As the 2024–2025 TV season winds down, all eyes are on NBC’s renewal slate — and it’s shaping up to be a familiar yet fiercely competitive landscape. Unsurprisingly, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Law & Order: SVU continue to dominate the network’s linear scripted ratings, providing both stability and star power for a network that knows how to keep its drama franchises burning bright.
These four shows don’t just lead NBC’s scripted roster — they define it. Dick Wolf’s empire has become the backbone of the network’s primetime schedule, with Chicago Fire leading the charge. Now in its twelfth season, the firehouse drama remains a top performer in both live viewership and delayed DVR numbers. Audiences are clearly still invested in the lives of Severide, Kidd, and the ever-resilient Firehouse 51. Storylines that combine explosive action with emotional depth keep viewers coming back week after week — and make its renewal feel more like a formality than a gamble.
Right behind it, Chicago P.D. continues to deliver gritty, edge-of-your-seat episodes that fans can’t get enough of. As Season 12 barrels toward a climactic finale, whispers of a major character departure have only fueled speculation — and boosted viewership. The ongoing evolution of Detective Ruzek’s character and his relationship with Kim Burgess adds a layer of personal stakes to the already tense police procedural. The series’ ability to balance intense investigations with emotional resonance ensures its place on NBC’s roster for another season.
Then there’s Chicago Med, often considered the quieter sibling in the One Chicago family, but no less vital. Medical dramas are notoriously difficult to keep fresh, but Med has done just that by diving deeper into the personal lives of its doctors and nurses while still delivering timely, thought-provoking cases. With a strong ensemble cast and a reputation for addressing real-world healthcare issues, its continued presence feels both inevitable and necessary.
Of course, Law & Order: SVU remains the crown jewel of NBC’s crime offerings. As the longest-running primetime drama in television history, the show — led by the unstoppable Mariska Hargitay — shows no signs of slowing down. Even in its 26th season, SVU continues to deliver compelling stories that tackle modern issues with grit, empathy, and emotional intelligence. The bond between Olivia Benson and the audience is something no algorithm can measure. It’s a relationship built on decades of trust and storytelling excellence.
Hopefuls like Found and The Irrational have earned praise and decent ratings, but they lack the decades-long audience loyalty that anchors like SVU and Chicago Fire possess. Still, NBC has shown an increasing willingness to nurture new talent and fresh formats. If these shows can sustain viewership into their second seasons, they might join the ranks of NBC’s mid-tier staples.
Meanwhile, there are heartbreaks. Quantum Leap, once seen as a potential franchise-launching reboot, is rumored to be on the chopping block after inconsistent ratings and critical reception. Similarly, comedies like Extended Family have struggled to find a strong foothold in a network best known for drama. NBC’s comedy slate has faced challenges in recent years, often failing to deliver the kind of breakout success that The Office or Parks and Recreation once enjoyed.
Still, the dominance of the One Chicago trilogy and SVU offers a clear roadmap for the future. Procedural dramas with high emotional stakes, ensemble casts, and room for crossover events are the backbone of NBC’s primetime strategy. These shows don’t just bring in viewers — they bring in loyal viewers. The kind who tune in live, engage on social media, and return every season no matter what.
