In the past, we’ve become used to seeing the One Chicago and Law & Order shows get their renewals, but that may not be the case in 2026. We have our NBC renewal scorecard, looking at the likelihood of shows being cancelled or renewed.
The 2025–2026 season is different to many others, as budgets increase. Networks have tried to find ways to keep their shows on the air, especially some of their more popular ones. However, it could all change this year, especially for NBC, which is looking at more pilots than ever since the pandemic.
We’ve already looked at the ABC renewal scorecard and the CBS renewal scorecard. Now it’s time to turn our attention to NBC, which has plenty on the bubble. My thoughts are mostly based on the linear ratings, but we all know that streaming plays a part now. Yet, the linear ratings in the 18–49 demo is always going to be superior, as that’s what the advertisers look at!
NBC Renewal Scorecard
As with previous posts, I look at the renewal and cancellation decisions based on linear ratings. I follow a simple thought process, looking at the chances of the shows being renewed or not. There are some that are only just premiering, which makes it too soon to tell how they could go.
If you haven’t read previous posts on this site or other scorecards I’ve done on other sites, then this is the breakdown:
- Officially Renewed
- A Sure Thing
- A Safe Bet
- 50/50 Chance
- Likely Cancelled
- Unofficially Cancelled
- Officially Cancelled
The “Unofficially Cancelled” is rarely given, but you will see it pop up on this post, and that’s simply due to the network pushing the show completely off the schedule.
I’m also splitting the drama and comedy shows up for this, as I have done with others. I only look at scripted, though, so you won’t see the reality shows on this list. Unscripted is a completely different ball game.
NBC Scripted Drama Chances
- Brilliant Minds: Unofficially cancelled
- Chicago Med: A safe bet
- Chicago Fire: A safe bet
- Chicago PD: 50/50 chance
- The Hunting Party: 50/50 chance
- Law & Order: 50/50 chance
- Law & Order: SVU: A safe bet
NBC Scripted Comedy Chances
- The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins: Too soon to tell
- Happy’s Place: Officially renewed
- St. Denis Medical: Officially renewed
- Stumble: Likely cancelled
The biggest reason I’ve decided The Hunting Party has a 50/50 chance is because of its debut on Netflix. This has pushed the interest in the show considerably, and it could help to get more eyes on the second season. It also has a loyal fanbase now that the show has started its second season — although, there is a sharp drop from the first season.
It could be time to lose the legacy shows, as those are the shows with the bigger budgets. This would allow for more focus on newer scripted shows. Eventually, all good things have to come to an end, and it may not be a bad thing for NBC to shake a few things up and give other shows a chance.
However, what does that mean for Brilliant Minds? There still isn’t much hope. That show being pushed to spring or summer (with not determined return date) makes it clear that NBC has unofficially cancelled the series, in my eyes.
