NBC Just Axed 9 Shows, Even a 96% Rated Hit Didn’t Survive

NBC is going through a major reshuffle of its TV lineup, canceling nine shows as it prepares for its 2026–27 broadcast schedule. The information comes from NBCUniversal programming statements and reporting on recent network decisions.

One of the most talked-about cancellations is the crime drama The Hunting Party, which will end after two seasons. The decision follows earlier comments from NBCUniversal’s President of Program Planning Strategy, Jeff Bader, who suggested the network was already rethinking the show’s future.

He said, “We’re looking for places where we can grow the network, and that is a time period where we think we can do better. Nothing negative about Hunting Party, but for our linear schedule, we absolutely need to try and do a little bit better there.”

NBC had reportedly considered continuing The Hunting Party for a third season or moving it to Peacock as a streaming original. However, neither option moved forward after internal reviews and performance evaluations.

The cancellation of The Hunting Party is part of a larger wave of cuts affecting multiple genres, including dramas, comedies, talk shows, and long-running syndicated programs.

Among the most notable cancellations is the comedy Stumble, which had received strong early reception and a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from viewers. Despite its positive feedback, the show was not renewed beyond its first season.

Other scripted series affected include Brilliant Minds, which ends after two seasons, and Law & Order: Organized Crime, which wraps after five seasons.

NBC is also ending several long-running talk and daytime programs. Access Hollywood concludes after 30 years on air, while its companion program Access Daily is also ending alongside it. The Steve Wilkos Show finishes after 19 seasons, and Karamo ends after four seasons. The Kelly Clarkson Show will also wrap after seven seasons.

The full list of cancellations highlights the scale of NBC’s programming changes as it moves toward a new content strategy.

Industry observers note that the network is shifting focus toward other areas, especially sports programming, which will play a bigger role in its future lineup. NBC is expected to lean more heavily into live sports content as part of its long-term strategy for attracting audiences.

While some of the canceled shows had strong fan bases or positive reviews, network decisions often depend on performance metrics, scheduling needs, and advertising value. In this case, NBC appears to be prioritizing shows that perform strongly in key time slots or align better with its new direction.

The cancellation of Stumble stands out due to its critical reception, showing that even well-reviewed shows are not guaranteed renewal if they do not meet network goals in other areas.

With nine shows now ending, NBC’s 2026–27 schedule is expected to look very different. The network is preparing for a refreshed lineup that will likely include fewer scripted series and a stronger emphasis on live and sports-related content.

More changes are expected as NBC finalizes its programming strategy heading into the next broadcast season.

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