Status of Some NBC Unscripted Shows Still Unknown

As mentioned in the previous article, NBC announced their 2020-2021, which usually provides a status of many shows that are holding in limbo, especially unscripted content. As with many network, some unscripted shows, especially game shows, don't get formal cancellations and just disappear into the sunset. Usually, if a show's status is in limbo for more than 12 month, it's presumed as cancelled. Occasionally, you will get the network's alternative content or unscripted content director to mention the status of a show, even though there's never a formal announcement. 

This appears to be the case with a few NBC shows, especially a slew of their summer series'.

NBC made no mention of the following unscripted shows in their 2020-2021 schedule: America's Got Talent, America's Got Talent: The Champions, American Ninja Warrior, Hollywood Game Night, Songland,  The Titan Games, The Wall, and World of Dance. Does this mean all these shows are cancelled? No, not at all, since NBC did not renew/cancel ANY of the current summer programming. So let's break it down based off ratings and what we already know.

America's Got Talent: The show will be back in summer 2021. The show is NBC's #1 show each summer and auditions have already begun for Season 16. Over the last few year, the show is usually "de facto" renewed. There's never a formal announcement but the planning and announcement of tapings tells you it will be back. The show is a staple and even when compared to some of the regular shows in fall/spring, it' one of the highest rated. Renewal chance: 100%

America's Got Talent: The Champions: The spinoff ratings were down for Season 2, but not enough for NBC to cancel the show. The question more becomes if they want to keep doing it. When the did Season 1 in 2018, it felt like it was going to be a one off special run, but then it got renewed. Is two runs of AGT a year too much? The show has aired in January each of the first two season, so you'd expect an announcement soon. If it can't tape in time for a winter run, NBC could likely just move on from it, otherwise it would air to close to the summer show and risk overexposure. I still think the show will be back, the ratings were too good to pass up another season. Renewal chance: 80% 

American Ninja Warrior: Another summer staple, it was postponed this summer due to COVID-19. The show will be back...but whether NBC waits until next summer or finds a gap for it somewhere else remains to be seen. It could fill the AGT: The Champions void if they decide not to bring that back. Renewal Chance: 100%

Hollywood Game Night: The show has been great filler over six seasons and 76 episodes. NBC has aired it at all different times of the year including Christmas specials and Red Nose Day specials. The ratings have never been spectacular, but enough to keep it around. However, it appears to be on its last leg. NBC had five remaining episodes left from season six that are airing on Sundays at 7/6c. The show is barely promoted and that timeslot is basically a burnoff slot considering they had better timelots they could have used. It's possible its kept around as a last resort in case scripted content is unable to tape due to the virus. Renewal Chance: 10%

Songland: This is a tough one. The show is only in its second season but even the first season wasn't really a hit. The ratings fell farther that NBC could easily move on. A lot could depend on how much unscripted content they want to have. Likely a toss up, but with NBC picking up a celebrity based music show in That's My Jam, this could be on it's way out: Renewal Chance: 50%

The Titan Games: Season one did quite well in the rating and NBC gave it a season two and expanded it to 13 episodes. While the ratings are almost half of season one, it is airing in the summer and the ratings are pretty on par with a lot of of summer content. This could be have life as a solid summer how or even midseason filler. Renewal chance: 75%

The Wall: The show was a huge hit in the first two seasons and NBC was quick to order more episodes. Then Chris Hardwick was hit sexual misconduct allegations. He was eventually cleared of those and NBC decided to air Season 3 almost two years later. The ratings have been solid, especially since moving to Mondays. Despite the long delay between seasons, it could come back, but I still give renewal chances at just 50%.

World of Dance: Already in its fourth season, the show has been a solid ratings performer and is getting a boost this year from the AGT as it's lead-in. It will be back, likely next summer and look for NBC to keep the AGT/World of Dance pairing on Tuesdays. Renewal chance: 100%

I will post separate article and update this article if there's any updates on these shows. COVID has changed a lot in the television industry and with new streaming services launching too, you just never know what's going to happen.