NBC's Renewal Report: Unraveling the Fate of 'Chicago,' 'Law & Order,' and More
The NBC Renewal Saga: A Tale of Franchises, Fresh Faces, and Bubble Shows
NBC, having weathered the storm of cancellations in 2025, is now in a different scriptwriting landscape. With eight new pilots ordered, the network is gearing up for a potential expansion of its scripted series.
But here's where it gets controversial: some things remain unchanged. Early renewals for comedies 'Happy's Place' and 'St. Denis Medical' echo last year's strategy, suggesting a familiar approach to NBC's programming.
And this is the part most people miss: Dick Wolf's five NBC series ('Chicago Fire,' 'Chicago P.D.,' 'Chicago Med,' 'Law & Order: SVU,' and 'Law & Order') are once again poised for renewal. The consistency of these shows, especially 'One Chicago' and 'SVU,' is a testament to their enduring popularity.
However, the revival of the flagship 'Law & Order' had raised questions due to its ratings and cast turnover. But, with a strong showing on Peacock and improved linear ratings, it seems the series has found its footing.
In recent years, budget trims have been a common theme for Wolf Entertainment. The introduction of minimum guarantees reductions, where cast members, especially long-time actors, might not appear in every episode, has sparked debate. This practice has now spread to other veteran series, raising questions about the impact on storytelling and character development.
Beyond the Wolf franchise, NBC has two other drama series on the bubble: 'The Hunting Party' and 'Brilliant Minds.' While 'The Hunting Party' has shown resilience, 'Brilliant Minds' faces an uncertain future. Its ratings have declined significantly, and its future looks bleak despite a similar time slot to last season.
But here's a twist: 'The Hunting Party' has become a surprise hit on Netflix, ranking consistently in the Daily Top 3 in the U.S. since its release. This unexpected success could potentially boost its renewal prospects.
'Law & Order: Organized Crime,' originally an NBC series, has now found a home on Peacock. With a respectable linear viewership, the series starring Chris Meloni has a chance of renewal, but its creative team instability might be a hurdle.
On the comedy front, 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' is yet to prove itself, but 'Stumble,' NBC's lowest-rated scripted series this season, is fighting for survival. NBC's scheduling decisions, placing it behind 'Happy's Place,' might have impacted its performance.
However, 'Stumble' has its advocates within NBC, and the network has taken steps to boost its visibility. Reruns and special airings have given the series a fighting chance.
The fate of 'Stumble' and other bubble shows will likely come down to the strength of NBC's comedy pilots. With a large number of drama pilots, there are concerns about potential cancellations. Sources suggest two new drama series orders are likely, but the network might opt for shorter seasons or summer runs to accommodate more shows.
A potential move to Peacock for a highly regarded show, despite limited NBC slots, is also an option. The future of these series is uncertain, but NBC's renewal decisions will shape the network's scripted landscape for the upcoming season.
