NBC has dealt a significant blow to its programming lineup, canceling eight shows in 2026 as part of a sweeping overhaul to accommodate a new NBA broadcasting deal. The latest casualty is The Hunting Party, a crime drama series that has been axed after just two seasons.
The Hunting Party Ends After Two Seasons
Nearly four weeks after The Hunting Party aired its season two finale on May 7, NBC confirmed that the episode would serve as the series finale. The procedural drama, starring Melissa Roxburgh as former FBI profiler Rebecca Henderson, followed a team investigating escaped dangerous criminals. Other cast members included Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie, and Sara Garcia. Universal Television, an NBC sibling, is expected to shop the series to other outlets.
Brilliant Minds Cancelled Amid Low Ratings
Another casualty is Brilliant Minds, a medical drama starring Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf, an eccentric neurologist. According to Deadline, the two-season series was NBC's lowest-rated scripted drama this season. Jeff Bader, NBCUniversal's President of Program Planning Strategy, cited a tight schedule due to sports commitments. The final six episodes began airing May 27, with the series finale set for July 1.
Law & Order: Organized Crime Axed
In April, NBC announced the cancellation of Law & Order: Organized Crime after five seasons. The spinoff focused on Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni. Meloni thanked fans in an Instagram video, saying, "It was a good ride."
Stumble Fails to Find Audience
The sitcom Stumble, a mockumentary about a former cheerleading coach, was canceled after one season on May 1. Despite time slot changes, it struggled with ratings. Bader expressed regret, noting the challenge of scheduling a single-camera show.
Access Hollywood and Access Daily End After 30 Years
NBC staple Access Hollywood, launched in 1996, and its companion Access Daily were canceled in March. The shows will continue airing original episodes through September. Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo & Peacock unscripted, cited a shift in programming preferences among local stations.
Karamo Talk Show Concludes
Karamo, hosted by Queer Eye's Karamo Brown, ended after four seasons. The conflict-resolution talk show will air through summer before concluding in September.
The Kelly Clarkson Show Wraps Up
In February, Kelly Clarkson announced the end of her daytime talk show after seven seasons, citing a busy personal life. The show, a multiple Daytime Emmy winner, will finish this fall.
The Steve Wilkos Show Ends After 19 Seasons
Hosted by former Chicago policeman Steve Wilkos, this long-running talk show focusing on real-life drama was also affected by NBC's March decision to wind down first-run production. New episodes will continue through summer.
These cancellations are part of NBC's strategic shift to make room for up to 100 regular-season NBA games per year under an 11-year deal.
