Fall 2017 Broadcast Network Premiere Dates
The major broadcast networks announced their fall 2017 premiere schedules in late July and early August. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and The CW set premiere nights for new and returning series, with most scripted shows starting the week of September 25, 2017. Network schedules were shaped by upfront presentations and late summer trailer drops. Details were confirmed by network press releases and trade outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter Variety.
ABC launched "The Good Doctor" on September 25, 2017, as its flagship new drama, while CBS moved "Murphy Brown" back to its Monday lineup. NBC kept "This Is Us" as its anchor drama and paired it with new comedies. Fox premiered "The Orville" season 2 and "Ghosted," while The CW started "Valor" and "Dynasty" in the fall window.
Streaming and Cable Premiere Calendar
Streaming services and cable networks filled the fall 2017 calendar with original premieres timed to compete with broadcast hits. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, and Showtime released new seasons and limited series in September and October 2017. Release strategies shifted toward full-season drops and weekly premieres on specific days.
Netflix premiered "Mindhunter" on October 13, 2017, and "The Crown" season 2 on December 9, 2017, with both series marketed as flagship originals. Hulu launched "Murdered by Morning" and "The Handmaid's Tale" season 2 in April 2017, while Amazon debuted "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" on March 17, 2017, with continued promotion into the fall season The Hollywood Reporter.
Ratings, Schedule Impact, and Industry Context
Fall 2017 TV premieres were measured by live-plus-same-day ratings and early DVR lifts across the Big Four networks. Nielsen reported audience totals for key premiere episodes, with "This Is Us," "The Good Doctor," and "The Big Bang Theory" among the top scripted draws. Advertisers used upfront and scatter market data to set pricing for fall inventory.
Industry analysts compared fall 2017 lineup strength to prior years, noting the growth of streaming originals alongside traditional broadcast premieres. Networks used promotional calendars, trailer releases, and upfront presentations to position new shows. The season also reflected ongoing consolidation in media ownership and shifting viewer habits Nielsen Forbes.