As 2024 comes to a close, NBC faces the challenge of balancing iconic hits with shrinking ratings and rising production costs. The network’s strategy has shifted—shorter seasons, smaller casts, and revamped schedules—to keep beloved shows alive in an era of dwindling ad revenue. Here’s a snapshot of where key shows stand and their chances for renewal.
Chicago Fire: A Steady Flame
Despite a 20% drop in viewership, Chicago Fire remains NBC’s top scripted series, averaging 5.7 million viewers and a 0.39 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic. While its high production costs raise concerns, the firefighter drama’s dominant ratings make it a renewal lock—though further cast shakeups could be on the horizon to manage expenses.
Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.: Strong but Tested
Both Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. remain integral to NBC’s lineup. Chicago Med matches Fire’s numbers at 5.7 million viewers and a 0.39 demo rating, while P.D. trails slightly with 4.5 million viewers and a 0.34 rating, partly due to its later airtime. The key challenge? Ensuring these stalwarts can adapt to budget pressures and evolving viewer habits.
Brilliant Minds: Hanging by a Thread
Zachary Quinto’s Brilliant Minds is in murky waters. With 3 million viewers and a 0.24 demo rating, the medical drama has struggled to maintain momentum despite midseason gains. The lack of a full-season order signals uncertainty. NBC might gamble on fresh content over giving this show another shot.
Law & Order: SVU and the Franchise’s Future
Law & Order: SVU, led by Mariska Hargitay, continues to perform well digitally despite a 25% year-to-year drop, averaging 3.6 million viewers and a 0.35 rating. Its survival seems assured, barring drastic financial decisions. However, the original Law & Order faces an uncertain future, as ratings hover at 3.5 million viewers with a 0.29 demo rating—far from its glory days.
Newcomers and Comedies: A Mixed Bag
- Found (2.2 million viewers, 0.21 demo rating) and The Irrational (2.5 million viewers, 0.21) are on shaky ground, needing a ratings uptick to avoid cancellation.
- Happy’s Place (3.4 million viewers, 0.28) and St. Denis Medical (2.7 million viewers, 0.39) are likely safe, given their solid performances in a challenging landscape.
- Night Court and Lopez vs. Lopez are teetering, with low but steady ratings in competitive time slots.
What Lies Ahead?
NBC’s decisions in 2025 will test fan loyalty and reshape its primetime lineup. Viewers may need to brace for hard choices as the network grapples with rising costs and falling viewership. Whether beloved series survive will depend on creative reinventions, digital performance, and the network’s willingness to invest in legacy franchises.
