Preempting a show means to replace or interrupt the scheduled television program with another program, usually one considered more important or urgent. This is often done in cases of major breaking news or special events that take priority over regular programming. For example, a news broadcast might preempt a normal entertainment show to cover an emergency or significant national event.

In television contexts, when a show is preempted, it is temporarily removed or paused from the schedule and replaced by something else, which could be a news report or a rerun of another show. The preempting is typically to ensure that viewers receive timely and important information, especially during emergencies or significant occurrences.

The general meaning of "preempt" also includes taking priority over or seizing something to the exclusion of others, which fits the concept of one show being given priority over another on a broadcast schedule.