You’re sitting on the couch, remote in hand, wondering what’s actually happening on the big blue circle network. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026. The midseason rush is in full swing. Honestly, tracking network TV these days feels like a part-time job with all the streaming crossovers and shifting premiere dates. But if you're looking for what is live on ABC right now, you've come to the right place.
Tonight is a heavy hitter for unscripted fans and true crime addicts.
The Friday Night Breakdown: What is Live on ABC Right Now
If it’s currently the 8:00 PM ET slot, you are looking at Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. This isn't just a re-run of Pat Sajak eras past. We’re talking about Season 6, Episode 10. The energy is a bit different tonight because the contestant lineup is... let’s call it eclectic. You’ve got Kathy Hilton, Rick Ross, and Riki Lindhome spinning the wheel.
Seeing Rick Ross try to solve a "Before & After" puzzle while Kathy Hilton hunts for a "Living Thing" is the kind of chaotic Friday night energy we didn't know we needed in 2026. They’re playing for charity, of course, but the competitive streak is real.
20/20 Takes Over at 9:00 PM ET
Once the wheel stops spinning, the tone shifts hard. ABC’s staple newsmagazine, 20/20, kicks off its two-hour block at 9:00 PM ET. We are deep into Season 48 now.
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Tonight’s episode is titled "The Hunt for Mr. Right." Don't let the cheesy title fool you; it’s a grim one. David Muir and Deborah Roberts are tracking a case that spans from Maryland all the way down to Mexico. It follows the double life of a fugitive wanted for murder who managed to evade authorities by essentially playing the part of a perfect romantic partner. It’s a classic 20/20 deep dive—lots of grainy surveillance footage, emotional family interviews, and that specific "network news" pacing that makes you want to double-check your front door locks.
Late Night Staples
If you’re reading this past 11:00 PM, you’re into the local news transition before the big names show up.
- 11:35 PM ET: Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back. Tonight’s guests include Chris Pratt and Jessie Buckley. Pratt is likely doing the rounds for whatever blockbuster is dropping this spring, but his chemistry with Kimmel usually makes for decent viral clips the next morning.
- 12:37 AM ET: Nightline with Juju Chang and Byron Pitts. Expect more follow-up on the Venezuelan oil partnership demands or the latest on the MIT professor investigation that's been dominating the headlines this week.
Why the ABC Schedule Looks Different This Month
You might have noticed that Grey’s Anatomy or 9-1-1 aren't in their usual spots. That’s because ABC did a massive midseason shuffle starting last week.
Usually, we'd see dramas on Fridays, but the network has leaned into "Unscripted Fridays." If you were looking for The Rookie or Will Trent, those moved to Tuesdays. 9-1-1 and its new spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville (which just premiered its midseason return on January 8th) are strictly Thursday night territory now.
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Actually, the big news in the TV world right now isn't even on the screen—it's the fact that The Bachelorette is skipping its usual cycle. Instead of a winter premiere, Taylor Frankie Paul’s season isn't hitting the air until March 22nd.
How to Watch ABC Without Cable
Kinda sucks if you're away from a TV and want to catch 20/20 live. You have options, though.
- ABC News Live: This is their 24/7 streaming arm. It’s free. You won't get Celebrity Wheel of Fortune here, but you will get breaking news coverage and "ABC News Live Prime" with Linsey Davis.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is the most seamless way to get the local feed. Plus, the episodes of the scripted shows (like Grey's) usually drop on basic Hulu at 3:00 AM ET the day after they air.
- The ABC App: If you have a provider login (even your parents'), you can stream the live broadcast directly to your phone.
What to Watch Next
If the true crime on 20/20 is too intense for a Friday night, you might want to look at the streaming alternatives that just dropped today. Netflix just released The Rip starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. It’s a Miami cop thriller that’s getting decent reviews for its "old-school" feel.
Alternatively, if you’re a Power fan, the series finale of Power Book IV: Force is airing over on Starz tonight. It’s a big night for endings and new beginnings.
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To stay on top of the ABC schedule for the rest of the weekend, keep an eye out for the NBA double-header tomorrow. We’ve got the Cavs vs. 76ers followed by the Timberwolves vs. Rockets. The sports schedule is finally starting to ramp up as we head toward the playoffs.
Check your local listings for channel numbers, as ABC affiliates vary by zip code. If you’re on the West Coast, remember everything is delayed by three hours unless you’re watching a "Live" designated special.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your DVR: Ensure 20/20 is set to record if you're starting the episode late; the "Hunt for Mr. Right" story is a multi-part narrative that’s easy to lose track of if you miss the first 20 minutes.
- Update your App: If you plan on streaming Jimmy Kimmel Live! later, make sure your ABC or Hulu app is updated to the latest 2026 version to avoid the "playback error" bugs that have been hitting the platform this week.
- Set a Reminder: American Idol Season 24 premieres Monday, January 26th. If you're a fan, you'll want to clear your Monday nights starting in two weeks.