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NBC Pilots: Jake Johnson Comedy Leads Pack
2 May
Summary
- NBC is finalizing its 2026-27 schedule with many pilot decisions pending.
- Jake Johnson's comedy 'Sunset P.I.' is a strong frontrunner for series.
- Several drama pilots are competing for limited series slots on the network.
NBC is in the critical final stage of selecting its 2026-27 programming slate, with decisions on multiple pilots expected imminently. The network's strategy of ordering fewer pilots this year, around eight, has yielded a promising crop of contenders. Jake Johnson's single-camera comedy, "Sunset P.I.," is widely viewed as the frontrunner, with a series order considered a near certainty. David Boreanaz's iteration of "The Rockford Files" is also a strong candidate for a drama series order.
Competition is fierce among the drama pilots, with "Key Witness" and "What The Dead Know" reportedly vying for a single slot. Both feature strong female leads and could be positioned as companions to the established procedural "Law & Order: SVU." Another drama, "In the Line of Fire," starring Peter Krause and Hope Davis, is also receiving positive feedback.
On the comedy front, "Newlyweds" and "Jill & Ginger" are comparable in strength, with one likely to be picked up as a companion to "Happy's Place." The network recently canceled "Stumble" and "Brilliant Minds," potentially clearing space for top-tier pilots. The inclusion of Peacock as a potential platform for a drama pilot adds another layer to the decision-making process.
