NBC 2025-2026: Full List of TV Shows Canceled, and Renewed
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Hysteria on NBC |
NBC is reshaping its television universe for the 2025–2026 season, bringing back fan favorites while saying goodbye to a handful of promising titles. From hit reality competition series to bold scripted dramas, the network—along with its streaming arm, Peacock—is doubling down on what works and trimming what doesn’t. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every NBC and Peacock show confirmed to return, as well as the series that were canceled, why they were axed, and what it means for the future of the network’s content strategy.
Read more: Peacock Cancels 4 TV Shows for 2025-2026: Full List and Keay Reasons
Returning NBC & Peacock Shows for 2025–2026
NBC and Peacock are holding onto shows that have delivered solid viewership, online buzz, or critical acclaim. Here are the major series that made the cut:
1. Ted (Peacock)
-
Genre: Comedy
-
Renewed For: Season 2
Originally intended as a limited series, this prequel to the hit Ted film franchise earned a full-season renewal after fans responded positively to its crude humor and nostalgic vibes. With Seth MacFarlane returning to voice the iconic teddy bear, the show became a standout scripted success for Peacock.
2. The Traitors (Peacock)
-
Genre: Reality Competition
-
Renewed For: Season 4 & Season 5
Hosted by Alan Cumming, this Emmy-winning psychological reality series continues to grow in cultural relevance. Set in a moody Scottish castle, The Traitors combines strategic gameplay with intense betrayals, making it one of Peacock’s flagship unscripted hits.
3. Love Island Games (Peacock)
-
Genre: Reality Dating
-
Renewed For: Season 2
A spinoff of the Love Island global phenomenon, Love Island Games pits returning contestants from international editions in a mix of romance and competition. Its viral appeal and crossover drama earned it a quick green light for another round.
Summary: What’s Coming, What’s Gone
![]() |
Canceled and Renewed NBC TV Shows |
Peacock Shows Canceled Ahead of the 2025–2026 Season
Not every series can go the distance. Four major shows were cut this year by Peacock due to low viewership, high production costs, or lack of sustained buzz. Here's a detailed look at what got canceled and why.
1. Based on a True Story
-
Genre: Dark Comedy Thriller
-
Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina
-
Seasons: 2
-
Final Air Date: April 15, 2025
This twisty satire followed a married couple who create a podcast with a real serial killer. Despite a strong debut and cliffhanger ending in Season 2, viewership dropped significantly. Critics and fans praised the performances, but the show's niche appeal and declining interest led to its quiet cancellation.
2. Mr. Throwback
-
Genre: Mockumentary Comedy
-
Starring: Adam Pally, Ego Nwodim, Steph Curry
-
Seasons: 1
-
Final Air Date: April 15, 2025
A six-episode series that mixed sports nostalgia with mafia debt plots, Mr. Throwback was described as Abbott Elementary meets Uncut Gems. Despite a unique concept and the appeal of Steph Curry playing himself, the show didn’t build enough momentum. Reviews were lukewarm, and it struggled to find a loyal audience.
3. Teacup
-
Genre: Horror Thriller
-
Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman
-
Seasons: 1
-
Final Air Date: January 2025
Based on Robert R. McCammon’s novel Stinger, Teacup offered a rural horror setup with promising tension and cinematography. But with slow pacing and limited buzz, the show was quietly removed from Peacock’s future plans. It never cracked mainstream horror fandom.
4. Hysteria!
-
Genre: Horror Comedy
-
Starring: Julie Bowen, Bruce Campbell
-
Seasons: 1
-
Final Air Date: February 2025
Set in 1989 amid the “Satanic Panic,” Hysteria! had all the ingredients for a cult hit: nostalgic setting, genre blending, and a solid 91% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, viewership didn’t match critical praise. Peacock ultimately passed on a second season, despite a passionate niche fanbase.
What NBC's Strategy Says About the Future
NBCUniversal is focusing its resources on content that generates sustained buzz, strong week-to-week performance, and potential franchise longevity. The decisions made for the 2025–2026 season reflect a broader industry trend: platforms are no longer taking long shots on slow-burn series. If a show doesn’t hit early and hard, it’s cut.
The cancellations of otherwise promising projects like Hysteria! and Based on a True Story reveal a network more interested in broad appeal and viral engagement than artistic risks. Meanwhile, renewals like Ted and The Traitors show a commitment to building IP-driven universes and unscripted tentpoles that drive subscriber retention.
![]() CBS cancels six TV shows for the 2025-2026 season. Discover the full list, reasons behind the cuts, and what CBS's next moves reveal about the ... |
![]() Legendary '60 Minutes' host Scott Pelley shocked viewers by publicly criticizing CBS parent company Paramount Global over editorial interference. Discover his full biography, career highlights, ... |
![]() The 2025 NBC midseason features thrilling new dramas, beloved returning shows, and a monumental milestone celebration. From Suits: LA to Saturday Night Live's 50th Anniversary ... |
![]() Check out 2025 Premiere Dates For New and Returning TV Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming, including Netflix, ABC/NBC, Fox, Peacock, ESPN, CBS, AMC+, Max, ... |