Get ready for a stacked start to 2026! NBC is rolling out fresh comedies, a revamped The Voice, and massive sporting events, all kicking off in January and leading into a truly "Legendary February."
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to NBC's Midseason Excitement
- Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe star in the new Tina Fey-produced comedy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, making its two-episode premiere on February 23.
- The Voice: Battle of Champions brings back an all-winner coaching panel, featuring Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend for Season 29, also debuting February 23.
- January sees the reliable return of the One Chicago and Law & Order franchises, plus The Hunting Party Season 2, before February shifts into high gear with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Super Bowl LX.
Ever felt that slump after the holidays, when the sparkly lights come down and the reality of a new year sets in? NBC isn't letting that happen in 2026. They're hitting the ground running in early January, bringing back some of your most reliable weeknight companions before rolling out new shows and a truly epic February sports lineup.
Fans of gripping procedural dramas, rejoice! The beloved One Chicago universe makes its midseason return on Wednesday, January 7. You can catch Chicago Med (Season 11) at 8 p.m. ET/PT, followed by Chicago Fire (Season 14) at 9 p.m., and Chicago P.D. (Season 13) rounding out the night at 10 p.m. It's the perfect midweek fix for those who crave medical emergencies, intense firefighting, and gritty police work.
Get the scoop on NBC's jam-packed 2026 midseason schedule! Discover the new Tracy Morgan comedy, returning dramas, The Voice's 'Battle of Champions', Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, and more must-see TV. Plan your viewing schedule now!
Justice Served: Law & Order and a Delayed Return
Not to be outdone, the iconic Law & Order block takes over Thursday nights starting January 8. The original Law & Order (Season 25) kicks things off at 8 p.m. ET/PT, leading into Law & Order: SVU (Season 27) at 9 p.m. These staples continue to deliver compelling legal and criminal investigations that have kept audiences hooked for decades.
Right after the Law & Order duo, keep your eyes peeled for the Season 2 premiere of The Hunting Party at 10 p.m. ET/PT on January 8. This procedural drama was initially slated for the fall 2025 schedule but was strategically moved to midseason. This shift likely gives the show a better chance to shine, avoiding the initial fall rush and landing in a slot where it can build momentum following two strong lead-ins. It's a smart play by the network to give this "buzzy procedural" the spotlight it deserves. Source: Deadline, "NBC Midseason Premiere Dates Include OneChicago, ‘The Voice’ & ‘Hunting Party’s Return, New Tracy Morgan Comedy", November 12, 2025.
Get ready for ABC's massive 2026 midseason! Find out when 'Scrubs' is back with Zach Braff, 'Will Trent' Season 4, 'The Rookie' Season 8, 'American Idol,' and all your favorite dramas and comedies premiere on ABC and stream on Hulu.
Inspiring Stories and Game Show Thrills with The Wall
If you're looking for something a bit more uplifting, The Wall returns for its sixth season premiere on Monday, January 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Hosted by the energetic Chris Hardwick, this game show isn't just about big money; it often features incredible contestants with inspiring stories. This season, expect to see heroes like a national hero who helped evacuate the Pentagon on 9/11, a bystander who rescued a snowboarder buried headfirst in snow, and a firefighter who adopted a newborn left in a safe haven. It's a refreshing blend of suspense and heartwarming moments that's been absent since November 2024. Source: TVLine, "NBC Sets 2026 Midseason Schedule: Tracy Morgan's Tina Fey Sitcom, Revamped Voice, Hunting Party Season 2 And More Dates Revealed", November 12, 2025.
Get ready for an epic 2026! ABC unveils its midseason lineup featuring the highly anticipated 'Scrubs' revival, 'The Rookie' Season 8, 'Will Trent' Season 4, and 'The Bachelorette' with Taylor Frankie Paul. Discover all the premiere dates and what to expect from your favorite returning shows.
A Brand-New Comedy Star: "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins"
Come late February, a highly anticipated new comedy makes its debut. Get ready for The Fall And Rise Of Reggie Dinkins, premiering with a two-episode special on Monday, February 23, starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This single-camera series stars the incomparable Tracy Morgan as Reggie Dinkins, a disgraced former professional football player determined to rehab his public image.
He's not doing it alone, though. The show also features Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Tobin, an award-winning filmmaker enlisted to help Reggie navigate his mission. With Tina Fey on board as an executive producer, alongside co-showrunners Robert Carlock and Sam Means (known for their work on shows like 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), you can expect sharp writing and plenty of laughs. The cast also includes Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Precious Way, and Jalyn Hall, promising a stellar ensemble. After its big premiere, the show will settle into its regular 8:30 p.m. timeslot on Mondays, starting March 2, paired with St. Denis Medical.
Some might wonder if a post-Olympics slot is the best move for a new comedy, potentially getting lost after such massive events. However, the timing could actually be a strategic advantage. It allows the show to launch with significant promotional backing after the network's biggest winter events, giving it a clear runway without competing with the immediate post-holiday glut of returning series. This could mean more eyes on a fresh, highly anticipated project with big names attached.
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The Voice's Epic Return: "Battle of Champions"
Immediately following the premiere of Reggie Dinkins on February 23, prepare for a historic season of The Voice. Season 29, aptly dubbed "The Voice: Battle of Champions," is shaking things up in a big way. For the first time ever, the coaching panel is comprised entirely of past winners, creating an unprecedented level of competition and expertise.
The returning champion coaches are none other than Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend. Imagine the dynamic and the seasoned advice these three will bring to their teams, having experienced the full journey from contestant to victor themselves. This format promises a fresh energy and a truly elevated coaching game. The first week is packed with a two-hour season premiere on February 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by additional two-hour telecasts on February 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. The show then moves to its regular one-hour slot on Mondays at 9 p.m. starting March 2.
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"Legendary February": A Month Dominated by Sports Spectacles
While January brings many returning favorites, February on NBC is practically a different beast, branded as "Legendary February" for good reason. The network will be airing three massive sporting events that will undoubtedly dominate primetime programming, creating a unique viewing landscape.
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games kick off with their Opening Ceremony on Friday, February 6, and run all the way through to the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 22. This 17-day global spectacle means many regular shows will take a temporary hiatus. Nestled right in the middle of the Olympics is Super Bowl LX, broadcast live from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8, with coverage starting around 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Nbc 2026 Midseason Schedule: Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, ‘Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ to Debut in February", November 12, 2025. Capping off this incredible month is the NBA All-Star Game, airing live from the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, February 15, starting at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.
Navigating the Peaks and Valleys of the Midseason Schedule
This packed schedule presents a bit of a trade-off for viewers. On one hand, you get a consistent stream of top-tier entertainment and sports, ensuring there's always something major happening on NBC. On the other, the heavy sports coverage means your favorite returning shows might experience breaks or shift timeslots, potentially making it harder to follow their continuous narratives.
For example: Imagine Sarah, a devoted Chicago P.D. fan. She marks her calendar for January 7th, thrilled for new episodes. Then, she remembers the Olympics and Super Bowl in February, meaning a short break for her favorite detectives. She’ll have to check the schedule again for March to catch their return, navigating the sports-driven gaps. This requires a bit more planning than a typical, uninterrupted season, but the payoff is a truly varied and high-stakes viewing experience.
A potential limitation of such a front-loaded and sports-heavy schedule is that some of the mid-tier returning comedies or dramas, like St. Denis Medical or Brilliant Minds, might struggle to maintain viewer consistency when they are repeatedly interrupted. While big events draw massive audiences, the stop-start nature could be challenging for shows trying to build a regular following. However, NBC is countering this by providing clear return dates and leveraging its Peacock streaming service for next-day viewing, offering flexibility to committed fans.
Other Key Midseason Returns to Keep on Your Radar
Beyond the headliners, several other shows are making their way back to NBC's schedule:
- St. Denis Medical (Season 2 Midseason Return): Monday, Jan 5, 8 p.m. ET/PT, returning March 2, 8 p.m. ET/PT
- The Paper (Returns): Monday, Jan 5, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT
- Brilliant Minds (Season 2 Midseason Return): Monday, Jan 5, 10 p.m. ET/PT, returning March 2, 10 p.m. ET/PT
- Happy's Place (Season 2 Midseason Return): Friday, Jan 16, 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Stumble (Season 1 Midseason Return): Friday, Jan 16, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT
- Dateline NBC: Continues on Saturday, Jan 3, 9 p.m. ET/PT and Friday, Jan 16, 9 p.m. ET/PT
- SNL Vintage: Saturday, Jan 3, 10 p.m. ET/PT
- NBA Basketball: Tuesday, Jan 6, 8 p.m. ET/PT and Sunday, Feb 1, 8 p.m. ET/PT
Here’s the complete breakdown of when and where to catch all the action, according to NBC's latest announcements:
- Saturday, January 3
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: The Wall (repeat)
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: Dateline NBC
- 10 p.m. ET/PT: SNL Vintage
- Monday, January 5
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: St. Denis Medical (Season 2 Midseason Return)
- 8:30 p.m. ET/PT: The Paper
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: The Wall (Season 6 Premiere)
- 10 p.m. ET/PT: Brilliant Minds (Season 2 Midseason Return)
- Tuesday, January 6
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: NBA Basketball
- Wednesday, January 7
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: Chicago Med (Season 11 Midseason Return)
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: Chicago Fire (Season 14 Midseason Return)
- 10 p.m. ET/PT: Chicago P.D. (Season 13 Midseason Return)
- Thursday, January 8
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: Law & Order (Season 25 Midseason Return)
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: Law & Order: SVU (Season 27 Midseason Return)
- 10 p.m. ET/PT: The Hunting Party (Season 2 Premiere)
- Friday, January 16
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: Happy's Place (Season 2 Midseason Return)
- 8:30 p.m. ET/PT: Stumble (Season 1 Midseason Return)
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: Dateline NBC
- Sunday, February 1
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: NBA Basketball
- Friday, February 6
- Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games (Opening Ceremony)
- Sunday, February 8
- Super Bowl LX
- Monday, February 23
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (Series Premiere, Part 1)
- 8:30 p.m. ET/PT: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (Series Premiere, Part 2)
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: The Voice (Season 29 Premiere)
- Wednesday, February 25
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: The Voice (Two-hour telecast)
- Thursday, February 26
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: The Voice (Two-hour telecast)
- Monday, March 2
- 8 p.m. ET/PT: St. Denis Medical
- 8:30 p.m. ET/PT: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (Regular Time Slot)
- 9 p.m. ET/PT: The Voice (Regular Time Slot)
- 10 p.m. ET/PT: Brilliant Minds
- Circle Your Calendars: Mark down the January 7th and 8th returns for your favorite One Chicago and Law & Order shows so you don't miss a beat.
- Prepare for "Legendary February": Understand that February is largely dedicated to the Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, and NBA All-Star Game. Plan your TV viewing accordingly!
- Set Reminders for New Blood: Don't forget to set a reminder for the two-episode premiere of The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins on February 23, and its regular slot on March 2.
- Tune in for The Voice's New Era: Catch the "Battle of Champions" on February 23 for a fresh take on the singing competition with an all-star coaching panel.
- Leverage Peacock: If you miss a live broadcast due to the packed schedule, remember that all NBC shows stream next-day on Peacock, offering ultimate flexibility.
Sources
- Deadline, "NBC Midseason Premiere Dates Include OneChicago, ‘The Voice’ & ‘Hunting Party’s Return, New Tracy Morgan Comedy", November 12, 2025.
- TVLine, "NBC Sets 2026 Midseason Schedule: Tracy Morgan's Tina Fey Sitcom, Revamped Voice, Hunting Party Season 2 And More Dates Revealed", November 12, 2025.
- The Hollywood Reporter, "NBC 2026 Midseason Schedule: Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, ‘Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ to Debut in February", November 12, 2025.