It’s almost the end of 2024, so it’s the perfect time to update on the status of our favorite broadcast TV shows.
The network we know and love is once again facing declining ratings, forcing executives to get crafty in recent years to keep our favorite shows on the air.
After a disastrous period in the advertising market, fewer series orders were cast and casts were reduced per episode, making the show more financially viable.
NBC has had great success over the years with shows like “Chicago Fire” and “Law & Order: SVU,” but in the current TV climate there are questions about the long-term viability of these shows because, contrary to popular belief, they Ratings continued to decline this season.
As we enter the new year, let’s take a closer look at NBC’s scripted programming and its prospects.
Brilliant minds – either way works
The medical drama starring Zachary Quinto wasn’t the highest-rated Monday night show on “The Voice,” but the singing competition has slumped significantly this season.
“Brilliant Minds” attracted 3 million viewers and a 0.24 rating. The good news is that it has recovered from its mid-season series low, showing the network that it does have some staying power.
Unfortunately, the numbers aren’t great, and NBC may have thought a new series would be a gamble that might pay off next season.
Contrary to Brilliant Minds, it didn’t get backorders, so we could be in for a tumultuous few months while we wait for news on its fate.
Watch “Ingenuity” online
Chicago Fire—Definite Updates
“Chicago Fire” currently leads NBC’s scripted slate with 5.7 million viewers and a 0.39 live+ same-day rating among adults 18-49.
Those numbers are down significantly from the show’s heyday, but still dominant by broadcast television standards.
Like other NBC shows, the firefighter drama’s pilot season ratings dropped nearly 20%.
Those numbers are still excellent, but the only concern is the age of “Chicago Fire,” which means the show costs much more to produce than new episodes.
The show has parted ways with a number of big names over the years in an effort to rein in expenses, so there’s every reason to believe producers would give up more if it meant the show was in any imminent danger.
Watch Chicago Fire online
Chicago Med – Certain Updates
“Chicago Med” opens Wednesday night for NBC and is in the same boat as “Chicago Fire.” It averaged 5.7 million viewers and a 0.39 rating.
The show isn’t as old as Mothership, but it’s doing what it needs to do to keep viewers watching.
The show has gone through many cast changes, so there’s every reason to believe that the show would continue to do well if producers were instructed to cut budgets to keep the show on the air.
We have to stress that these numbers are enough to keep the show’s current budget, so it’s highly unlikely that the show will be canceled anytime soon.
Watch Chicago Med online
Chicago Police Department – Certain Renewals
Chicago PD is down a lot, but it’s certainly not beyond imagination. The “Chicago Fire” spinoff’s demo averaged 4.5 million viewers and a 0.34 rating, down more than 25% from the same period last year.
The reason these numbers are slightly lower than the other two entries in the Chicago One series can be attributed to the show’s later time slot. Fewer people watch TV during the 10/9c time slot.
The only way we see Chicago PD end in the near future is if NBC hands the 10/9c spot back to the affiliate, which has been discussed numerous times in the past.
To the extent that ratings across the board are going to force NBC to make decisions that some fans disagree with, it’s going to be a tough day for everyone involved.
Watch Chicago PD online
Found it – either way
Discovery was a fast-paced thrill ride, but viewers for some reason rejected the show this season. Ratings for the demo dropped nearly 30%, with a 0.21 rating and 2.2 million viewers.
The decision to pair it with Law & Order: SVU may be to blame, as watching two similar shows back-to-back might be too heavy for viewers.
Still, Found has been performing strongly on Peacock, so we’re not completely ruling it out just yet.
It has a good chance of being renewed, but it all depends on how The Hunt performs midseason and the strength of NBC’s pilot.
watch online
Happy’s Place – may be updated
Reba McEntire’s high-profile return to comedy hasn’t exactly made a dent in the ratings, but she’s been a solid performer on Friday night amid stiff competition at CBS.
The comedy is currently averaging about 3.4 million viewers and a 0.28 rating in the demo, which was pretty good for the night.
If the show doesn’t plummet towards the end of the season, there’s almost no reason it won’t be part of the 2025-26 TV season.
If we had to guess, it would probably be a collaboration with St. Denis Medical, perhaps on a new night, to create a new comedic one-two punch.
Watch happy place online
Irrational – it can go either way
“Irrational” was in the same predicament as “Discovery,” with 2.5 million viewers and a 0.21 rating.
The series has gotten some good reviews this season, but it hasn’t made the same splash as Discovery, which could have worked when their numbers were so similar.
It’s unclear what NBC will do, but the best “Irrational” can do is see a slight uptick in ratings.
Watch “Irrational” online
Law and Order – Both are possible
NBC has canceled Law & Order once before, but sadly, its future is uncertain.
The network is currently averaging 3.5 million viewers and a 0.29 rating among adults 18-49.
Despite the network’s high hopes, the show never regained the ratings glory of its formative years or even achieved the same level of recognition.
To be honest, we’re surprised it lasted until this season, as it would have made more sense to keep Law & Order: Organized Crime on NBC.
Watch Law & Order Online
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – Certain Updates
Procedural films starring Mariska Hargitay are already outdated in 2024.
“Law & Order: SVU” averaged 3.6 million viewers this season and a 0.35 rating among adults 18-49, down 25% year over year.
The series has had a strong showing in the digital realm in recent years, so it’s unlikely the series will make any further moves in the next few years.
If the worst happens and NBC cancels the show, it will be purely for financial reasons or Mariska wants out. Plus, the network can’t part ways with it without a fight.
Watch Law & Order: SVU Online
Lopez vs. Lopez – Either way
The comedy’s third season is currently averaging 1.9 million viewers and a 0.20 rating among adults 18-49, not bad for a Friday night.
Those numbers aren’t too far off from last season, so the comedy has proven to be a solid performer.
We think the only way it won’t carry over to another season is if NBC cuts comedy programming in favor of other formats.
If so, Happy’s Place and St. Denis Medical would be the first shows to be renewed.
Watch Lopez vs Lopez online
Night court—either way
Night Court performed well when it debuted two years ago, but numbers have trended downward since then.
With most of NBC’s shows on hiatus, the show has flown by quietly, but its third season could determine its fate.
The show averaged 2.3 million viewers and a 0.26 rating in the demo, which will be respectable if we get closer to the season finale.
If Melissa Rauch’s resurgence can stop the decline in the second half of the season, a renewal for a fourth season could be surprising.
Watch nightclub online
Saint Denis Healthcare – possible renewal
“Saint Denis Medical” attracted a lot of positive attention before it aired, and the show has reaped many rewards since its launch, with nearly 4 million viewers and a 0.51 rating.
Unfortunately, that number has cooled significantly, with the latest original drawing 2.7 million viewers and a 0.39 rating.
Those numbers still put it in a safe zone, but any further erosion could cause concern.
NBC has given positive ratings to the show via DVR and Peacock, so there is interest in the show, although many viewers prefer to watch on their own terms.
Watch Saint Denis Medical Online
The ever-changing broadcast industry continues to shift the barometer of success, so this season may still see some shocking cancellations.
Every year, we’re tricked into believing that our favorite shows are safe bets for renewal.
We know you hold some of these shows dear to your heart, so be sure to take our poll and comment below to find out which shows you can’t live without and which ones you’d happily cut out!
