There are some great NBC shows still on the bubble. That’s nothing too major to worry about just yet, as we’re only into March. NBC has a habit of waiting until closer to the May Upfronts to make some final decisions.
However, with so many shows on the bubble, we can look at the ones likely to be renewed and canceled. While NBC doesn’t only just rely on the linear ratings, this is usually a strong indication as to whether a show will get another chance.
Something I do want to point out is that Friday and Sunday linear ratings tend to be lower than other nights, and that is something that needs to be considered when look at the ratings to determine which NBC shows could be canceled.
NBC shows likely canceled: Grosse Pointe Garden Society, Lopez vs. Lopez, and more
I hate to put this new series on the list, but Grosse Pointe Garden Society isn’t pulling in the linear ratings that it needs to succeed. Part of that is due to it airing on a Sunday at 10 p.m. This is a hard timeslot for most networks. It’s not like NBC hasn’t tried to promote the series, though, and I hope the streaming figures are stronger to help keep the show going. It’s fun and twisty and just pure entertainment.
I also think Lopez vs. Lopez is in trouble. It’s the lowest rated comedy on the network, and it just didn’t keep the viewership that Happy’s Place offered on a Friday night. The series wasn’t offered more episodes despite Happy’s Place getting them, showing that NBC doesn’t quite have the faith in it right now.
In the same vein, I worry about The Irrational. This series performed well in the fall 2023 schedule due to the writers strike. There were minimal scripted shows available, so NBC had a great set up with this and Found. When it went up against many other shows, it just didn’t perform as well, and I did worry about the series dropping in the ratings. According to TV Series Finale, it’s down 36% in the demo and 38% in the total audience from its first season.
Found has also dropped in the linear ratings. I actually think this series would do well on Peacock instead, because it could get a little darker, and I’m sure the streaming numbers for the series are stronger. The downside for the series is that it’s just not keeping the viewership that Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU offer it.
That being said, Found may stand a chance. Instead, NBC may choose a freshman series to go instead, and that’s Brilliant Minds. This is a series that is needed, but it didn’t pull in the linear ratings the network likely wanted. It’s only just ahead of Found, and cancelling a freshman is more likely when up against a sophomore series.
Suits LA is also down at the bottom of the list of NBC shows on the bubble. This revival hasn’t quite pulled the fans of the original show in, because it is completely tonally different.
NBC shows likely renewed: One Chicago, Law & Order, and more
Let’s be honest; NBC has some hits with the One Chicago and Law & Order franchises. I fully expect all five shows from these two franchises to be renewed. The fact that they’re still on the bubble is a surprise, but that’s likely due to cast contract negotiations at this point. The network has been trying to save money with the shows, leading to cast members not being in all episodes of a season, and that requires some extra negotiations.
I also think that we’ll see The Hunting Party score a second season. This series has stood up well on Monday nights, pulling in higher ratings than its fall predecessor, Brilliant Minds. It’s not as strong as I’d like, but NBC can’t cancel everything! I think there’s also a great long-term potential with The Pit storyline, which will help keep it going for just a little bit longer. I don’t think it will get more than three seasons at the most, though.
As for comedies, we know that St. Denis Medical and Happy’s Place are renewed. I do think Night Court will get a fourth season. While the series has seen a 28% drop in the demo and 34% drop in the total audience over the last season, it’s only just below the halfway point on the network. I’m sure this is also one of those shows that does well in streaming numbers, and NBC knows that more feel-good comedies like this are required right now.
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