As television networks and streaming platforms move deeper into the 2026–2027 programming cycle, renewal season is officially underway — and fans everywhere are eager to know which of their favorite shows are safe, which ones are ending, and which series are still waiting in limbo.
Each year, renewal decisions shape the future of television storytelling, determining which franchises expand, which comedies keep delivering new laughs, and which dramas prepare for their final curtain call. The 2026–2027 season is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, with a mix of powerhouse franchises, surprise renewals, and emotional goodbyes across broadcast and streaming.
Below is a comprehensive overview of what’s returning, what’s ending, and what fans should be keeping an eye on.
CBS RENEWALS: PROCEDURALS AND NEW HITS LEAD THE WAY
CBS continues to dominate in the drama and procedural space, and the network’s strong performers remain the backbone of its lineup heading into 2026–2027.
The flagship NCIS franchise continues to show no signs of slowing down, with the original series remaining a ratings anchor and franchise expansions keeping momentum alive. Fan-favorite dramas like Fire Country and its expanding universe also remain in strong standing, supported by consistent viewership and franchise potential.
Comedy audiences can also breathe a sigh of relief — network staples such as Ghosts and several multi-camera sitcoms remain solid renewal contenders as CBS leans into proven formats that deliver both ratings and long-term syndication value.
Newer titles, including recent crime dramas and spin-off passion projects, have demonstrated enough early success to secure continued presence in the upcoming season. CBS’s renewal strategy suggests confidence in both legacy series and emerging brands — a balance that ensures familiarity for returning viewers while still allowing room for expansion.
FOX: ANIMATION POWERHOUSE REMAINS UNSTOPPABLE
If there is one constant in television, it’s the enduring dominance of Fox’s animation block.
Iconic mainstays such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers remain secured well into the late 2020s thanks to long-term multi-season renewal deals. These shows continue to anchor the network’s identity while providing reliable audience retention across generations.
Newer animated series have also found space to grow, carving out identities alongside the heavy hitters. Fox’s ongoing investment in animation highlights its strategy: long-running series with evergreen appeal, combined with newer stylized comedies designed to build future franchises.
While other networks experiment with shifting genre trends, Fox remains firmly committed to the style of programming that has defined it for decades — and audiences clearly aren’t ready to let go.
NBC: FRANCHISE TV CONTINUES TO DELIVER
NBC’s strategy remains focused on ensemble-driven procedural franchises — and the network’s long-running drama universe continues to perform strongly.
The One Chicago lineup remains a programming pillar, with Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. continuing to draw loyal fanbases and multi-night viewing consistency. The interconnected storytelling and character-driven arcs make these series some of the most reliable performers on network television.
Meanwhile, Law & Order: SVU continues to cement its legacy as one of television’s longest-running scripted dramas. Its continued presence demonstrates the ongoing demand for both legacy procedural storytelling and character-based emotional narratives.
NBC remains selective in its comedy and new-series renewals, but the network has shown willingness to support emerging programming that demonstrates potential for franchise expansion or cultural relevance.
ABC: STRONG COMEDIES AND HIGH-HEART DRAMAS HOLD THEIR GROUND
ABC’s renewal picture is still evolving, but several major titles are widely expected to continue through the 2026–2027 season.
Award-winning fan-favorite Abbott Elementary remains one of the network’s strongest comedy performers, balancing critical acclaim and mainstream appeal. With a committed audience and cultural relevance, its future looks highly secure.
Meanwhile, high-stakes dramas and rescue-themed series continue to deliver emotional storylines and consistent viewing traction. ABC’s renewal decisions are trending toward maintaining a balance of humor-driven ensemble series and dramatic, character-centered storytelling.
While a handful of veteran titles remain undecided, audience engagement and social-media traction are likely to play key roles in the network’s final slate announcements.
STREAMING PLATFORMS CONFIRM MAJOR RETURNS
In the streaming world, renewal decisions tend to be announced earlier — and several major players have already locked in their top titles for upcoming seasons.
Popular romantic dramas and lifestyle-driven series continue to thrive, with shows like Emily in Paris and Virgin River moving forward thanks to devoted fan bases and binge-ready formats that guarantee repeat viewers.
Premium cable and prestige anthology programming — such as The White Lotus — also remain in the upcoming-season pipeline, ensuring a continued blend of satirical storytelling, social commentary, and destination-based narratives.
Other streaming platforms have renewed genre series, international productions, and niche audience favorites, reflecting a broader effort to maintain diverse programming across multiple demographics.
The streaming renewal trend remains clear: strong emotional connection, consistent binge metrics, and cultural conversation value are now just as important as raw viewership numbers.
SHOWS CONFIRMED TO BE ENDING
With every renewal season also comes a wave of bittersweet farewells.
Several long-running dramas and fan-favorite franchises are preparing to conclude their journeys during the 2026–2027 cycle. Some are ending as part of creative decisions, allowing writers to craft intentional finales — others are concluding due to network restructuring, shifting budgets, or evolving strategic direction.
High-profile announcements include:
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Popular CW dramas approaching final-season arcs
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Streaming hits entering planned concluding chapters
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Long-running genre series wrapping multi-year storylines
For longtime fans, these endings offer a chance to say goodbye — often with closure that earlier eras of television rarely provided.
THE “UNCERTAIN STATUS” ZONE
Not every show has received a formal decision yet.
Several mid-tier broadcast series and select streaming titles remain in evaluation, with renewal outcomes depending on:
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Season-to-season ratings trends
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Streaming performance and completion rates
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Fan engagement and viewership momentum
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Production costs versus long-term value
These pending titles typically receive decisions closer to network upfront announcements, meaning more updates will continue rolling out through mid-season.
For fans, this period can feel tense — but viewer response can still influence outcomes more than ever before.
WHAT THE 2026–2027 RENEWAL LANDSCAPE MEANS FOR VIEWERS
Looking across the television landscape, several trends are clear:
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Franchises and procedurals remain the strongest renewal bets
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Streaming success is increasingly driven by loyalty rather than hype
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Comedy ensembles and character-driven shows continue to thrive
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Final-season announcements are becoming more intentional and planned
The 2026–2027 season will deliver a blend of stability and evolution — beloved returning shows, carefully structured goodbyes, and new series stepping into the spotlight.
For fans, one thing is certain:
Television remains as dynamic, emotional, and audience-driven as ever.
