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Network TV Shows FAQ

Networks TV Shows FAQ

TV Shows FAQ for ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and The CW

Broadcast TV is still a huge part of the entertainment world, even with streaming growing every year. Networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and The CW continue delivering popular dramas, comedies, reality shows and live sports every week.

Here are some of the most common questions viewers ask about network TV shows in 2026.

Some of ABC’s most popular current shows include:
  • 9-1-1
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • Abbott Elementary
  • The Rookie
  • Will Trent
  • High Potential
ABC is also continuing to expand franchise programming with shows like 9-1-1: Nashville.
CBS remains one of the top destinations for procedural dramas and reality competition shows.
  • Tracker
  • NCIS
  • Elsbeth
  • Fire Country
  • Survivor
  • Matlock
  • FBI
CBS also continues expanding franchises with newer series like Sheriff Country and Marshals.
NBC still has several long-running hits that perform well in ratings and streaming:
  • Chicago Fire
  • Chicago Med
  • Chicago P.D.
  • Law & Order
  • Law & Order: SVU
  • St. Denis Medical
  • Happy’s Place
NBC also continues investing heavily in live sports including the NBA and Sunday Night Football.
FOX continues to balance scripted dramas, animation and reality TV.
  • Doc
  • The Simpsons
  • Family Guy
  • Bob’s Burgers
  • Animal Control
  • The Floor
  • Hell’s Kitchen
FOX is also developing newer dramas including Best Medicine and Memory of a Killer.
The CW now mixes acquired dramas, sports and unscripted programming.
  • Sullivan’s Crossing
  • Wild Cards
  • Penn & Teller: Fool Us
  • NASCAR events
  • WWE programming
The network focuses less on superhero dramas than during the Arrowverse era.
Yes. Broadcast TV still reaches millions of viewers every week. Shows like Tracker, 9-1-1 and Chicago Fire continue attracting strong live audiences.
Broadcast TV series often produce between 18 and 22 episodes because networks need weekly programming from September through May. Streaming shows usually produce shorter seasons.
CBS and NBC currently dominate broadcast drama franchises with series like NCIS, FBI, Chicago Fire and Law & Order.
Yes. Most broadcast shows still follow the traditional weekly release format, usually airing once per week during primetime.
Popular reality competition shows include:
  • Survivor
  • The Amazing Race
  • Dancing with the Stars
  • Hell’s Kitchen
  • The Voice
Networks consider ratings, streaming numbers, advertising revenue, production costs and ownership rights before renewing a show.
Procedural dramas work well because viewers can jump into almost any episode without following a long serialized storyline.
Broadcast TV networks are available free over the air with an antenna, while cable channels require a subscription.
Winter breaks help stretch episodes across the full TV season and avoid holiday viewing slowdowns.
A lead-in is the show airing immediately before another program. Networks use strong lead-ins to help newer shows gain viewers.
Yes. Cliffhangers remain one of television’s most effective storytelling tools, especially during season finales.
CBS has consistently remained one of the top-rated broadcast networks in total viewers thanks to procedural dramas, reality shows and sports coverage. FOX performs strongly with sports and animation, while NBC remains competitive with live events and franchise dramas. ABC continues finding success with dramas and family-friendly entertainment programming. Ratings can vary widely depending on sports seasons, special events and streaming viewership.
A midseason replacement is a show that premieres after the fall TV season has already started. Networks use midseason shows to:
  • Replace canceled series
  • Fill schedule gaps
  • Test new programming
  • Launch shorter seasons
    • Many successful series originally started as midseason replacements.
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit remains one of the longest-running primetime live-action dramas in television history.
  • Grey’s Anatomy is also among the longest-running scripted dramas still producing new episodes.
    • Both shows continue attracting loyal fanbases after many years on the air.

    Final Thoughts on Network TV Shows

    Streaming may dominate entertainment headlines, but broadcast television is still a major force in the TV industry. ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and The CW continue producing hit dramas, comedies, reality competitions and live events watched by millions every week.

    Network TV has changed a lot during the streaming era, but weekly episodes, franchise dramas and live programming continue keeping traditional television relevant in 2026.

    For viewers who enjoy weekly storytelling, live sports and major primetime events, broadcast television still offers something streaming services cannot fully replace.

    Bookmark this page for future Network TV show answers.

    This topic is part of our guide explaining how television scheduling, economics, and production decisions work.
    See the full overview in How TV Works.