NBC has just lifted the curtain on its highly anticipated 2025–2026 primetime schedule, and the message is clear: the network is doubling down on what it does best—compelling drama, character-driven storytelling, and appointment television that keeps viewers coming back week after week. From the ever-expanding universe of One Chicago to the exciting momentum behind Brilliant Minds and the enduring powerhouse that is Law & Order, NBC’s latest lineup is a testament to its ability to evolve while staying true to its identity.
The return of One Chicago Wednesdays continues to be a pillar of NBC’s weekly programming, anchoring a night that has become must-watch television for millions. Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. are all set to return with brand-new seasons, bringing with them the high-stakes emergencies, emotionally resonant character arcs, and addictive crossovers fans have come to expect. Each show in the franchise has carved out its unique space in the primetime landscape, but together, they form an interconnected tapestry that continues to dominate the ratings. As NBC President of Entertainment Lisa Katz noted in the network’s press release, “One Chicago has become more than just television; it’s a weekly tradition for millions of households across the country.”
Adding to the network’s drama arsenal is the breakout success Brilliant Minds, which premiered last season to critical acclaim and strong viewer engagement. The show, which follows a groundbreaking neuroscientist navigating personal loss and professional challenges, quickly became one of NBC’s most buzzed-about freshman series. With its compelling mix of medical mystery, psychological depth, and personal stakes, Brilliant Minds has proven that smart, character-driven storytelling can still thrive in a crowded TV landscape. Its sophomore season promises to push the boundaries even further, with deeper dives into its ensemble cast and more high-concept cases that blur the line between science and emotion.
Of course, no NBC schedule would be complete without the Law & Order franchise, and this season is no exception. The flagship series Law & Order continues to thrive in its 25th season, reminding viewers why it remains one of the most iconic procedural dramas in television history. Meanwhile, Law & Order: SVU shows no signs of slowing down as it enters its record-breaking 27th season with Mariska Hargitay still at the helm as Olivia Benson, a character who has become synonymous with resilience and justice. Law & Order: Organized Crime will also return with a tighter season and a renewed focus on serialized storytelling, a format that has helped differentiate it from its counterparts while retaining the DNA of the brand.
This fall will also see NBC experimenting with new time slots and programming strategies, including more aggressive use of streaming platforms like Peacock to expand episode availability and encourage binge-watching. Several NBC shows, including the One Chicago series and Brilliant Minds, will drop premiere episodes early on Peacock before airing on television—an increasingly popular tactic in a shifting viewing landscape.
The 2025–2026 schedule also includes fresh entries and a few surprises. NBC is rolling out a new limited drama series titled Echo Point, which follows a group of investigative journalists exposing political corruption in a fictional Midwestern city. The show is being billed as a spiritual cousin to The West Wing with a touch of True Detective, and early buzz suggests it could be NBC’s next prestige hit. Another intriguing addition is the serialized thriller Afterlight, centering on a post-pandemic world where society is rebuilding amid complex new moral landscapes. With an ensemble cast and a writer’s room led by acclaimed showrunner Ava Granger, Afterlight is shaping up to be NBC’s most ambitious new drama of the year.
