Breaking a 15-Year Tradition: Bob’s Burgers Set for Midseason Move in FOX’s Fall 2026 Lineup

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the “Animation Domination” fanbase, FOX has officially unveiled its Fall 2026 programming slate, revealing that for the first time in 15 years, Bob’s Burgers will not be part of the network’s autumn lineup. Instead, the Emmy-winning series is being held for a midseason premiere in early 2027.

The announcement came during FOX’s Upfront presentation in New York on May 11, 2026, where CEO Rob Wade emphasized a strategy of “creative first” scheduling and “character-driven storytelling.”

The New Sunday Night Roster

To fill the gap left by the Belcher family, FOX is shifting its Sunday night strategy by integrating live-action comedy into its traditionally all-animated block. The Fall 2026 “Animation Domination” schedule is as follows:

  • 8:00 PM: The Simpsons (Season 38)

  • 9:00 PM: Universal Basic Guys (Season 3)

  • 9:30 PM: Grimsburg (Season 3)

Why the Shake-Up?

The decision to hold Bob’s Burgers—alongside other heavy hitters like Family Guy (Season 25), American Dad! (Season 21), and Krapopolis (Season 4)—appears to be a tactical move to bolster the network’s midseason performance.

By launching these established hits in January 2027, FOX aims to create a “second wave” of high-performing scripted content to carry the network through the winter and spring months. This mirrors a similar move made with Family Guy in 2024, which proved that these “comfort shows” possess loyal enough fanbases to thrive regardless of their seasonal start date.

The “Stewie” Factor and Future Plans

While the fall schedule looks different, the future of FOX animation remains massive. The network reiterated plans for the upcoming Family Guy spinoff, Stewie, which is slated for the 2027-2028 season. The spinoff will follow Stewie as he navigates a new preschool, using his array of high-tech devices to escape the “misery” of his surroundings.

Additionally, fans of the Belchers can find a silver lining: a midseason start often means a more consistent, uninterrupted run of episodes without the frequent preemptions for sports and holiday specials that typically plague the fall schedule.

For fans who consider Sunday nights with the Belchers a sacred ritual, this change is bittersweet. However, with The Simpsons entering its record-setting 38th season, FOX is betting that variety—and a little bit of waiting—will keep the “Domination” in Animation Domination.