NBC Announces New Series for 2026-27: Exciting Dramas and Comedies Coming Soon

NBC has announced its most ambitious pilot season since the pandemic, greenlighting four out of eight pilots. The new series include the dramas The Rockford Files, featuring David Boreanaz, and Line of Fire, starring Peter Krause. The network also picked up two comedies: Sunset P.I., led by Jake Johnson, and Newlyweds, featuring Téa Leoni and Tim Daly.

This season marked NBC’s return to higher production levels as it developed eight pilots—five dramas and three comedies—anchored by familiar television stars. The presence of these established actors proved to be a significant draw, with their performances receiving high praise during screenings.

While most of the lead roles feature male actors, Line of Fire is recognized for the strong chemistry between Krause and co-star Hope Davis, while Jane Levy is seen as a potential breakout star in Sunset P.I.. Additionally, Jacki Weaver has garnered attention for her role in The Rockford Files.

Lisa Katz at NBC and Erin Underhill from Universal Television praised their creative teams for delivering an exceptional slate of pilots. “This process allowed us to take big swings, and we landed on shows that we think can truly break through,” Katz commented, highlighting the network’s commitment to innovation.

The eight pilots generated 4,000 jobs nationwide, with three filmed on the Universal lot in Los Angeles, three in New York, and two in Atlanta. This emphasis on job creation underscores the network’s investment in the industry and its communities.

Among the notable developments, Sunset P.I., from creators Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, was the only pilot that received a production commitment, positioning it as a frontrunner for NBC’s 2026-27 schedule.

The search for a companion series to Happy’s Place was competitive, with Newlyweds standing out due to the real-life chemistry between Leoni and Daly, who play a loving couple. They were up against Jill & Ginger, featuring Katey Sagal and Jane Lynch.

In the drama category, The Rockford Files consistently emerged as a strong competitor, bolstered by Boreanaz’s dynamic performance, while Line of Fire combined elements of procedural drama and family dynamics.

The creators of The Rockford Files, Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman, also serve as executive producers for ABC’s R.J. Decker, which was recently renewed for a second season.

However, NBC opted not to move forward with two drama pilots featuring female leads: Key Witness, starring Emily Deschanel, and What the Dead Know, led by Taylor Schilling. If there had been an additional slot, Key Witness may have been greenlit, given its competitive pitch. Currently, it is being shopped to other networks.

Discussions are also underway regarding What the Dead Know, considering a retooling to revolve more prominently around Schilling’s character.

Less conventional than the other pilots, Puzzled, featuring Damon Wayans Jr., stands out for its lighter tone.

Here are details on NBC’s scripted slate additions for 2026-27:

NEW DRAMA SERIES

LINE OF FIRE
A family of law enforcement agents tackles complex cases for various federal agencies while navigating personal conflicts. When a routine case spirals into a deadly conspiracy, they are forced to protect each other while upholding their duties.

The series stars Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom, and Charlie Barnett, with Josh Safran serving as executive producer.

THE ROCKFORD FILES
A modern take on the classic series, this show follows James Rockford, newly paroled after being wrongfully convicted, as he resumes his work as a private investigator in Los Angeles.

The series stars David Boreanaz, Michaela McManus, Felix Solis, and Jacki Weaver, with Mike Daniels as the executive producer.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

NEWLYWEDS
This series portrays an impetuous romance between a free-spirited woman and a cautious professor who marry after a whirlwind courtship.

Téa Leoni and Tim Daly star, with Jamie Lee Curtis appearing in a recurring role. Gail Lerner serves as executive producer.

SUNSET P.I.
This series continues the legacy of Los Angeles private investigators.

The cast includes Jake Johnson, Jane Levy, Langston Kerman, Mary Shalaby, and Keith David, created and executive produced by Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici.

NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution is responsible for international sales for all these new series.