NBC Pilot Update: Important Decisions Coming as the Network Builds Its 2026-27 Schedule
NBC’s decision to limit its pilot orders to just eight this season—comprising five dramas and three comedies—may prove to be a strategic advantage. This focused approach seems to yield promising contenders, rivaling the strength of the larger pilot cohorts previously common in network television.
As internal screenings commence, there is significant enthusiasm surrounding all eight pilots. The initial feedback indicates that the screenings have not drastically narrowed down the options, suggesting that testing results could be influential in making final decisions.
As NBC prepares for its May 11 upfront presentation, final evaluations of its 2026-27 schedule are underway. The urgency to fill specific gaps may determine which pilots ultimately receive series orders; decisions regarding pickups and cancellations are expected to be finalized late next week.
Among the pilots generating buzz, early favorites include a single-camera comedy from Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici starring Jake Johnson, now titled Sunset P.I., and a reboot of The Rockford Files featuring David Boreanaz, both of which continue to impress.
Sunset P.I. is viewed as the frontrunner, likely securing a series order as a potential counterpart to St. Denis Medical.
On the drama front, The Rockford Files appears to be a strong contender, bolstered by Boreanaz’s portrayal of the iconic private investigator, which has drawn praise for its blend of charm and humor.
NBC’s tactic of casting established television stars is yielding positive results, with Emily Deschanel and Taylor Schilling receiving acclaim for their performances in Key Witness and What The Dead Know, respectively.
Both pilots are in contention for a coveted slot, as NBC shows interest in adding a new female-led procedural to pair with Law & Order: SVU. What The Dead Know, developed by SVU producer Wolf Entertainment, is seen as fitting this requirement, although Key Witness also has considerable backing.
Another potential contender is In the Line of Fire (formerly Protection), which features Peter Krause and Hope Davis. This drama, characterized by its serialized narrative and familial themes, has been well received by early viewers.
Puzzled, starring Damon Wayans Jr., takes a lighter approach, combining humor with its crime-solving premise. While it diverges from NBC’s typical drama branding, executives are keeping it in consideration for pairing with half-hour comedies in the schedule.
In the multi-camera comedy space, two pilots are generating interest: Newlyweds, with Tèa Leoni and Tim Daly, and Jill & Ginger, featuring Katey Sagal and Jane Lynch. Both projects showcase strong chemistry between their leads.
While there is a slim chance that both comedies could be picked up, it is more likely that one will be chosen as a companion for Reba McEntire’s Happy’s Place.
Earlier today, NBC announced its first cancellations for the 2026-27 season, including the comedy Stumble and the drama Brilliant Minds. This could complicate the pilot situation, as the newly available slots are expected to be filled by Sunset P.I. and The Rockford Files.
Beyond current pilots, NBC is weighing its options among four additional drama pilots and two series in limbo, Law & Order and The Hunting Party. In comedy, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins shows promise for renewal.
As NBC contemplates which pilots to greenlight, it faces the reality that increasing series orders may necessitate further cancellations, particularly given its limited primetime inventory, heavily occupied by NBA and NFL broadcasts.
Additionally, there remains a possibility for an NBC drama pilot to be picked up by streaming service Peacock, although the likelihood of that scenario remains uncertain.
