In 2026, more than 120 scripted and unscripted shows have already picked up renewals across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, according to Deadlineand Varietytracking. Major series are back for more, with ABC’s “The Good Doctor” returning for a ninth season and NBC’s “Chicago Fire” locked through 2027
Multiple platforms, including Prime Video — which has greenlit several hits for years beyond 2026 — are driving a dynamic renewal cycle shaped by surging audience demand and the intense streaming wars.
Streaming services have amped up early renewals — Prime Video’s “Reacher” and “The Boys” are set for additional seasons, locking in favorites for long runs. Disney+ renewed “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for season three before even airing season two, a rare show of confidence in growing its franchise universe. Paramount+ also extended “Star Trek:Strange New Worlds” through a fourth season.
These forward-looking decisions reveal the bigger picture: streaming services are using targeted renewals to anchor their programming deals and outpace rival platforms. Internal projections at Prime Video tie continued year-over-year subscriber growth directly to the return of major franchises through at least 2027.
Network Television Bets on Standby Franchises
Data reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter reveals CBS is banking on audience loyalty, renewing “NCIS” and “FBI” for the 2026–2027 cycle. ABC doubled down on both “The Good Doctor” and “Will Trent” for the upcoming broadcast season, with “Will Trent” seeing a lift in live ratings thanks to its recent syndication launch.
The Influence of Fan Engagement and Creators
The outsized influence of online fandoms and direct creator engagement shaped several 2026 renewals in unexpected ways. According to Variety, Hulu didn’t waste much time confirming “Only Murders in the Building” for a fifth season, doing so just after a passionate social media campaign. Amazon’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” renewal followed open support from Jenny Han, the series creator, who pointed to unwavering weekly viewership as the deciding factor.
This groundswell from fans has actually accelerated release calendars — several series, like “Shadow and Bone” and “Upload,” locked in mid-season renewal announcements long before the usual network timeline.
New Seasons Stretch Into 2027 and Beyond
Looking ahead, several big franchises are booked through 2027, reflecting the increasing appetite for multi-year content deals. Disney+ locked both “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and “The Mandalorian” for two more seasons apiece, pushing their life spans into 2027. Over at Prime Video, “The Boys” is confirmed for a sixth season and counting, while NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU”—after nearly three decades—remains the longest-running scripted drama, with renewal covering its twenty-ninth year.
Paramount+ is expanding its “Star Trek” universe with multiple crossover specials, something the franchise hasn’t seen since its streaming debut. The extended runs for these returning hits help lock in schedules and allow platforms to secure multi-year advertising contracts — especially as streaming bundles become critical for retaining subscribers as far out as 2027.
Diversity, Genre Shifts, and International Co-Productions
International partnerships are expanding as well — Netflix’s “Lupin” is set to maintain global distribution, with future episodes confirmed for 2027, further proving that cross-border co-productions are vital to streaming strategies. Studios are doubling down on diverse casts and production teams. CBS alone committed to three season orders for shows led by actors of color, lifting the hiring metrics reported by the Screen Actors Guild in spring 2026 to new highs.
Industry Impact and What’s Next for Renewals
With Star Trek: Strange New Worlds signaling the end of what many call the “peak streaming” era, the back half of 2026 should bring even more significant anniversaries for beloved series and fresh challenges for network schedulers.
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