NBC Renews 'Chicago' Franchise, CBS Cancels 'Watson' and 'DMV'

The network renewals and cancellations come as part of the 2026-27 TV season shakeup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:26pm

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NBC has renewed its popular 'Chicago' franchise - Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med - for additional seasons to air in 2026-27. Meanwhile, CBS has canceled two of its shows, Morris Chestnut's 'Watson' and Harriet Dyer's 'DMV', after two seasons and one season respectively.

Why it matters

The renewals and cancellations are part of the annual network TV shakeup as they determine which shows will continue and which will end. The 'Chicago' franchise has been a consistent performer for NBC, while the CBS cancellations signal a shift in the network's programming strategy.

The details

NBC announced the renewals for its 'Chicago' franchise on Friday. Chicago Fire will return for a 15th season, Chicago P.D. for a 14th season, and Chicago Med for a 12th season. Meanwhile, CBS canceled two of its newer dramas - Morris Chestnut's 'Watson' after two seasons and Harriet Dyer's 'DMV' after just one season. The network previously renewed several other freshman dramas including CIA, Marshals, Sheriff Country and Boston Blue, and ordered new dramas Cupertino and Einstein for next season.

  • The renewals and cancellations were announced on March 28, 2026.
  • The 'Chicago' franchise shows will air new seasons in the 2026-27 TV season.

The players

NBC

A major American television network that has renewed the popular 'Chicago' franchise for additional seasons.

CBS

A major American television network that has canceled two of its newer drama series, 'Watson' and 'DMV'.

Morris Chestnut

An American actor who starred in the CBS drama series 'Watson', which was canceled after two seasons.

Harriet Dyer

An Australian actress who starred in the CBS drama series 'DMV', which was canceled after one season.

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The takeaway

The network renewals and cancellations highlight the competitive and ever-changing landscape of television, where long-running franchises like 'Chicago' continue to thrive while newer shows struggle to find an audience and get the axe.