These Broadcast TV Shows Are Still on the Bubble — And Most Aren’t Looking Good

If you’ve been keeping track of our renewal scorecard, you already know most broadcast networks have made their calls. Now that we’re into May, eight scripted shows are still on the bubble, and the wait is getting tense for fans and the people behind them.

Broadcast networks have leaned into earlier renewals in recent years, with CBS wrapping everything weeks ago.

NBC, on the other hand, is dragging things out, and with one of its strongest pilot slates in years, that’s not a great sign for anything currently on the schedule.

Below, I’ve rounded up the shows still in limbo and whether there’s any real path forward.

(Pief Weyman/NBC)

Brilliant Minds — NBC

Brilliant Minds scored a surprise renewal after a soft linear run last season, with NBC pointing to strong multiplatform numbers to justify the decision and hand out a full-season order.

That goodwill didn’t carry over. Brilliant Minds Season 2 has struggled creatively and in the ratings, and NBC’s decision to pull it from the schedule says everything. The remaining episodes are set to burn off later this month.

Summer burn-offs may have faded for a while, but between that move and the renewed focus on pilots, NBC is slipping back into old habits. Expect a decision once the final episodes air, and it’s hard to see it going in the show’s favor.

(Scott Gries/NBC)

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins — NBC

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins got off to a strong start with a January preview that pulled in 5.8 million viewers and a 1.4 in the demo.

Once it moved to its regular slot, the drop-off was steep. The most recent episode managed just 1.5 million viewers and a 0.2 rating.

At that level, there’s not much of a case for renewal. Multiplatform viewing could soften the blow, but the linear trend is doing it no favors. A second season would be a real surprise.

(FOX/Screenshot)

Going Dutch — FOX

Going Dutch is averaging 0.9 million viewers and a 0.1 rating, numbers that would make it a solid performer on The CW.

The only argument in its favor is that it was renewed with similar numbers last year, suggesting FOX saw some upside. Two seasons in, though, there’s still no traction.

Shows rarely get this much runway anymore, and it doesn’t feel like this one has done enough with it.

(Ralph Bavaro/NBC)

The Hunting Party — NBC

The Hunting Party landed a midseason slot behind Law & Order: SVU, which should have given it a solid platform. It hasn’t translated.

The ratings have been soft across the board, putting it in the same territory as shows that already look done.

There’s been some lift on Netflix, and that helps the narrative, but streaming bumps rarely save struggling broadcast series. NBC has been down this road before, and it usually ends the same way.

(Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

Law & Order — NBC

Law & Order has already survived one cancellation and a decade off the air, so counting it out completely would be a mistake.

The current numbers are respectable by NBC standards, hovering around 3.7 million viewers and a 0.2 rating, which puts it ahead of much of the network’s lineup.

Still, it’s an expensive show with a long history, and NBC has a wave of new pilots waiting in the wings.

This one could go either way, and it may come down to how much value the network still sees in the brand.

(FOX/Screenshot)

Murder in a Small Town — FOX

As a co-production, Murder in a Small Town operates under different expectations than most broadcast series.

The ratings have been solid enough for FOX, which makes the lack of a renewal a bit puzzling. More episodes are reportedly in production, which keeps things interesting.

The bigger question is whether FOX actually plans to air them.

(Disney/John Merrick)

RJ Decker — ABC

RJ Decker arrived as another strong procedural for ABC, delivering steady linear numbers and a solid multiplatform debut.

The hope is that momentum held, because the silence since the finale isn’t encouraging.

It’s the only ABC scripted series still waiting on a decision, which makes it stand out in the worst way.

There’s always a chance the network is holding the announcement for upfronts, but if a renewal were locked, it likely would have been announced by now.

(David Holloway/NBC)

Stumble — NBC

Stumble lived up to its name early on but has settled into a consistent, if unremarkable, performer.

It’s not the lowest-rated show on the network, but it hasn’t generated much buzz either, which can be just as damaging.

A small midseason order isn’t out of the question, but a full renewal feels like a long shot.

What are your thoughts on this crop of broadcast shows on the bubble? Make your voice heard by voting for which of these shows deserves to continue.

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