States before primetime programming begins.
The transition from live sports into scripted entertainment has become one of television’s most successful scheduling strategies.
Large football audiences frequently remain tuned in after games conclude, providing strong exposure for the evening’s entertainment lineup.
Although game lengths naturally vary, the relationship between football and Sunday comedy continues to play a significant role in overall ratings.
Understanding The OT
Many viewers notice The OT listed between football coverage and primetime programming.
Rather than being a traditional television series, it serves as a postgame show that bridges NFL action into the evening schedule.
Depending on how late afternoon games unfold, the length of this program can vary.
If games end earlier than expected, some markets may instead air encore programming before primetime officially begins.
This flexibility allows the network to accommodate live sports while maintaining the overall entertainment schedule.
Several Popular Shows Move to Midseason
Perhaps the biggest surprise this fall is the absence of several longtime animated favorites from the opening Sunday lineup.
Instead of premiering in September, the network has chosen to hold multiple established shows until later in the television season.
Those returning during midseason include:
- Bob’s Burgers
- Family Guy
- American Dad!
- Krapopolis
Each remains part of the network’s programming plans.
Their later premieres allow fresh episodes to be spread across a longer portion of the broadcast calendar rather than concentrating every returning show into the opening weeks.
For loyal fans, this means additional original programming will continue arriving well after the fall premiere period concludes.
Why Midseason Premieres Are Becoming More Common
The television industry has changed significantly over the past decade.
Instead of launching nearly every returning series in September, many broadcast networks now stagger premiere dates throughout the year.
This strategy offers several advantages.
It keeps programming fresh over a longer period.
It reduces lengthy production breaks between seasons.
It allows networks to respond more quickly to audience viewing trends.
It also provides flexibility if new programs require additional promotion or schedule adjustments.
As streaming services continue releasing content year-round, traditional broadcasters increasingly use similar scheduling techniques to maintain viewer interest.
Animation Remains a Key Part of Sunday Nights
Although this year’s lineup includes a live-action sitcom, animation continues to define Sunday evenings.
The network has invested heavily in animated comedy for decades, building one of television’s strongest collections of adult-oriented cartoons.
Programs such as The Simpsons, Universal Basic Guys, and Grimsburg ensure animation still occupies most of the evening.
Later in the season, additional animated series will strengthen that lineup even further when they return with new episodes.
This balance helps preserve the network’s longstanding reputation as a destination for animated comedy.
What Viewers Can Expect This Season
Returning audiences should expect a familiar blend of comedy while also noticing several fresh programming decisions.
Among the biggest highlights are:
- The continued success of The Simpsons.
- A prominent new timeslot for Animal Control.
- Another season of Universal Basic Guys.
- The return of Grimsburg.
- Football leading into entertainment each Sunday.
- Midseason debuts for several popular animated series.
Rather than making dramatic changes, the network has refined its schedule while preserving many of the elements viewers already enjoy.
Potential Schedule Adjustments During Football Season
As with every fall television season, live sports occasionally affect broadcast timing.
Games extending beyond their scheduled windows can shift the start of entertainment programming in some regions.
Factors that may influence local airtimes include:
- Overtime contests.
- Weather delays.
- Extended postgame coverage.
- Regional scheduling differences.
These situations are common during NFL season and are managed individually across local affiliate stations.
Viewers using DVRs often choose longer recording windows to ensure complete episodes are captured during football season.
Why Sunday Remains One of Television’s Biggest Nights
Despite the growth of streaming platforms, Sunday continues to be one of broadcast television’s most competitive evenings.
Sports, live events, and returning scripted programming combine to attract large audiences each week.
The network’s scheduling approach takes advantage of this viewing habit by pairing football with recognizable comedy franchises.
That formula has consistently delivered strong ratings while introducing newer programs to millions of viewers already watching earlier broadcasts.
The 2026 lineup continues that strategy while giving newer series opportunities to grow.
A Balanced Mix of Familiar Favorites and Newer Comedies
One of the strengths of this year’s programming is its balance.
Longtime viewers still receive one of television’s most iconic animated series alongside returning favorites that continue building loyal audiences.
Meanwhile, newer comedies receive valuable exposure during one of the network’s strongest viewing nights.
This combination helps maintain continuity without making the lineup feel repetitive.
As additional series arrive during the midseason schedule, audiences can expect the Sunday lineup to evolve once again while remaining anchored by established comedy.
With football, animation, and returning sitcoms sharing the evening, viewers will once again have a consistent destination for Sunday night entertainment throughout the fall season.
Which returning show are you most excited to watch this fall? Share your thoughts in the comments and check back for more television schedule updates throughout the season.