Your Essential Guide to Fox's Exciting Winter 2026 TV Schedule Unveiled

Get ready to mark your calendars! Fox is rolling out a fresh slate of new dramas, unscripted adventures, and returning animated favorites for its Winter 2026 midseason, promising a diverse lineup that aims to capture every viewer's attention.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways from Fox's Winter 2026 Lineup

• New Thrills & Drama: Patrick Dempsey returns to broadcast TV in "Memory of a Killer," while Josh Charles leads new medical drama "Best Medicine." Johnny Knoxville revives the gross-out competition with "Fear Factor: House of Fear."
• Animated Milestones: "The Simpsons" celebrates its historic 800th episode and "Family Guy" hits its 450th, with "American Dad!" making a much-anticipated return to Fox's "Animation Domination" block.
• Returning Favorites: Expect new seasons of "The Masked Singer," "Hell's Kitchen," "Animal Control," "Going Dutch," and "Next Level Chef" to keep you entertained through the colder months.

A Strategic Shift in Fox's Midseason Programming for 2026

Imagine this: it's a chilly January evening, you're wrapped in a blanket, and the TV remote is firmly in hand. What's on? If you're tuned into Fox in early 2026, the answer is a carefully curated blend of fresh faces, familiar laughs, and heart-pounding reality. The network has just unveiled its comprehensive winter schedule, designed to draw viewers in with a mix of ambitious new dramas, high-stakes competition, and beloved animated classics.

This midseason strategy is particularly significant because Fox won't have the massive viewership boost from hosting the Super Bowl in 2026, an honor that goes to NBC this time around. (Source: TV Guide, "Fox Winter Tv Schedule 2026: Here's When the New Fear Factor Premieres and Doc Returns," November 12, 2025). This absence means the network is leaning heavily into its scripted and unscripted offerings to capture and retain audiences, making the success of these premieres even more critical. It’s a calculated move to build consistent viewership through varied, engaging content.

Breaking Down the Exciting January 2026 Premieres on Fox

The new year kicks off with a flurry of activity, starting right on January 1st with a fresh episode of Gordon Ramsay's perennial favorite, "Hell's Kitchen" at 8 PM ET. Just a few days later, on Monday, January 5th, "Celebrity Name That Tune" will wrap up its season at 8 PM ET, paving the way for more new content.

New Dramas and Medical Intrigue Take Center Stage on Fox

Tuesday, January 6th marks a significant night with two back-to-back premieres. At 8 PM ET, catch the series debut of "Best Medicine," a new medical drama starring Josh Charles (known from "The Good Wife"). He plays a Boston doctor who leaves the big city behind to open his own practice in a small coastal town he once frequented for vacations. This show also features Abigail Spencer, Josh Segarra, and Annie Potts, promising a blend of humor and heart. Following "Best Medicine" at 9 PM ET is the winter premiere of the hit medical drama "Doc," with Molly Parker and Felicity Huffman returning to their roles. (Source: Meredith Jacobs, "Fox Midseason 2026 Premiere Dates: 'Best Medicine,' 'Memory of a Killer' & More," November 11, 2025).

The Masked Singer Returns with a Double Unmasking Extravaganza

Wednesday, January 7th, is all about the grand return of "The Masked Singer." The beloved reality competition is back with a special two-hour Season 14 premiere, promising a double unmasking right out of the gate at 8 PM ET. Fans eager to decipher the clues and guess the celebrity voices won't have to wait long for more; the show settles into its regular time slot the following Wednesday, January 14th, at 8 PM ET.

Fear Factor's House of Fear and Animal Control's Fourth Season Debut

Right after "The Masked Singer" on Wednesday, January 14th, at 9 PM ET, prepare for some stomach-churning fun with the series premiere of "Fear Factor: House of Fear." This revival of the iconic gross-out competition, which originally made waves in 2001, is now hosted by the one and only Johnny Knoxville. It promises to push contestants (and viewers) to their limits with daring stunts and challenges. (Source: Ethan Shanfeld, "Fox Sets Winter 2026 Premiere Dates for Johnny Knoxville’s ‘Fear Factor,’ ‘Masked Singer,’ ‘The Simpsons’ 800th Episode and More," November 11, 2025).

Thursday, January 15th, brings back the live-action comedies. "Animal Control," starring Joel McHale, will kick off its fourth season premiere at 9 PM ET, followed by the second season premiere of "Going Dutch," featuring Denis Leary, at 9:30 PM ET. These two comedies will provide a much-needed dose of laughter amidst the drama and intense competition.

A Hitman's Struggle: Patrick Dempsey Leads Memory of a Killer

Later in the month, Monday, January 26th, offers another compelling drama. Following the Season 2 premiere of the survival series "Extracted" at 8 PM ET, fans can tune in for the highly anticipated series premiere of "Memory of a Killer" at 9 PM ET. This hitman drama marks Patrick Dempsey's return to broadcast television, where he plays a serial killer grappling with the onset of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Michael Imperioli and Gina Torres also star, promising a complex and intense narrative. It's a fascinating premise that could challenge viewer perceptions of a typical antagonist.

The Animated Powerhouse: February Brings Milestones and Returns

February is a banner month for Fox's legendary "Animation Domination" block, featuring historic milestones and exciting returns. This commitment to animation helps Fox solidify its Sunday night lineup, especially with some scheduling shifts for its long-running staples.

The Simpsons Celebrates its 800th Episode and Season Finale

Sunday, February 15th, will be a night for the history books. At 8 PM ET, "The Simpsons" will air its very special 800th episode, a monumental achievement for any television series. Immediately following this milestone at 8:30 PM ET, the show will broadcast its Season 37 finale. Notably, for the first time in a long while, there will be no new episodes of "The Simpsons" on Fox in the spring, as its season concludes mid-February. This opens up prime real estate for other animated shows. (Source: Tim Surette, "Fox Winter TV Schedule 2026: Here's When the New Fear Factor Premieres and Doc Returns," November 12, 2025).

Later that same evening, at 9:30 PM ET, "Family Guy" will debut its Season 24 premiere, which also happens to be its impressive 450th episode. The series, alongside "The Simpsons," "Bob's Burgers," and "American Dad!," has received a multi-year renewal, ensuring its presence on the network for quite some time. (Source: ComicBook.com, "Family Guy Season 24 Premiere Date Announced by FOX," November 11, 2025).

"For the first time in a long time, there will be no new episodes of The Simpsons on Fox in the spring, as Season 37 is ending in mid-February with back-to-back special episodes, its 800th episode and its season finale."

— Tim Surette, TV Guide

American Dad's Grand Return to Fox's Animation Domination Lineup

The animated excitement continues on Sunday, February 22nd. "Family Guy" will shift to its new time period premiere at 8 PM ET, followed by a new episode of "Universal Basic Guys" at 8:30 PM ET. But a major highlight of the night will be the Season 20 premiere of "American Dad!" at 9 PM ET. After an 11-year run on TBS, Seth MacFarlane's other animated hit is making its grand return to Fox and the "Animation Domination" lineup. This move brings a beloved show back to its original network home, completing a powerful Sunday night block. (Source: Andy Swift, "Fox Sets 2026 Midseason Schedule: American Dad! And The Masked Singer Return Dates, The Simpsons' 800th Episode And More," November 11, 2025).

A Biblical Event Series and Ongoing Sports Content Round Out the Schedule

Beyond the regular series, Fox is also introducing a special event. "The Faithful," a new biblical drama, will air across three consecutive Sundays: March 22nd, March 29th, and culminating on Easter Sunday, April 5th. Each night will feature two-hour episodes starting at 8 PM ET, offering a substantial commitment to this event series.

For sports enthusiasts, "Fox Sports Friday" and "Fox Sports Saturday" will continue their ongoing programming at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, ensuring a consistent offering for those looking for athletic action.

Considering the Trade-offs: Network Strategy Beyond the Super Bowl

Fox's midseason scheduling reflects a clear strategic direction, especially given the absence of the Super Bowl in 2026, which historically provides a massive lead-in for new shows. The network is doubling down on established franchises like "Fear Factor" and "The Masked Singer" to generate buzz, while simultaneously investing in star-studded dramas such as "Memory of a Killer" with Patrick Dempsey and "Best Medicine" with Josh Charles. This approach aims to diversify their appeal and not rely on a single event to drive ratings.

One potential limitation of this strategy could be the early end to "The Simpsons" Season 37 in mid-February. While it allows "Family Guy" and "American Dad!" to take over the Animation Domination block fully, it means a shorter run for the iconic yellow family, which some longtime fans might find surprising. However, this flexibility also allows the network to experiment with new animated offerings like "Universal Basic Guys" without over-saturating the schedule.

Example: The Return of Nostalgia and Star Power Driving Viewer Choices

Imagine Sarah, a busy working mom who grew up watching the original "Fear Factor" with friends. She hasn't been a regular Fox viewer lately, but hearing about Johnny Knoxville hosting "Fear Factor: House of Fear" immediately piques her interest. She marks January 14th on her calendar, planning to watch with her teenage son, introducing him to the show that once grossed her out and thrilled her. Meanwhile, her husband, Mark, a dedicated "Grey's Anatomy" fan, is drawn in by Patrick Dempsey's return in "Memory of a Killer" on January 26th, intrigued by the actor's challenging new role. This dual appeal — nostalgia for a classic show and the draw of a beloved actor in a fresh context — exemplifies how Fox is strategically using its winter lineup to attract a broad audience.

Practical Takeaways for Your Winter 2026 Viewing Plans

• Plan Your Premieres: January 6th, 14th, and 26th are key dates for new drama and reality series.
• Don't Miss Animated History: Mark February 15th for "The Simpsons" 800th episode and "Family Guy" 450th.
• Welcome Back Favorites: "American Dad!" returns to Fox on February 22nd; "The Masked Singer" gets a two-hour premiere on January 7th.
• Explore New Genres: "The Faithful" offers a significant biblical event series starting March 22nd.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Fox's Winter 2026 Lineup

When do new Fox shows like "Best Medicine" and "Memory of a Killer" premiere? "Best Medicine" premieres Tuesday, January 6th, at 8 PM ET. "Memory of a Killer" premieres Monday, January 26th, at 9 PM ET.

Who is hosting the new "Fear Factor: House of Fear" and when does it air? Johnny Knoxville hosts "Fear Factor: House of Fear," which premieres Wednesday, January 14th, at 9 PM ET.

What are the major milestones for "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" this winter? "The Simpsons" airs its 800th episode on Sunday, February 15th, at 8 PM ET, followed by its Season 37 finale. "Family Guy" premieres its 24th season (and 450th episode) on the same night at 9:30 PM ET.

Is "American Dad!" returning to Fox? If so, when? Yes! "American Dad!" returns to Fox with its Season 20 premiere on Sunday, February 22nd, at 9 PM ET, joining the "Animation Domination" block.

Sources

• Tim Surette, "Fox Winter TV Schedule 2026: Here's When the New Fear Factor Premieres and Doc Returns," TV Guide, November 12, 2025.
• Ethan Shanfeld, "Fox Sets Winter 2026 Premiere Dates for Johnny Knoxville’s ‘Fear Factor,’ ‘Masked Singer,’ ‘The Simpsons’ 800th Episode and More," Variety, November 11, 2025.
• Meredith Jacobs, "Fox Midseason 2026 Premiere Dates: ‘Best Medicine,’ ‘Memory of a Killer’ & More," TV Insider, November 11, 2025.
• ComicBook.com, "Family Guy Season 24 Premiere Date Announced by FOX," ComicBook.com, November 11, 2025.
• Andy Swift, "Fox Sets 2026 Midseason Schedule: American Dad! And The Masked Singer Return Dates, The Simpsons' 800th Episode And More," TVLine, November 11, 2025.