NBC Fall Preview: 'The Traitors: New Blood' and All New and Returning Series
November 15, 1926 was a landmark day in broadcasting. It was the day NBC aired its first-ever radio broadcast, which means the brand is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Over its first century, NBC has redefined the television landscape on multiple occasions, from “Muse See TV” sitcoms like Seinfeld and Friends to acclaimed dramas like ER and Law & Order.
One of those shows is still premiering new episodes this fall, which speaks to NBC’s ability to launch and sustain popular TV franchises. Several new shows premiering this fall hope to become NBC’s next big thing, while returning favorites include two Law & Order series, two of the funniest sitcoms on TV, and more. And of course, NBC Sports will continue to bring the biggest games into primetime, with Sunday Night Football already underway and the NBA on NBC returning later this fall.
Here’s a full preview of NBC’s fall slate. The channel for NBC varies by market, do check your DISH guide to find your local affiliate. Not a DISH subscriber? Follow the link to find the best offer and subscribe to DISH today!
The Traitors: New Blood
Thursdays at 8 PM ET
Premieres Thursday, September 17
Log Line: Set at an ancient castle deep in the Scottish Highlands, 22 everyday non-celebrity Americans must work together on a series of exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000, while hidden Traitors attempt to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves.
Starring: Alan Cumming, Abbey Benjamin, Abby Lee, Arisa Thomas, Ben McDonnell, Clyde Moser
NBC’s reality slate makes a bold leap to broadcast television with The Traitors: New Blood, expanding on the phenomenon that captivated audiences on streaming. Unlike its Peacock sibling that relies on celebrity contestants and reality stars, this edition returns to the roots of the international format by featuring 22 civilian players. Set in an iconic Scottish castle, these everyday contestants must navigate backstabbing, psychological warfare, and high-stakes physical missions to secure a jackpot of up to $250,000.
This season marks the first time The Traitors franchise has produced two distinct U.S. editions in a single calendar year, as well as the show's broadcast primetime debut. Emmy-winning host Alan Cumming returns with his signature theatrical flair, tartan wardrobe, and dramatic attitude to oversee the chaotic psychological battles.
The Traitors: New Blood has every chance to be a massive broadcast hit because civilian contestants bring unpredictable gameplay, authentic desperation, and genuine emotional stakes where anyone can be banished at any moment. Anchoring Thursday nights, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional network procedurals.
The Voice
Mondays at 8 PM ET
Premieres Monday, September 21
Log Line: Four famous music personalities coach talented vocalists competing in blind auditions, battle rounds, and knockout singing challenges for a major recording contract.
Starring: Queen Latifah, Riley Green, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Carson Daly
NBC's flagship singing competition returns for its landmark 30th season, continuing its legacy as one of the most successful unscripted franchises in television history. The show retains its classic multi-stage tournament structure, beginning with the iconic Blind Auditions where coaches listen with their backs turned, followed by the high-stakes Battle Rounds, Knockouts, and live audience vote-offs.
Season 30 features a major coaching panel shakeup: hip-hop icon Queen Latifah and country singer Riley Green join as brand-new coaches, uniting alongside fan-favorite veterans Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine, who returns to his familiar red chair. NBC is backing the milestone season heavily by kicking off fall with a special three-night premiere event spanning Monday through Wednesday.
The Voice maintains its hit potential by consistently refreshing its chemistry at the judging table while preserving the wholesome, constructive tone that viewers love. Queen Latifah's star power and Riley Green's country fanbase inject dynamic energy into the panel banter, ensuring that Season 30 remains an addictive, family-friendly juggernaut on Monday nights.
Line of Fire
Mondays at 10 PM ET
Premieres Monday, September 21
Log Line: A multi-generational family of law enforcement agents bridges personal rivalries and professional boundaries across the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, and Department of Justice while becoming caught in a deadly conspiracy.
Starring: Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O'Brien, Taylor Bloom, Charlie Barnett
Line of Fire is a high-octane procedural-family drama mashup created by Joshua Safran (Quantico, Gossip Girl). The series centers on an extraordinary multi-generational family whose members work across competing federal law enforcement branches—including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service, and Department of Justice. While handling high-stakes federal cases each week, the family must navigate internal rivalries and cross professional boundaries when a routine investigation uncovers a deep-rooted government conspiracy.
The new series re-teams leading man Peter Krause (9-1-1) with veteran executive producer talent, pairing him alongside Emmy nominee Hope Davis and Chicago Fire alum Charlie Barnett, bringing immediate pedigree to NBC's autumn lineup.
Line of Fire stands out as a potential breakout hit because it elevates traditional crime procedurals into a complex, serial character study. By examining how federal cases impact personal relationships and family loyalties, the series combines weekly federal investigations with the emotional weight of a prestige family saga, anchoring NBC's Monday night schedule right behind The Voice.
Dateline NBC
Fridays at 9 PM ET
Premieres Friday, September 25
Log Line: NBC's flagship newsmagazine delivers compelling true-crime mysteries, high-stakes investigative reports, and in-depth human interest stories.
Starring: Lester Holt, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison, Dennis Murphy
As a cornerstone of American television journalism, Dateline NBC returns for another season of riveting true-crime mysteries and investigative reporting. Anchored by NBC News veteran Lester Holt alongside a celebrated team of correspondents—including Keith Morrison, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, and Dennis Murphy—the newsmagazine delves into complex murder cases, cold case breakthroughs, financial scams, and dramatic survival stories.
Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison’s distinctive cadence and dramatic storytelling have turned him into a pop culture icon, inspiring countless parodies, fan podcasts, and a dedicated cult following across social media platforms. Furthermore, Dateline remains one of the most-listened-to true-crime podcast franchises in the world, with television broadcasts regularly converted into top-charting audio episodes.
Dateline NBC continues to be an infallible ratings winner because of audience fascination with true-crime storytelling. Its classic two-hour Friday night block serves as the perfect weekend kickoff, capturing casual viewers and crime aficionados alike with unmatched production quality, exclusive interviews, and thorough journalistic integrity.
Saturday Night Live
Saturdays at 11:30 PM ET
Premieres Saturday, September 26
Log Line: Live from Studio 8H in New York City, an ensemble comedy cast performs topical sketches, political parodies, and original humor alongside weekly celebrity guest hosts and musical acts.
Starring: Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Sarah Sherman, James Austin Johnson
Television’s premier late-night comedy institution enters Season 52, broadcasting live from NBC's historic Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. The upcoming season features a steady ensemble following minor cast departures, led by long-tenured veterans and fresh comedy talent. James Austin Johnson returns with his uncanny presidential impressions for the cold opens, while Colin Jost and Michael Che resume their record-breaking run as co-anchors of "Weekend Update".
Legendary cast member Kenan Thompson extends his record as the longest-tenured performer in SNL history, entering his staggering 24th season (three more years, and he’ll officially have been on the show for half its run). Meanwhile, the show welcomes two brand-new cast members, Grace Reiter and Saidah Belo-Osagie, following competitive summer auditions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Season 52 kicks off on September 26 with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson hosting the premiere.
Saturday Night Live remains an unstoppable hit because of its unique cultural capital and ability to capture the national zeitgeist. With major election coverage and pop culture satire on the horizon, SNL continues to be essential weekend viewing and a viral video machine across digital media.
Chicago Med
Wednesdays at 8 PM ET
Premieres Wednesday, October 7
Log Line: The dedicated team of emergency medical professionals at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center navigate life-and-death trauma cases alongside complex personal relationships.
Starring: S. Epatha Merkerson, Oliver Platt, Marlyne Barrett, Steven Weber, Sarah Ramos, Dominic Rains
Returning for its 12th season, Chicago Med kicks off NBC’s night of Dick Wolf’s "One Chicago" franchise on Wednesday evenings. Set in the state-of-the-art trauma center of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, the series follows emergency room doctors, surgeons, nurses, and psychiatrists tackling medical crises while dealing with internal hospital politics and personal heartbreaks.
Series star S. Epatha Merkerson (who plays hospital administrator Sharon Goodwin) holds a historic place in Dick Wolf universe history, having previously starred for 16 seasons as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on Law & Order before joining the One Chicago world.
Chicago Med has proven its staying power as a rating force by combining fast-paced medical emergencies with deep character drama. Serving as the 8 PM anchor for Wednesday night, the show consistently draws millions of loyal viewers who tune in for the emotional stakes and seamless crossover events with Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
Chicago Fire
Wednesdays at 9 PM ET
Premieres Wednesday, October 7
Log Line: The courageous firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 put their lives on the line to protect the city of Chicago.
Starring: Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, Eamonn Walker, Christian Stolte, Miranda Rae Mayo, Joe Minoso
Entering its landmark 15th season, Chicago Fire remains the foundational flagship of the sprawling "One Chicago" universe. Centered on the brave men and women of Firehouse 51, the series explores the intense camaraderie, high-stakes rescues, personal sacrifices, and dangerous fire calls faced by Truck 81, Squad 3, and Ambulance 61.
The real-life Engine 18 firehouse in Chicago serves as the exterior location for Firehouse 51, making it a popular tourist landmark for “One Chicago” fans worldwide. Additionally, real active-duty firefighters serve as background extras and technical advisors to ensure authentic rescue procedures on set.
Chicago Fire continues to be a dominant primetime hit because of its unbeatable combination of explosive action sequences and genuine heart. Its central time slot at 9 PM keeps the momentum going on One Chicago Wednesdays, delivering high audience retention and emotional storylines that keep viewers invested year after year.
Chicago P.D.
Wednesdays at 10 PM ET
Premieres Wednesday, October 7
Log Line: The uniformed officers and elite Intelligence Unit of District 21 fight heavy crime and corruption on the streets of Chicago under relentless pressure.
Starring: Jason Beghe, Marina Squerciati, Patrick John Flueger, LaRoyce Hawkins, Amy Morton, Benjamin Levy Aguilar
Season 14 of Chicago P.D. caps off NBC's Wednesday night lineup with a gritty, hard-hitting look at law enforcement in the Windy City. Led by the formidable Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), the District 21 Intelligence Unit tackles the city’s most formidable offenses—including organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal arms sales, and high-profile homicides.
Interesting fact: Beghe's gravelly, voice-distorted tone—which became the signature hallmark of Sergeant Voight—is actually the result of a near-fatal 1999 car crash that left him hospitalized and permanently altered his vocal cords.
Chicago P.D. maintains its status as a top-tier police drama by offering a darker, more complex tone than traditional network procedurals. Closing out the One Chicago block at 10 PM, the show delivers intense action, moral dilemmas, and gripping serial character arcs that guarantee strong night-ending viewership for NBC.
Law & Order: SVU
Thursdays at 9 PM ET
Premieres Thursday, October 8
Log Line: Captain Olivia Benson and her dedicated squad of Special Victims Unit detectives investigate complex cases of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and human trafficking in New York City.
Starring: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Octavio Pisano, Kevin Kane, Kelli Giddish
Now in its groundbreaking 28th season, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit stands as the longest-running live-action primetime series in American television history. Led by Emmy-winner (and recent Emmy host) Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson, the Manhattan SVU squad investigates emotionally charged crimes involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence, fighting fiercely for justice on behalf of victims.
Hargitay was so profoundly moved by her role as Olivia Benson that she trained as a real-life rape crisis counselor and founded the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse. Additionally, co-star Ice-T (Fin Tutuola) is the longest-running male series regular in TV history.
Law & Order: SVU remains a powerhouse hit because of its cultural impact, compassionate lead character, and ability to adapt headline-grabbing stories into compelling drama. Paired with the original Law & Order on Thursday nights, SVU continues to dominate linear ratings and streaming playback.
Law & Order
Thursdays at 10 PM ET
Premieres Thursday, October 8
Log Line: The American criminal justice system is examined from two distinct sides: the police detectives who investigate brutal crimes and the district attorneys who prosecute offenders in court.
Starring: Sam Waterston, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, Mehcad Brooks, Reid Scott, Tony Goldwyn
Dick Wolf’s legendary flagship series Law & Order returns for its 26th season, continuing its iconic "two-part" storytelling structure. The first half-hour follows NYPD homicide detectives investigating high-profile murders across New York City, while the second half-hour shifts to the Manhattan District Attorney's office as prosecutors navigate complex legal maneuvers to secure convictions.
Law & Order’s famous "dun-dun" sound effect—created by sound designer Brian Keane by blending synthesized chimes, a snare drum, and a slamming door—has become one of the most recognizable audio signatures in pop culture history.
Law & Order has endured for decades because of its timeless, formulaic perfection. By tackling modern legal dilemmas, ethical grey areas, and contemporary social issues, the series provides a satisfying, self-contained procedural experience that appeals to both veteran fans and new viewers closing out Thursday nights.
Happy's Place
Fridays at 8 PM ET
Premieres Friday, October 23
Log Line: A devoted daughter who inherits her late father's neighborhood tavern discovers a shocking family secret: she must co-manage the establishment with a half-sister she never knew existed.
Starring: Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, Belissa Escobedo, Rex Linn, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk
Country music icon Reba McEntire returns to multi-camera comedy in Season 3 of Happy's Place, anchoring NBC's Friday night comedy block. McEntire stars as Bobbie, a woman who inherits her late father's popular local bar, only to discover in the aftermath that her father had a secret life—and she must now co-own the tavern alongside Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), a Gen Z half-sister she never knew existed.
Happy's Place is a joyous Reba sitcom reunion: co-star Melissa Peterman (who played rival-turned-bestie Barbra Jean on Reba) co-stars as tavern bartender Gabby, while McEntire’s real-life partner Rex Linn plays the bar's head cook, Tavern Joe.
Happy's Place has all the ingredients of a long-running hit thanks to Reba McEntire’s legendary charisma, sharp multi-cam timing, and warm heart. Its comforting atmosphere, intergenerational sister dynamic, and reliable Friday 8 PM slot make it a cozy favorite for multi-generational broadcast audiences.
Newlyweds
Fridays at 8:30 PM ET
Premieres Friday, October 23
Log Line: A free-spirited woman and a buttoned-up university professor impulsively marry after a whirlwind courtship, navigating the comedic friction of starting life together later in life.
Starring: Téa Leoni, Tim Daly, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gail Lerner, Jordan Gelber, Julianne Nicholson
Created by Will & Grace veteran Gail Lerner, Newlyweds is a brand-new multi-camera romantic sitcom about later-in-life love. The series centers on an unlikely pairing: a free-spirited, unconventional woman (Téa Leoni) and a structured, buttoned-up academic professor (Tim Daly) who get hitched impetuously after a passionate, whirlwind courtship. The comedy explores the hilarious culture clashes as two established adults blend their contrasting lifestyles, adult children, and quirky friends under one roof.
Stars Téa Leoni and Tim Daly are a real-life couple who previously starred together for six seasons on Madam Secretary before bringing their genuine romantic chemistry to a traditional multi-cam sitcom (although they’ve been together since late 2014, they were married only last year, so the “newlywed” label actually fits). To add even more star power, Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis joins the cast in a recurring guest role.
Newlyweds possesses huge hit potential by offering a rare, refreshing romantic comedy centered on mature leads. Scheduled right after Happy's Place, Leoni and Daly’s natural banter and Curtis' comedic guest spots make it a standout addition to NBC's Friday lineup.
St. Denis Medical
Mondays at 8 PM ET
Premieres Monday, November 2
Log Line: A mockumentary crew follows the dedicated, overworked, and quirky healthcare workers attempting to treat patients at an underfunded Oregon hospital.
Starring: Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper
Returning for its 3rd season, St. Denis Medical leads off NBC’s Monday night comedy block with sharp workplace satire. Executive produced by Justin Spitzer (Superstore) and Eric Ledgin, this mockumentary sitcom zeroes in on the dedicated yet wildly eccentric doctors, nurses, and administrators working at an underfunded, understaffed hospital in Oregon.
The show features a stacked ensemble of veteran comedy royalty, pairing Tony nominee David Alan Grier (as cynical emergency physician Dr. Ron) alongside The Goldbergs star Wendi McLendon-Covey (as ambitious hospital executive Joyce) and Fargo breakout Allison Tolman (as supervising nurse Alex).
St. Denis Medical has earned critical praise and audience loyalty by capturing the workplace hilarity and emotional exhaustion of healthcare workers. Following in the footsteps of NBC workplace classics like The Office and Parks and Recreation, its razor-sharp writing and relatable character dynamics give it every opportunity to become a long-term comedy anchor.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
Mondays at 8:30 PM ET
Premieres Monday, November 2
Log Line: A quirky documentary filmmaker tags along with a disgraced former sports star as he embarks on an absurd journey toward career redemption and public reinvention.
Starring: Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall
Created by 30 Rock veterans Robert Carlock and Sam Means, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins returns for Season 2 after establishing itself as one of television’s funniest original comedies. The series follows disgraced former New York Jets football star Reggie Dinkins (Tracy Morgan) and eccentric documentary filmmaker Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe), who is filming a redemptive documentary about Reggie’s chaotic attempts to rebuild his reputation.
The key to the entire series is the extraordinary on-screen pairing of Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe. Radcliffe, who has embraced bizarre comedic roles post-Harry Potter, developed an instant comedic rapport with Morgan's unpredictable, larger-than-life energy. The supporting cast features comedy heavyweights Erika Alexander (Living Single) and SNL alum Bobby Moynihan.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins has a massive chance to build on its hit status because of its rapid-fire joke density, satirical media commentary, and world-class comedic cast. Paired with St. Denis Medical on Mondays, it delivers one of the smartest, most hilarious half-hours on broadcast TV.
