Nbc Renewals: nbc renewals point to Chicago, Law & Order SVU and three more
A new report suggests nbc renewals are likely for five of the network’s longest-running drama series, a move that would restore stability after a wave of cancellations in 2025. The expected pickups, if finalized for the 2026-27 season, would center on the One Chicago block and the Law & Order franchises and come as the network expands pilot development.
Nbc Renewals: Wolf franchises in line
The five dramas expected to be renewed are the One Chicago franchise entries — Chicago PD, Chicago Med and Chicago Fire — together with Law & Order: SVU and the recent Law & Order revival. Those series are described as the network’s strongest scripted performers and are positioned to be locked in for the 2026-27 season as the network looks to secure its flagship Thursday and procedural programming.
nbc renewals: Budget cuts likely
Renewals are expected to come with cost trimming. Cost-saving measures introduced in 2023 included reductions to minimum guarantees for cast members and fewer guaranteed episode appearances for long-tenured actors. The same practices have spread across veteran broadcast dramas; cast departures have become more common as shows and producers adjust budgets to meet renewal thresholds.
Where scripted programming stands now
The push to stabilize the schedule follows a 2025 purge in which six scripted series were cleared to accommodate changes in prime-time programming. The network has since moved back toward scripted development, ordering eight pilots this cycle: five dramas and three comedies. Two comedies already received early renewals this season, underscoring the shift away from last year’s contraction.
Two dramas remain on the bubble
Beyond the Wolf-produced block, two sophomore dramas are described as sitting on the bubble: The Hunting Party and Brilliant Minds. The Hunting Party is positioned as the stronger of the two, having held steadier linear ratings and showing up on streaming charts. Brilliant Minds is identified as the lowest-rated drama on linear, with steep double-digit year-to-year declines. That series was recently pulled from the schedule to clear room for extended episodes of a high-profile music competition, and its remaining six episodes are likely to air after the bulk of renewal decisions are made.
What to watch next
Observable indicators to track ahead of formal pickup announcements include linear ratings trends for the Wolf dramas, streaming performance for the Law & Order revival, and any scheduling moves for the sophomore dramas. If the established franchises maintain their linear and streaming traction, renewals are likely to be formalized; if the younger dramas continue to decline in linear viewership and streaming presence, their futures will remain uncertain. Final decisions will also reflect whether further budget adjustments can be negotiated to meet network targets for the 2026-27 cycle.
