The Year That Scripted Series Made A Broadcast Comeback

Key Points:

• For the 2026-27 season, the four major broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC) are increasing their scripted series lineups, reversing recent trends of cuts in scripted programming.
• CBS, NBC, and Fox each report a net gain of approximately 1.5 hours of scripted content, while ABC is expanding its scripted slate without canceling any shows, marking a historic renewal of all its scripted series.
• The increase in scripted shows follows previous years of reduction due to factors like the pandemic, Hollywood strikes, and shifts toward sports and unscripted content, with networks now recalibrating their offerings.
• Networks are balancing the expansion by reducing episode orders for some returning series to manage budgets while maintaining creative quality and growing streaming libraries, which supports downstream revenue.
• This scripted programming growth positively impacts the creative industry by creating more jobs for writers, actors, and production crews, contributing to economic stability within the U.S. entertainment sector.