Monday, May 19, 2025

NBC unveils bold fall 2025–26 lineup: returning favorites, new dramas, and NBA's prime-time comeback

By Frank Macek

NBC's Fall 2025–26 primetime lineup reflects a strategic blend of returning favorites and ambitious new ventures, underscoring the network's commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Monday nights continue to showcase "The Voice" from 8–10 p.m., followed by "Brilliant Minds" at 10 p.m., a medical drama inspired by the life of neurologist Oliver Sacks, starring Zachary Quinto. This series has been renewed for a second season, indicating strong viewer engagement.

Tuesdays in September feature "The Voice" from 8–10 p.m., leading into "On Brand with Jimmy Fallon" at 10 p.m. This new reality competition series, hosted by Fallon, challenges contestants to develop innovative marketing campaigns. Starting in October, NBC dedicates Tuesday nights to NBA coverage from 8–11 p.m., marking the league's return to the network after a 23-year hiatus.

Wednesdays are anchored by the "One Chicago" franchise: "Chicago Med" at 8 p.m., "Chicago Fire" at 9 p.m., and "Chicago P.D." at 10 p.m., maintaining their strong presence in the lineup.

Thursdays begin with "Law & Order" at 8 p.m., followed by "Law & Order: SVU" at 9 p.m. At 10 p.m., "The Hunting Party", a crime procedural starring Melissa Roxburgh as an FBI profiler, continues its run despite mixed reviews, having secured a second season renewal.

Fridays feature "On Brand with Jimmy Fallon" at 8 p.m., with "Dateline NBC" occupying the 9–11 p.m. slot, catering to audiences seeking investigative journalism and true crime stories.

Saturdays are dedicated to college football, with "Big Ten Pregame" or "Notre Dame Pregame" at 7 p.m., followed by "Big Ten Saturday Night" or "Notre Dame Football" from 7:30–11 p.m., also streaming live on Peacock.

Sundays offer "Football Night in America" at 7 p.m., leading into "NBC Sunday Night Football" at 8:20 p.m., both also available on Peacock, continuing NBC's strong NFL coverage.

NBC Fall 2025–26 Primetime Schedule (ET/PT)

Monday

  • 8–10 p.m.: The Voice
  • 10–11 p.m.: Brilliant Minds

Tuesday (September)

  • 8–10 p.m.: The Voice
  • 10–11 p.m.: On Brand with Jimmy Fallon

Tuesday (October)

  •  8–11 p.m.: NBA

Wednesday

  • 8–9 p.m.: Chicago Med
  • 9–10 p.m.: Chicago Fire
  • 10–11 p.m.: Chicago P.D.

Thursday

  • 8–9 p.m.: Law & Order
  • 9–10 p.m.: Law & Order: SVU
  • 10–11 p.m.: The Hunting Party

Friday

  • 8–9 p.m.: On Brand with Jimmy Fallon
  • 9–11 p.m.: Dateline NBC

Saturday

  • 7–7:30 p.m.: Big Ten Pregame / Notre Dame Pregame (also live on Peacock)
  • 7:30–11 p.m.: Big Ten Saturday Night / Notre Dame Football (also live on Peacock)

Sunday

  • 7–8:20 p.m.: Football Night in America (also live on Peacock)
  • 8:20–11 p.m.: NBC Sunday Night Football (also live on Peacock)

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