In a surprising twist, the world of television is witnessing a resurgence of scripted series on broadcast networks, defying the predictions of industry experts. This unexpected comeback has gone largely unnoticed, even by those within the industry itself.
The shift towards more scripted content is a notable departure from recent trends, which saw a decline in linear ratings, industry consolidation, and the impact of the pandemic and Hollywood strikes. However, the 2026-27 upfronts have revealed a different story.
The Comeback Story
CBS, NBC, and Fox are all adding new scripted series to their lineups, with CBS leading the charge by introducing three new drama series and one comedy. NBC follows suit with two new dramas and comedies each, while Fox is bringing two new dramas to the table. ABC, too, is contributing to this trend by adding a new drama series without canceling any existing ones.
This increase in scripted content is a significant change from the previous season, where these networks had reduced their scripted slates. So, what's driving this unexpected comeback?
Unraveling the Reasons
One theory suggests that this could be a recalibration after a period of pullback. Another perspective attributes it to a delayed reaction to major industry events, such as the Disney acquisition of Fox assets, including 20th Television, a key supplier of scripted programming for Fox.
Additionally, the rigid nature of broadcast schedules, with a fixed number of primetime hours, plays a role. Networks must balance their offerings with sports, reality shows, and scripted content, all while considering the financial implications.
The Impact on the Industry
This shift towards more scripted series has a positive impact on the creative community. It creates more job opportunities for writers, actors, and crews, especially when productions are based in the U.S. This, in turn, supports families and ensures health insurance coverage.
Furthermore, for vertically integrated networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC, this increase in scripted content strengthens their libraries, which can be monetized downstream and internationally, generating revenue for the parent companies.
A Step Towards Growth
While the reasons behind this comeback are multifaceted, one thing is clear: the broadcast networks are committed to growing their scripted slates. This commitment is evident in their decisions to renew existing series and add new ones, even if it means adjusting episode orders to make financial sense.
As an industry observer, I find this development particularly fascinating. It raises questions about the future of television and the evolving preferences of audiences. Will this trend continue, or is it a temporary blip? Only time will tell. But for now, it's an exciting development that offers a glimmer of hope for the future of scripted television.
