NBC's 2020-2021 Schedule Includes Two New Game Shows

Today, NBC announced their much delayed 2020-2021 broadcast schedule. This is usually when we can find out the fate of some of the network's unscripted content, as they sometimes don't always announce direct cancellations for those type of shows.

First, we will start with the new stuff. NBC has announced two new game shows, That's My Jam and Small Fortune.

That's My Jam is a show hosted by Jimmy Fallon that's based on the musical games he plays on his late night talk show. The show was actually comissioned back in early 2019 and was originally suppose to air after the Tokyo Olympics in August. Obviously, with the coronavirus pandemic, that didn't happen. The show has been picked up for ten episodes and will feature celebrity contestants. The top prize is not known. Since the show was originally set for an August premiere, it's unclear whether or not the show has taped or not. Either way, my guess is that NBC is planning on launching it in August of 2021 and will again have it follow the postponed 2020 Olympic Games next summer.

The second show they picked up is Small Fortune. This is an important of the British ITV show which only lasted one season. This was again a show commissioned way back in early 2019. It features teams of contestants playing small pint sized games to win big prizes. It's similar in style to Minute to Win It. This show is currently casting, and was announced as a six episode pick-up. No word on when or where it will tape, as Hollywood begins to re-open, but my guess is that it will be another summer 2021 show.

Of course, the previously announced Ellen's Game of Games will be back for a season four. Assuming they can tape the shows in time, expect it to have another winter run in early 2021.

Noticeably missing rrom the announcement is a couple game shows and several reality shows. The Wall, Hollywood Game Night, American Ninja Warrior and America's Got Talent were not mentioned.

AGT is NBC's #1 summer show and auditions have already begun for Season 16. The show will be back. NBC didn't talk about the Olympics in the press release either, so it's likely they are holding off on announcing any of the summer shows for next year yet, and AGT is notoriously known for not actually being formally announced as renewed. It's usually just "de facto" renewed because of the casting and stuff.

The spinoff, AGT: The Champions always wasn't mentioned but again, given the uncertainty of being able to film the show for a winter 2021 run, NBC could be holding off or just deciding not to go further.

American Ninja Warrior was supposed to be back this summer and was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That's expected to be back as well. 

As for The Wall and HGN, neither are expected back at this point but we will have separate articles on those and AGT: Champions that talk about the future of those shows.