NBC announces cancellation of 5 major TV shows in huge shake-up

The US TV network NBC will the plug on five of its scripted series. The decision has been made as the network restructures its primetime schedule in order to make plenty of room for its upcoming NBA broadcasts. The cancellations were confirmed on Friday afternoon, as reported by Deadline, with sources citing 'programming space' as the key factor behind the schedule shake-up (Picture: Getty Images)

The most high profile of the ditched quintet is Suits: LA, a spin-off of USA Network’s hit legal drama Suits, which ran for nine seasons and experienced a surge in popularity after hitting Netflix back in 2023. Despite the momentum and buzz, the Los Angeles-set follow-up failed to meet ratings expectations and won’t be moving forward beyond its debut season (Picture: NBC)

Lopez vs. Lopez, a sitcom starring George Lopez and his real-life daughter Mayan Lopez, is also ending its run. The show, which was all about a dad and daughter reconciling, earned a modest but steady viewership across its three season run but it wasn't enough for it to survive the chop. NBC ultimately opted not to renew it for a fourth year, much to fans' disappointment (Picture: NBC)

Crime procedural The Irrational, which is loosely inspired by behavioral economist Dan Ariely’s bestselling book, has also been axed. Starring Jesse L. Martin as a psychology professor consulting on FBI cases, the series blended science and suspense, drawing a pretty loyal following. Although not a big enough one to convince NBC bosses to keep it around. It had already been renewed for a second season but will conclude with after the season two finale. Missing persons drama Found, starring and exec produced by Shanola Hampton, has also been cancelled after two seasons. As has the Melissa Rauch-starring legal sitcom Night Court, which ran for three seasons before NBC swung the axe (Picture: NBC/Peacock)

The decision to cancel these five shows comes after NBC secured broadcast rights for the NBA, which is due to begin with the 2025–26 season. The move brings professional basketball back to the network for the first time in decades, part of a lucrative multi-year deal signed over the summer of 2024. But in order to televise the popular sport, the network needs to free up a fair bit of space in its calendar (Picture: Getty Images)

NBC’s return to NBA coverage means a shift in programming priorities, particularly during key primetime slots. With multiple games expected to air weekly, the network is under pressure to streamline its entertainment slate to accommodate live sports coverage, which remains a ratings juggernaut. So it's good news for sports fans, not so good news for those more into the shows that have had to be chopped to make way for the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry (Picture: Getty Images)

While disappointing for fans of the canceled show, NBC appears to be doubling down on live event programming. It's a strategy that they've seen has proven successful for other networks - including Netflix's acquisition of WWE coverage NBC is betting big on the NBA’s enduring appeal and hoping for a ratings slam dunk (Picture: Getty Images)