NBC's 2025-2026 primetime schedule has undergone a dramatic transformation, signaling a bold new era for the network. With a wave of show cancellations and a renewed focus on live sports, especially the NBA, NBC is clearly shaking things up. The result is a lineup that looks unlike anything viewers have seen from the network in years.
While some fan-favorite series have been given the axe, NBC is doubling down on high-stakes programming that promises to draw large, engaged audiences. After CBS confirmed its fall 2025 TV schedule, NBC followed suit. From splashy new dramas to marquee sports events, the network's priorities are shifting and fast. The changes mark a strategic pivot aimed at staying competitive in the rapidly evolving TV terrain.
NBC's Show Cancellations Explained
From Sitcoms To Procedurals: What Got The Axe And Why
NBC has made sweeping changes to its primetime lineup by canceling a slate of scripted shows as part of a broader effort to refresh its programming for the 2025-2026 season. In just a matter of days, the network officially pulled the plug on Night Court, Lopez vs. Lopez, Suits: LA, Found, and The Irrational. While some of these cancellations were expected due to modest ratings or lukewarm critical reception, others, like Found, which had decent viewership, came as more of a surprise to fans.
The decision to clear out these titles appears to be financially and strategically motivated, as NBC shifts resources toward more live programming and franchise-heavy content. In particular, the return of the NBA to NBC's lineup is a key driver behind the shake-up, demanding significant scheduling space and budgetary flexibility. Additionally, the network is leaning more heavily on proven brands like Law & Order, One Chicago, and The Voice, making it clear that experimental or mid-tier performers will have less room to thrive in this new landscape.
The NBA Is Coming To NBC
A Slam Dunk Scheduling Shift For Primetime
A major highlight of NBC's revamped 2025-2026 season is the long-anticipated return of NBA basketball to the network. After over two decades away from the NBA spotlight, NBC has signed an 11-year media rights deal that brings professional basketball back to its primetime lineup starting in October 2025. The deal marks a monumental shift in the sports broadcasting landscape and positions NBC as a major player in the NBA's media future.
Beginning in 2026, NBC will also launch Sunday Night Basketball, a new headliner event intended to mirror the success of Sunday Night Football.
Under the agreement, NBC will air national Monday night NBA games exclusively on Peacock, making the streamer a must-have for basketball fans. Tuesday nights will feature regional doubleheaders across NBC s, effectively replacing scripted programming on a night that used to be home to sitcoms and procedurals. Beginning in 2026, NBC will also launch Sunday Night Basketball, a new headliner event intended to mirror the success of Sunday Night Football.
Adding even more star power to its sports coverage, NBC has tapped NBA legend Michael Jordan as a special contributor. This marks Jordan's first official role in NBA broadcasting, and while exact details of his contributions remain under wraps, his presence alone is expected to be a massive ratings draw. Whether he's offering behind-the-scenes insights, player interviews, or occasional guest commentary, Jordan's involvement cements NBC's NBA return as a cultural event, not just a programming move.
How NBC's Schedule Stacks Up Against Other Networks
A Primetime Lineup Built For Flexibility And Live Events
NBC's fall 2025 schedule reflects a calculated mix of returning fan-favorites and new programming designed to adapt to a shifting entertainment landscape. The Voice anchors both Monday and Tuesday nights early in the season, with Brilliant Minds season 2 taking the 10 p.m. slot on Mondays. From October onwards, Tuesday nights transition to NBA coverage, reflecting NBC's new sports-heavy strategy.
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Wednesdays remain a stronghold for the network with its reliable "One Chicago" block: Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. hold their usual slots from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursdays stay drama-heavy with Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and the new crime series The Hunting Party. Fridays begin with On Brand With Jimmy Fallon in September before shifting to the comedy Happy's Place season 2 in November, followed by the evergreen Dateline NBC at 9 p.m.
Saturdays continue NBC's sports streak with either Big Ten Saturday Night or Notre Dame Football, both kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Sundays feature Football Night in America and NBC Sunday Night Football, which consistently delivers top ratings. This sports-focused structure positions NBC as a dominant player in live event broadcasting, especially when compared to networks like CBS and ABC, which remain anchored in traditional scripted series and comedies.
Source: TVLine
