Network TV Sees Renewed Optimism as 2026-27 Scripted Orders Rise

Key points

• The Big Four broadcasters (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) are airing 56 scripted series in the 2026-27 season, an increase from 50 in the previous season.
• Only six scripted series were canceled across the networks, with ABC retaining all 10 of its shows, while a dozen new series were added to rosters.
• Network TV averages about 21 percent of all US TV use, but its value is bolstered by strong performance on streaming platforms, where about half of the top 25 cross-platform shows originated on broadcast networks.
• Industry leaders highlight the stability of the network model, which provides consistent schedules, 12 to 22 episodes per season, and better opportunities for audience engagement and character development.
• NBC has revived pilot season, producing eight pilots and picking up four, including dramas Line of Fire and The Rockford Files, and comedies Newlyweds and Sunset P.I.

Background

This development follows a period of structural challenges for broadcast TV, including the rise of streaming and a decline in on-air ratings. However, the 2026-27 season marks a shift toward optimism, with industry figures noting that network shows continue to perform well on streaming platforms. This trend aligns with broader industry efforts to leverage the complementary strengths of broadcast and streaming, as seen in partnerships between networks and their parent companies' streaming services.

Why it matters

The resurgence of broadcast TV in the 2026-27 season signals a shift in the industry's perception of the network model. The increased number of scripted series and the stability of the network model suggest that broadcast TV is not only surviving but thriving in a competitive landscape. This trend could have implications for the future of television, as networks and streaming services continue to find ways to support one another and maximize viewership.

What to watch

The industry is expected to continue capitalizing on the momentum of the 2026-27 season, with potential new models for how creators and networks collaborate. The success of network shows on streaming platforms may lead to further integration between the two, as networks and streaming services work to maximize viewership and engagement.