Broadcast TV Scorecard 2026: Renewals and Cancellations Amid Growing Sports Programming
The landscape of broadcast television is undergoing significant changes as the major networks prepare for the 2026-27 season. Following a rebound in viewership last year, the big four networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—are maintaining a steady course, focusing on stability in their programming strategies.
Shift Towards Sports Programming
One notable development this year is the increasing prominence of sports programming during primetime slots. NBC has allocated Tuesdays and post-NFL season Sundays for NBA games, with plans to transition to baseball in the spring and summer. ABC has solidified its commitment to sports by making Monday Night Football a staple of its fall lineup. Fox continues to dedicate two nights each week—Friday and Saturday—to sports programming year-round.
This shift towards sports has resulted in reduced airtime for comedies, dramas, and unscripted shows, potentially leading to the cancellation of underperforming series. However, NBC is also reviving its pilot season, indicating an openness to introduce more scripted content into its lineup. Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, has emphasized the significance of linear networks, particularly as the company navigates its potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which could impact the studio side of television production.
Broadcast TV Overview of Network Programming
The following outlines the current status of programming across the major networks, detailing renewals, cancellations, and new series for the upcoming season.
ABC
Scripted Shows:
- 911: Renewed for season 10.
- 911: Nashville: Renewed for season two.
- Abbott Elementary: Renewed for season six.
- High Potential: Renewed for season three.
- Grey’s Anatomy, RJ Decker, The Rookie, Scrubs, Shifting Gears, Will Trent: Status pending.
Unscripted Shows:
- American Idol, America’s Funniest Home Videos, The Bachelorette: Season 22 premieres March 22.
- Celebrity Jeopardy!, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Dancing With the Stars, The Golden Bachelor, The Greatest Average American: Status pending.
Series Orders for 2026-27: None announced yet.
CBS
Scripted Shows:
- Boston Blue: Renewed for season two.
- Elsbeth: Renewed for season four.
- FBI: Renewed for season nine.
- Fire Country: Renewed for season five.
- Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage: Renewed for season three.
- Ghosts: Renewed for season six.
- Matlock: Renewed for season three.
- NCIS: Renewed for season 24.
- NCIS: Origins: Renewed for season three.
- NCIS: Sydney: Renewed for season four.
- The Neighborhood: Ending with season eight.
- Sheriff Country: Renewed for season two.
- Tracker: Renewed for season four.
- Watson: Status pending.
Unscripted Shows:
- The Amazing Race: Renewed for season 39.
- America’s Culinary Cup, Harlan Coben’s Final Twist, Hollywood Squares, The Price Is Right at Night, The Road: Status pending.
- Survivor: Renewed through season 52.
Series Orders for 2026-27:
- Cupertino (drama).
- Einstein (drama).
Fox
Scripted Shows:
- American Dad: Renewed through season 23.
- Animal Control: Renewed for season five.
- Best Medicine: Renewed for season two.
- Bob’s Burgers: Renewed through season 19.
- Family Guy: Renewed through season 27.
- Krapopolis: Renewed through season five.
- The Simpsons: Renewed through season 40.
- Universal Basic Guys: Renewed through season three.
- The Faithful: Women of the Bible: Limited series premieres March 22.
- Going Dutch, Grimsburg: Status pending.
Unscripted Shows:
- 99 to Beat, Celebrity Weakest Link, Extracted, Farmer Wants a Wife: Season four premieres April 21.
- Fear Factor: House of Fear: Status pending.
- The Floor: Renewed through season seven.
- Hell’s Kitchen, The Masked Singer, Name That Tune, Next Level Chef, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test: Status pending.
Series Orders for 2026-27:
- Baywatch (drama).
NBC
Scripted Shows:
- Brilliant Minds, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins: Status pending.
- Happy’s Place: Renewed for season three.
- St. Denis Medical: Renewed for season three.
- The Hunting Party, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU: Status pending.
- Stumble: Status pending.
Unscripted Shows:
- On Brand With Jimmy Fallon, The Voice, The Wall: Status pending.
Series Orders for 2026-27: None announced yet.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-03-07 01:06:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk
