AceShowbiz - After a strong rebound in the previous season, the major broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC—are largely maintaining stability as they head into the 2026-27 TV season. This consistency reflects a long-standing trend among the big four, with few major changes expected in their programming strategies moving forward.

One notable shift this year is the increased emphasis on sports programming during primetime hours. NBC has dedicated Tuesdays and post-NFL season Sundays to the NBA, which will be followed by baseball coverage during spring and summer months. Meanwhile, ABC’s Monday Night Football has become a near-permanent fixture for the fall lineup, and Fox continues its tradition of devoting Friday and Saturday nights year-round to sports events.

This expansion of sports coverage naturally reduces available slots for comedies, dramas, and unscripted shows, potentially putting some underperforming series at risk of cancellation. However, NBC is showing signs of reinvigorating scripted content with a small-scale revival of pilot season, indicating openness to introducing new scripted series. Additionally, Paramount’s new CEO David Ellison has underscored the importance of linear broadcast networks (notably CBS, owned by Paramount), although the company’s prospective acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery could significantly impact the television production landscape.

Below is an updated guide detailing which shows are returning, which have been canceled, and what new titles are set to debut across the four major broadcast networks. This overview will be updated as the TV season concludes and network upfronts approach.

ABC

Scripted Series: ABC has renewed several key titles, including 911911 for its 10th season and 911: Nashville911: Nashville for a second season. Abbott Elementary has been greenlit for a sixth season, while Grey’s Anatomy continues its long-running success. Newer series like High PotentialHigh Potential have been renewed for a third season. Fresh titles such as RJ DeckerRJ Decker and ScrubsScrubs are also part of ABC’s scripted lineup, alongside ongoing productions like The Rookie, Shifting GearsShifting Gears, and Will TrentWill Trent.

Unscripted Shows: ABC’s unscripted slate remains strong with staples like American Idol, America’s Funniest Home Videos, and The Bachelorette, which is set to premiere its 22nd season on March 22. Celebrity-themed game shows such as Celebrity Jeopardy! and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune also continue. Other returning hits include Dancing With the Stars, The Golden Bachelor, and Shark Tank. New unscripted offerings include The Greatest Average AmericanThe Greatest Average American.

Series Orders for 2026-27: As of now, ABC has not announced any new series orders for the upcoming season.

CBS

Scripted Series: CBS’s lineup features renewals for Boston BlueBoston Blue and ElsbethElsbeth, with the latter confirmed for a fourth season. The network continues to support its franchise hits like FBI (season nine), Fire Country (season five), and the popular NCIS franchise, which includes ongoing seasons for NCIS (season 24), NCIS: Origins (season three), and NCIS: Sydney (season four). Other returning titles include Georgie & Mandy's First MarriageGeorgie & Mandy's First Marriage (season three), Ghosts (season six), MarshalsMarshals, MatlockMatlock (season three), Sheriff CountrySheriff Country (season two), and TrackerTracker (season four). New scripted series include CIACIA, DMVDMV, and WatsonWatson.

Unscripted Shows: CBS continues to invest in long-running unscripted shows such as The Amazing Race (renewed for season 39), Survivor (renewed through season 52), and The Price Is Right at Night. New unscripted projects include America's Culinary CupAmerica’s Culinary Cup, Harlan Coben's Final TwistHarlan Coben’s Final Twist, Hollywood SquaresHollywood Squares, and The RoadThe Road.

Series Orders for 2026-27: CBS has ordered two new dramas: CupertinoCupertino and EinsteinEinstein.

Fox

Scripted Series: Fox continues its strong commitment to animated staples, having renewed American Dad through season 23, Bob’s Burgers through season 19, Family Guy through season 27, and The Simpsons through season 40, all extending into the 2028-29 season. Other renewals include Animal ControlAnimal Control (season five), Best MedicineBest Medicine (season two), and KrapopolisKrapopolis (through season five). Limited series The Faithful: Women of the BibleThe Faithful: Women of the Bible is set to premiere on March 22. Fox also plans to debut new scripted titles like Going DutchGoing Dutch, GrimsburgGrimsburg (season three, premiere date TBD), Memory of a KillerMemory of a Killer, and Murder in a Small TownMurder in a Small Town. Additionally, a new drama titled BaywatchBaywatch has been ordered for the 2026-27 season.

Unscripted Shows: Fox’s unscripted slate includes returning series such as Hell’s Kitchen, The Masked Singer, Name That Tune, and Next Level Chef. New unscripted shows set to premiere include 99 to Beat99 to Beat, Celebrity Weakest LinkCelebrity Weakest Link, ExtractedExtracted, Farmer Wants a WifeFarmer Wants a Wife (season four starts April 21), Fear Factor: House of FearFear Factor: House of Fear, The Floor (renewed through season seven), and Special Forces: World's Toughest TestSpecial Forces: World’s Toughest Test.

NBC

Scripted Series: NBC’s popular franchise series like Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD remain mainstays. The network also continues with the Law & Order universe, including Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU. Newer scripted series such as The Fall and Rise of Reggie DinkinsThe Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Happy's PlaceHappy’s Place (renewed for season three), St. Denis MedicalSt. Denis Medical (renewed for season three), and StumbleStumble are part of NBC’s lineup. Another new title is Brilliant Minds.

Unscripted Shows: NBC’s unscripted programming includes The Voice, The Wall, and new series like On Brand With Jimmy FallonOn Brand With Jimmy Fallon. These shows continue to attract audiences with their mix of competition and entertainment.

Series Orders for 2026-27: NBC has not announced any new series orders so far.

In summary, the 2026-27 broadcast TV season is marked by a strong emphasis on sports programming alongside steady renewals of fan-favorite scripted and unscripted series. While some shifts in scheduling may tighten the availability of slots for new scripted content, networks like NBC and CBS are still investing in fresh dramas and unscripted formats. Paramount’s evolving corporate landscape also adds an element of anticipation for potential future shifts in TV production and distribution. Viewers and industry watchers should bookmark this guide for ongoing updates as networks finalize their schedules and unveil new shows during the upcoming upfront presentations.