We’re barely into summer, and the state of broadcast TV is already bleak.
With heavy-hitters like NCIS, Matlock, and The Rookie off the air until fall, networks are waving goodbye to millions of loyal viewers — and to sites like TV Fanatic that thrive on the lively discourse these shows spark.
The fix? It’s time for broadcast networks to bring back summer scripted programming.
And if they want to play it smart? Procedurals are the golden ticket.
Right now, summer lineups are packed with unscripted filler and encore episodes.
But it wasn’t always this way.
Remember Mistresses? Under the Dome? Even The O.C. got its start as a surprise summer gem. These weren’t throwaway shows — they were buzzy, headline-grabbing, and appointment-viewing.
Broadcast TV Once Took Risks in the Summer
Sure, Under the Dome was a chaotic mess at times. But its first season generated serious heat for CBS, and it proved viewers were willing to show up — even when the sun was out.
It should’ve ended after one season, but at least it got an ending, which is more than we can say for Mistresses, axed by ABC without so much as a proper goodbye.
These days, networks seem terrified to take risks on serialized content unless it’s tied to a money-printing franchise.
But in a fragmented TV landscape, what still draws consistent audiences — week after week — are procedurals.
Just imagine: CBS launches a summer limited series set in the NCIS or FBI universe.
Six to eight tightly written episodes. A juicy, self-contained case. Familiar faces — or even fresh talent — bridging the gap between seasons.
That’s a win-win: fans stay engaged, and the characters slide right back into the mothership shows come fall.
It’s Time to Keep Viewers, Year Round
It’s wild that we live in a world where networks expect their most passionate viewers to disappear for three months and come back as if nothing changed.
Spoiler alert: it has changed.
Viewers have more options than ever, and if they find a new obsession on Netflix or Prime Video, there’s no guarantee they’ll be back in September.
Streaming platforms aren’t taking the summer off — why should broadcast?
Yes, money is tight. But if you want buzz, engagement, and a fighting chance in the year-round TV conversation, you tap into your most bankable IP.
Picture an NCIS team-up event airing in July. Less competition. Bigger spotlight. Built-in fanbase. It’s a no-brainer.
NBC has its own goldmine with the One Chicago and Law & Order brands.
Our own procedural queen, Jasmine Blu, recently laid out prequel ideas for One Chicago that would reignite the entire franchise.
The ideas are there. The audience is there. What’s missing is the will.
Can Someone Please Take a Risk?
Will networks take the risk that reaps rewards?
Honestly… probably not.
But if they don’t, they’re handing summer — and their most loyal viewers — over to streaming on a silver platter.
What are your thoughts on the state of summer programming, TV Fanatics?
Do you think the broadcast TV networks need to be scrappier and use more attention-grabbing properties to drum up interest?
Or, do you avoid those networks in the summer because there’s much more going on elsewhere?
Let’s have a conversation about it in the comments section!
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