ABC will not air a new episode of its long-running investigative news magazine, 20/20, tonight, Friday, April 24, 2026. The network has pre-empted its usual Friday night programming to provide live, wall-to-wall coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sports enthusiasts and television viewers alike will find the scheduled broadcast slot occupied by Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft, which is being broadcast live from the host city to a national audience.

This scheduling shift is a common occurrence during major sporting events. ABC, as part of the Disney-owned media family alongside ESPN, frequently prioritizes live sports milestones like the NFL Draft due to their immense viewership and cultural significance. For dedicated fans of true crime and investigative journalism, this means a temporary break in the regular Friday night routine. The program is expected to return to its standard 9:00 p.m. ET/PT slot the following week once the draft festivities have concluded.

The Impact of the 2026 NFL Draft on ABC Programming

The NFL Draft has evolved from a simple scouting meeting into a multi-day television extravaganza. Because ABC aims to reach a broader, more general audience compared to the sports-centric coverage on ESPN and NFL Network, its broadcast often includes human-interest stories and unique musical performances alongside the pick announcements. Covering Rounds 2 and 3 requires a significant block of prime-time real estate, typically starting at 7:00 p.m. ET and running through late evening.

When such events occur, news magazines like 20/20 are the first to be moved or paused. Unlike scripted dramas that can be delayed by a week without losing much relevance, investigative news programs often time their releases to specific anniversaries or current legal developments. However, the sheer scale of the NFL Draft viewership makes it the dominant priority for the network’s Friday night schedule.

High Profile 20/20 Investigations to Revisit During the Break

While there is no new broadcast tonight, the 20/20 archive offers a wealth of deep-dive investigations that have captivated audiences over the past several seasons. These episodes remain available on streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+. Reviewing these past cases provides insight into the meticulous reporting style that has defined the show for decades.

The Tragic Conspiracy of the Alyssa Burkett Case

One of the most chilling episodes in recent memory is the investigation into the 2020 murder of Alyssa Burkett in Carrollton, Texas. Titled "Ride or Die," this installment explores how a routine morning for a 24-year-old mother turned into a deadly ambush. The case stands as a stark example of how domestic disputes and custody battles can escalate into coordinated criminal conspiracies.

Alyssa Burkett was an assistant property manager who was shot and stabbed 44 times in her workplace parking lot. The investigation initially faced hurdles as witnesses described a man disguised in dark makeup to appear as a different race fleeing the scene in a black SUV. However, the meticulous work of the Carrollton police quickly narrowed in on Burkett's ex-boyfriend, Andrew Beard.

The evidence recovered was overwhelming. Investigators found GPS tracking devices under Burkett's car, dark foundation makeup in Beard’s vehicle, and handwritten notes detailing Burkett’s daily schedule. Perhaps more shocking was the involvement of Beard's fiancée, Holly Elkins. Digital footprints revealed that Elkins had researched tracking methods and pressured Beard to "handle" the situation, viewing Burkett as an obstacle to their "perfect family." In August 2024, justice was served when Elkins received two life sentences without the possibility of parole, following Beard’s 43-year prison sentence. This episode serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking within high-conflict domestic situations.

The Mystery of Sarah Jenkins and the Web of Secrets

Another compelling investigation that viewers often revisit is the disappearance of Sarah Jenkins, an artist from the quiet community of Oakhaven. The episode "Unmasking Shadows" meticulously reconstructs the timeline leading up to the night she vanished from her studio. Unlike cases with immediate physical evidence, the Jenkins investigation was built on a web of psychological profiles and circumstantial clues.

The broadcast examined three primary suspects, each representing a different facet of Sarah’s life:

  1. The Estranged Boyfriend: Mark, who had recently been blindsided by Sarah ending their long-term relationship.
  2. The Jealous Rival: Emily, a fellow artist whose professional resentment toward Sarah’s rising success in the watercolor world was well-documented.
  3. The Mysterious Stranger: A figure seen loitering near the studio in the weeks prior to the disappearance.

The brilliance of this 20/20 episode lies in its refusal to offer easy answers where the legal system has not yet found them. It highlights the role of social media in modern investigations—both as a tool for raising awareness and as a source of damaging misinformation that can hinder police work.

Idaho Justice and the University of Idaho Student Murders

The episode titled "Idaho Justice" remains one of the most-watched specials in the show's history. It delves into the shocking 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. This case gripped the nation not only because of its brutality but because of the high-tech forensic genealogy used to track down a suspect in Pennsylvania.

The 20/20 reporting team spent months on the ground in Moscow, Idaho, interviewing grieving family members and local law enforcement who were under immense pressure to solve the crime. The special provides an in-depth look at the "digital breadcrumbs" left behind, including cell phone tower pings and white Hyundai Elantra sightings that eventually led to an arrest. It is a masterclass in how investigative journalism can piece together a narrative from a chaotic and frightening event.

Why 20/20 Continues to Lead in True Crime Reporting

The longevity of 20/20 is no accident. While the media landscape has shifted toward short-form content and viral news, 20/20 has doubled down on long-form, two-hour specials. This format allows correspondents like David Muir, Deborah Roberts, and Stephanie Ramos to go beyond the headlines.

The show’s success is built on three pillars:

  • Exclusive Access: 20/20 often secures the first sit-down interviews with key figures in a case, including the families of victims or, occasionally, the accused.
  • Forensic Detail: The production team works with forensic experts to create high-quality recreations and visual aids that help the audience understand complex DNA evidence or ballistic reports.
  • Human Sentiment: Unlike a dry police report, the program focuses on the emotional toll of crime, ensuring that the victims are remembered as people with lives, dreams, and families, rather than just statistics.

How to Watch Previous 20/20 Episodes Online

If you were looking forward to tonight’s episode and are disappointed by the pre-emption, there are several ways to access the extensive 20/20 library.

Streaming on Hulu

Hulu is the primary home for ABC news content. New episodes are typically uploaded the morning after they air on television. For the vast archive of past seasons, a Hulu subscription allows you to search by case name or air date. The "True Crime" hub on Hulu often features 20/20 as a flagship program.

Disney+ Integration

Following the integration of Hulu content into Disney+ for bundle subscribers, many 20/20 specials are now available directly within the Disney+ app. This has made the program accessible to an even wider international audience, particularly the high-production-value specials like those focusing on the Murdaugh family or the Michelle Obama interviews.

ABC.com and the ABC App

Viewers with a cable provider login can watch recent episodes for free on the ABC website or through the ABC app on smart TVs and mobile devices. This is often the fastest way to catch up on an episode if you missed the original Friday night broadcast.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

Following the NFL Draft, 20/20 is expected to resume its regular schedule with a slate of new investigations. Internal sources and teasers suggest that the upcoming episodes will tackle high-stakes financial fraud, updates on cold cases from the early 2000s, and deep dives into the impact of AI on forensic investigations.

The show has a tradition of "May Sweeps" programming, where some of the most significant and most-requested investigations are aired to coincide with television's high-traffic periods. Viewers should check local listings or the official ABC social media channels for specific trailers regarding next week's topic.

Frequently Asked Questions About 20/20 Tonight

Why is 20/20 not on tonight, April 24, 2026? ABC is broadcasting the 2026 NFL Draft (Rounds 2 and 3) during the time slot usually reserved for 20/20.

When will the next new episode of 20/20 air? Regular programming is expected to return on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Is 20/20 being cancelled? No, the show is not being cancelled. Pre-emptions for major sports events like the NFL Draft, the NBA Finals, or the Oscars are standard practice for major networks.

Where can I watch the "Ride or Die" episode about Alyssa Burkett? The "Ride or Die" episode (Season 48, Episode 10) is currently available for streaming on Hulu and ABC.com.

Who are the current anchors of 20/20? The program is currently co-anchored by David Muir and Deborah Roberts, with regular reporting from a rotating cast of ABC News correspondents.

Summary of the 20/20 Schedule Update

Tonight, April 24, 2026, ABC has replaced its regular broadcast of 20/20 with live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. While the absence of a new investigative special may be disappointing for fans of the genre, it provides an excellent opportunity to catch up on some of the most impactful cases from the previous season. Episodes such as "Ride or Die," "Idaho Justice," and "Unmasking Shadows" remain the gold standard for investigative journalism and are readily available on streaming platforms. Expect 20/20 to return to its usual Friday night time slot next week with fresh reporting and new insights into the world’s most captivating true crime mysteries.