You’re sitting on the couch, remote in hand, trying to figure out why the 5:00 PM news isn't on or if you missed the latest episode of Will Trent. It’s a classic Houston struggle. Basically, the abc houston tv schedule (KTRK Channel 13) isn't just a static list of shows you can set and forget. It’s a moving target, especially with the way local sports and breaking news tend to hijack the airwaves in the 713.
Honestly, if you're still relying on that blurry "Guide" button on your cable box, you've probably realized it's often a few steps behind. Between the morning rush with Good Morning America and the late-night laughs on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, there is a massive chunk of local programming that defines the "Space City" vibe. But keeping track of it? Kinda tricky.
The Morning Grind and Why News Dominates
In Houston, news is king. Or more specifically, Eyewitness News is the heavy hitter. KTRK starts the engine early—we’re talking 4:30 AM early—with local news that rolls straight into the national Good Morning America block.
Most people don't realize that KTRK produces way more local content than your average network affiliate. They aren't just taking the feed from New York; they are constantly cutting in with traffic updates for the 610 Loop or weather warnings when the humidity hits triple digits.
Weekday Essentials (The Standard Lineup)
- 4:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Eyewitness News (The early bird special)
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Good Morning America (National headlines)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Live with Kelly and Mark (The usual banter)
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The View (Hot topics and debates)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Eyewitness News at 11:00 AM (Local midday catch-up)
Wait, did you catch the shift? For a long time, the 11:00 AM slot was a toss-up, but KTRK has doubled down on local reporting lately. This is where you see veterans like Melanie Lawson—though she’s eyeing retirement in 2026—bringing that deep Houston context that newer anchors just don't have yet.
The Afternoon Lull and the Soap Opera Survival
After the noon news, the schedule enters what I call the "comfort zone." This is the part of the abc houston tv schedule that hasn't changed much in decades, yet it still pulls huge numbers. General Hospital at 2:00 PM is basically a Texas institution at this point.
- 12:00 PM: Eyewitness News at Noon
- 1:00 PM: GMA3: What You Need to Know
- 2:00 PM: General Hospital (The legendary Port Charles drama)
- 3:00 PM: Eyewitness News at 3:00 PM
Here’s where things get interesting. Most cities switch to syndicated talk shows or court TV at 3:00 PM. Not Houston. KTRK starts its afternoon news marathon early. If there’s a thunderstorm brewing over Galveston or a major stall on I-45, you’re going to hear about it here first. They’ve essentially built a four-hour news block that carries you right into the national evening news.
Prime Time: The Heavy Hitters of 2026
When the sun goes down, the local flavor takes a backseat to the big-budget ABC hits. If you're looking for the abc houston tv schedule for Tuesday nights, you're likely hunting for Will Trent or The Rookie.
The 2025-2026 season has been surprisingly strong. High Potential has become a massive breakout hit, usually sliding into that 9:00 PM slot after Will Trent. But here’s the kicker: if the Houston Rockets are playing a high-stakes game or there’s a special "Town Hall" event, these shows might get bumped to 1:00 AM or moved to a sub-channel like 13.2 (Localish).
It happens more than you’d think. You've probably felt that frustration of sitting down for a new episode only to find a local reporter standing in front of a flooded bayou. That’s just part of the Houston TV experience.
Sub-Channels: The Secret Stash
Most folks forget that Channel 13 isn't just one channel. If the main schedule is boring you, there are the "point" channels:
- 13.2 (Localish): This is where you find the lifestyle stuff. Food tours of the Fourth Ward, profiles of local artists, and those "feel good" stories that don't make the 6:00 PM news.
- 13.3 (Charge!): All about action. Think old-school police procedurals and gritty dramas.
- 20.4 (Buzzr): KTRK’s parent company often shuffles game shows here. If you want Family Feud from 1985, this is your spot.
Weekend Shifts and Sports Chaos
Saturday and Sunday on the abc houston tv schedule are complete wildcards. Between the Chevron Houston Marathon and various Houston Rodeo specials, the morning news often gets truncated.
Sundays usually start with Good Morning America followed by This Week with George Stephanopoulos. But by midday, you're looking at a heavy dose of infomercials mixed with local community shows like Crossroads or Viva Houston.
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And then there's the sports. ABC carries a ton of NBA and NHL games. In Houston, if the Rockets are in the playoffs, expect the 6:00 PM news to be shorter than a TikTok video.
How to Actually Stay Updated
Stop looking at the paper. Seriously. The best way to track the abc houston tv schedule is through the ABC13 Houston app or their "Live" stream on Roku and Fire TV. They update the digital schedule in real-time, which is crucial when breaking news happens.
Sorta frustrating? Yeah. But that's the trade-off for having a station that is so deeply embedded in the local scene. They prioritize what's happening in your backyard over the scripted stuff.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the ABC13 App: It’s the only way to get alerts when a show is delayed by a press conference.
- Check Channel 13.2: If the main channel is showing a "Special Report," your regularly scheduled show sometimes migrates over to the Localish sub-channel.
- Set Your DVR for "Extra Time": If you’re recording a prime-time show on a night with a major local event, add 30 minutes to the end of the recording. You’ll thank me later when you actually see the final scene of The Rookie.
Keep your eyes on the weather updates, too. In Houston, the TV schedule is only as solid as the sky is clear.