Networks are about to lock their 2026 lineups, and the next few days will decide which series return and which will quietly disappear. Our broadcast renewal scorecard tracks those outcomes — and what they mean for viewers, casts and the networks betting on them.
This running guide groups scripted broadcast programs into tiers based on current industry reporting, ratings trends and insider signals. We update it frequently as networks announce pickups, renewals or cancellations, so consider this a working reference rather than a final verdict.
What we don’t cover: unscripted series and foreign acquisitions are excluded. Also left off this roundup is most of The CW’s slate — the network has only one remaining original, which is entering its final season — so CW entries are not included here.
How shows are graded
Rather than a simple renewed/canceled label, the scorecard sorts series into eight categories that reflect the likelihood of return and the practical consequences for each program. Below is a quick key to those tiers and what they imply for fans and stakeholders.
| Tier | What it means |
|---|---|
| Renewed | Official network confirmation: the show will return for another season. |
| Very likely | Strong renewal signals — stable ratings, network support or early development orders make a return probable. |
| Likely | Performance and momentum favor renewal, though final decisions still depend on scheduling and budgets. |
| On the bubble | Equally plausible outcomes: last-minute promotions, cast deals or advertising commitments could tip the balance. |
| Long shot | Renewal would be unexpected. The show remains in contention only if circumstances change significantly. |
| Practically canceled | No public renewal and signs point away from a pickup; limited chances for revival without external investment. |
| Canceled | Network has formally ended the series. |
| Too soon to say | Insufficient information to place the show: early-season premieres or delayed reporting keep the outcome unclear. |
Why this matters now
Renewal decisions shape viewers’ plans and creators’ careers. A confirmed pickup provides room for writers’ rooms to map long-term story arcs and gives casts bargaining power; a cancellation can leave unresolved storylines and force producers to seek new homes or wrap quickly.
For advertisers and network strategists, these choices determine next season’s scheduling, ad inventory and promotional priorities — small shifts can change where audiences flow across the broadcast landscape.
We’ll continue to watch industry dispatches and official announcements closely. Bookmark this page to follow changes: when a series moves categories, we’ll note the update and explain the signals behind the shift.
Below, the scorecard lists current placements for broadcast scripted series. Entries will be revised as networks release their decisions and as reporting clarifies each show’s standing.
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Hello, I’m Beckett. I cover series and show news for you to make your evenings more captivating.