NBC Doubles Down on Drama With ‘Line of Fire,’ ‘The Rockford Files’ and Franchise Powerhouses
2026-05-12 |
Story by: Daniel Bevers
NBC is putting drama front and center for the 2026-27 television season, unveiling a lineup packed with high-stakes crime stories, franchise heavyweights and star-driven reboots led by Peter Krause, Hope Davis and David Boreanaz.
Leading the network’s new slate is “Line of Fire,” a tense family-centered law enforcement drama set to air Monday nights this fall. Starring Peter Krause and Hope Davis, the series follows the Hollingsworth family — a group of elite agents working across the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Secret Service and Department of Justice — as they become targets of a deadly conspiracy after a routine case spirals into something far more dangerous. Forced to blur professional lines and confront personal fractures, the family must protect each other while hunting a mysterious assassin, even if it means betraying the very code they swore to uphold.
NBC is also reviving a television classic with “The Rockford Files,” a modern reimagining of the iconic detective series debuting in January. David Boreanaz takes over the role of legendary private investigator James Rockford, a man newly released from prison after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Returning to Los Angeles to rebuild his life as a private eye, Rockford quickly finds himself trapped between law enforcement and organized crime. The cast also includes Oscar-nominated actress Jacki Weaver.
The network’s established drama brands remain a cornerstone of the schedule. NBC’s powerhouse One Chicago franchise returns Wednesdays with “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” and “Chicago P.D.” continuing to dominate primetime with interconnected stories focused on the personal and professional lives of Chicago’s first responders.
Also returning are two of television’s longest-running procedural hits. “Law & Order: SVU” comes back for its 28th season with Mariska Hargitay reprising her iconic role, while the original “Law & Order” enters its 26th season.
NBC has not yet announced a decision regarding the future of “The Hunting Party.”
The expanded drama push arrives as NBC continues to capitalize on its strong ratings momentum. The network closed the 2025-26 season ranked No. 1 among both total viewers and adults 18-49, powered by a combination of scripted franchises, live sports and event programming.
The 2026-27 season signals NBC’s continued investment in proven procedural storytelling while introducing darker, more serialized dramas aimed at broad primetime audiences.
NBC is also reviving a television classic with “The Rockford Files,” a modern reimagining of the iconic detective series debuting in January. David Boreanaz takes over the role of legendary private investigator James Rockford, a man newly released from prison after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Returning to Los Angeles to rebuild his life as a private eye, Rockford quickly finds himself trapped between law enforcement and organized crime. The cast also includes Oscar-nominated actress Jacki Weaver.
The network’s established drama brands remain a cornerstone of the schedule. NBC’s powerhouse One Chicago franchise returns Wednesdays with “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” and “Chicago P.D.” continuing to dominate primetime with interconnected stories focused on the personal and professional lives of Chicago’s first responders.
Also returning are two of television’s longest-running procedural hits. “Law & Order: SVU” comes back for its 28th season with Mariska Hargitay reprising her iconic role, while the original “Law & Order” enters its 26th season.
NBC has not yet announced a decision regarding the future of “The Hunting Party.”
The expanded drama push arrives as NBC continues to capitalize on its strong ratings momentum. The network closed the 2025-26 season ranked No. 1 among both total viewers and adults 18-49, powered by a combination of scripted franchises, live sports and event programming.
The 2026-27 season signals NBC’s continued investment in proven procedural storytelling while introducing darker, more serialized dramas aimed at broad primetime audiences.
NBC FALL 2026-27 SCHEDULE
MONDAY
10-11 p.m. – LINE OF FIRE
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – Chicago Med
9-10 p.m. – Chicago Fire
10-11 p.m. – Chicago P.D.
THURSDAY
9-10 p.m. – Law & Order: SVU
10-11 p.m. – Law & Order
MONDAY
10-11 p.m. – LINE OF FIRE
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – Chicago Med
9-10 p.m. – Chicago Fire
10-11 p.m. – Chicago P.D.
THURSDAY
9-10 p.m. – Law & Order: SVU
10-11 p.m. – Law & Order
NEW DRAMA SERIES
“LINE OF FIRE”
A family of law enforcement agents bridges personal differences and crosses professional boundaries as they tackle cases for the FBI, US Marshals, Secret Service and Department of Justice. After a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into a deadly conspiracy, they must use the expertise from a lifetime of protecting civilians and politicians to protect one another and bring the killer to justice … even if it means betraying their sworn code.
The series stars Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom and Charlie Barnett.
Writer Josh Safran executive produces with Jenna Bush Hager and Ben Spector. Director Rebecca Thomas also executive produces (pilot only).
“Line of Fire” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
“THE ROCKFORD FILES” (midseason)
A contemporary update on the classic series of the same name. Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn't take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organized crime.
The series stars David Boreanaz, Michaela McManus, Felix Solis and Jacki Weaver.
Writer Mike Daniels executive produces with Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman. Chris Leanza is co-executive producer. Director Greg Mottola also executive produces (pilot only).
“The Rockford Files” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
“LINE OF FIRE”
A family of law enforcement agents bridges personal differences and crosses professional boundaries as they tackle cases for the FBI, US Marshals, Secret Service and Department of Justice. After a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into a deadly conspiracy, they must use the expertise from a lifetime of protecting civilians and politicians to protect one another and bring the killer to justice … even if it means betraying their sworn code.
The series stars Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom and Charlie Barnett.
Writer Josh Safran executive produces with Jenna Bush Hager and Ben Spector. Director Rebecca Thomas also executive produces (pilot only).
“Line of Fire” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
“THE ROCKFORD FILES” (midseason)
A contemporary update on the classic series of the same name. Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn’t commit, James Rockford returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn't take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organized crime.
The series stars David Boreanaz, Michaela McManus, Felix Solis and Jacki Weaver.
Writer Mike Daniels executive produces with Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman. Chris Leanza is co-executive producer. Director Greg Mottola also executive produces (pilot only).
“The Rockford Files” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.