It’s that time of year when we know that more cancellations and renewals are likely to come. There are still far too many shows on the bubble, and it’s hard to call which way the networks will go with some of the shows. That’s certainly the case with the NBC shows.
While I would love to see everything make it through because I think the hard work of the cast and crew deserves to be recognized, there are certain shows that I want to see more than others. I’m invested in the storylines and the writing, or the shows have already ended on cliffhangers that I need answers to. Here are the six NBC shows I need to see make it through to the 2025–2026 TV season.
Chicago Fire
Despite it being on its 13th season, this remains one of my favorite Wednesday night shows, and quite simply, it’s one that I want to see for another season. There have been some fun and intriguing storylines, whether it’s Kidd and Severide looking to adopt or Herrmann and Mouch looking at potential promotions.
I’m sure that Chicago Fire will be renewed, along with the rest of the One Chicago lineup. The three shows remain the most popular on the network, so I think it’s just a matter of cast negotiations that are delaying the news. But it still has me a little worried, as you just never know what the networks will decide to do.
Deal or No Deal Island
One of my guilty pleasures this season has been Deal or No Deal Island. It’s such a fun reality show that isn’t the usual dating series. It’s also not just a survival series, which means it’s not necessarily going to be the strongest person making it through — even though that was the case in season 2. The finalist has to play The Banker, and there is always the chance of a terrible deal. And really, I just need to be able to watch and not have to think too much sometimes.
I’m on the fence about whether Deal or No Deal Island will be renewed or not. This is one of those reality shows that didn’t quite get the following that The Voice had on Tuesdays in the fall, but it does still have a relatively strong following for reality TV.
Found
Oh yes, this sophomore series is one that I need to see more of. It’s well-written and it’s so important for TV right now. The series brings to light how people react when it comes to trauma, and how they can use that trauma for good. However, that doesn’t mean they’re healed, and there is a lot of healing within the found family.
Then there’s Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Sir, although I do have to wonder how much longer he can be in the series. Doesn’t the bad guy have to see their commumpance after a while? It’s why I think I need to see a third season to see how that could play out. This series is firmly on the bubble, and I just don’t know which way NBC will go with it.
Brilliant Minds
A new drama this year was the medical drama Brilliant Minds, starring Zachary Quinto. While the pilot episode didn’t get off to the greatest start, the series quickly turned around making it clear that none of the characters were the usual stereotypes. They all held their own trauma or medical issues that came up throughout the first season.
With the cliffhanger ending to the first season, there is no doubt that we need to see how it all plays out. However, this is one of those bubble shows that could go either way. It’s one of those needed on TV right now as it’s packed with empathy and weird medical case, so it’s one I’d love to get through another season.
The Hunting Party
Another freshman series that needs a second season is The Hunting Party, which has just ended its first season with a cliffhanger. This is one of those smartly written shows, filled with twists and a bigger mystery to keep the plot going. While we got some answers in the first season, there were a lot of new questions that make a second season necessary.
Of course, it’s a bubble show, sitting around the same level as Brilliant Minds and Found in terms of linear ratings. It didn’t quite hit it hot with the potential fanbase, and I think the sudden switch to the schedule in an attempt to start off strong actually worked against it.
Night Court
Sometimes, we just need a good laugh, and Night Court offers that. There are some brilliant connections to the original series, and we have some brilliant new characters to make the series feel fresh. This is one of those shows that you can sit back and binge-watch to relax, and we definitely need shows like this.
The problem with Night Court is that it has lost 30% of its average demo and 34% of it’s average audience from the second season, according to TV Series Finale. It’s also not quite keeping its audience from the lead-in series St. Denis Medical, so it makes me wonder if the series is going to come to an end.
There are many more great NBC shows that I would love to see get through another season, but these are the six that I need the most.
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