NBC Cancels 9 TV Shows in 2026 — Full List Including 96% Rotten Tomatoes Hit
NBC just had a brutal spring cleaning — and some beloved shows didn't survive.
The network has now cancelled nine TV shows in 2026, overhauling its lineup as it pivots aggressively toward sports content for the 2026-27 broadcasting season. The casualty list includes everything from a critically acclaimed comedy with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score to a daytime institution that ran for 30 seasons.
Here's every show NBC axed — and why.
NBC Cancelled Shows 2026 — The Full List
The Hunting Party — the most recent cancellation — was a sophomore crime drama starring Melissa Roxburgh as an FBI special agent. Despite a devoted fan base, NBCUniversal President of Program Planning Jeff Bader was blunt: "We're looking for places where we can grow the network, and that is a time period where we think we can do better." Universal Television is reportedly shopping the show to other networks and streaming services.
Brilliant Minds — the series with a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score that critics loved but audiences didn't watch in sufficient numbers. Its cancellation drew particular backlash online, with fans citing it as another example of networks killing critically-praised shows based purely on live ratings.
Stumble — cancelled alongside Brilliant Minds on May 1, 2026.
Suits LA — the spinoff of the hugely popular Suits franchise failed to capture the same lightning in a bottle as its predecessor.
The Kelly Clarkson Show — ending after seven seasons. Kelly Clarkson herself made the decision to leave to spend more time with her children following her high-profile divorce.
Karamo — ending after five seasons. Host Karamo Brown also recently departed his role on Queer Eye.
The Steve Wilkos Show — cancelled after a remarkable 19-season run in daytime syndication.
Access Hollywood — one of the biggest names on the list. The entertainment news institution ran for 30 seasons before NBC pulled the plug, alongside its daytime spinoff Access Daily.
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Why Is NBC Cancelling So Many Shows?
The strategy is clear: NBC is going all-in on sports.
The 2026-27 broadcasting calendar is packed. The 2026 FIFA World Cup — which opened June 11 — is a major NBC/Telemundo property generating enormous ad revenue. The NFL season, NBA coverage, Notre Dame football, and the upcoming 2028 Olympics cycle are all on NBC's radar.
Live sports remain the only programming that audiences still watch in real time — and therefore commands premium advertising rates that pre-recorded scripted content simply can't match. Clearing scripted and talk show inventory creates room and budget for sports rights and production.
NBC isn't alone. CBS cancelled three shows. Fox cancelled four. Amazon's Prime Video cancelled Gen V. The entire traditional broadcast landscape is contracting around sports and streaming.
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What's NBC Keeping? The Renewals
Not everything got the axe. NBC renewed its biggest performers:
- Chicago Fire (Season 15), Chicago Med (Season 12), Chicago P.D. (Season 14) — the entire One Chicago franchise survives
- Law & Order franchise — mostly renewed
- The Voice — returning
- Denis Medical (Season 3) — renewed
- America's Got Talent — returning
NBC's fall 2026 schedule was released on May 11 — heavy on procedurals, reality competition, and sports adjacency.
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Key Takeaways
- NBC cancelled 9 TV shows in 2026 as the network pivots to a sports-heavy 2026-27 schedule.
- Biggest casualties: The Hunting Party, Brilliant Minds (96% RT), Access Hollywood (30 seasons), Kelly Clarkson Show (7 seasons).
- Brilliant Minds cancellation drew the most backlash — critics loved it, ratings didn't follow.
- NBC strategy: dump scripted/talk content to make room for World Cup, NFL, and Olympics ad revenue.
- CBS cancelled 3, Fox cancelled 4, Prime Video cancelled Gen V — broadcast TV is contracting industry-wide.
- One Chicago franchise, Law & Order, The Voice all renewed and returning.
