The biggest week in television that most people have never heard of is currently lighting up New York City. Known as the “Upfronts,” this industry event sees major networks and streaming giants unveiling their upcoming programming in a dazzling bid to woo advertisers.
While many put on a good show, none do it quite like NBCUniversal. The media titan who’s celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, took over the iconic Radio City Music Hall for an unforgettable showcase of what’s to come across its family of networks, including Bravo, E!, SYFY, Telemundo, USA, and more.
The spectacle began with a 55-piece symphony orchestra performing a specially arranged medley of classic advertising jingles from brands like Pepsi, KitKat, Burger King, and Folgers Coffee. From there, Seth MacFarlane, Executive Producer, Writer, and voice of “Ted,” kicked off a Broadway-style opening number poking fun at rival platforms including Netflix, Max, Paramount+, and even Hulu which is currently home to two of MacFarlane’s hit animated shows, “Family Guy” and “American Dad.” The tongue-in-cheek routine featured a full chorus line and set the tone for a presentation full of star power and surprises.
Throughout the presentation, household names from across sports, TV, and film took the stage to tease upcoming projects. The evening wrapped with a high-energy preview of Snoop Dogg’s New Year’s Eve Special, complete with the rap legend performing some of his greatest hits.
As for NBCU’s 2026 programming slate, it’s packed with returning favourites, fresh comedies, gripping dramas, and high-profile specials:
- Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU are back, bringing the combined franchise total to an impressive 50 seasons.
- New returning comedies Denis Medical and Happy’s Place join the schedule to anchor Monday and Friday night laughs.
- Dramas Brilliant Minds and The Hunting Party have been renewed, and the fan-favourite Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. return to dominate Wednesdays.
- The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, debuts this autumn. Produced by 30 Rock duo Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, it follows a disgraced American footballer seeking redemption.
- Jimmy Fallon takes centre stage with a new competition series, On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, where marketing meets entertainment.
- The Voice kicks off its 28th season, with coaches Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Niall Horan bringing a global pop flair.
- Musical spectacular Wicked takes centre stage, featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and a few surprise guests.
- The Paper, a spinoff from The Office universe, stars Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Oscar Nuñez.
- All Her Fault, a gripping drama starring Dakota Fanning and Sarah Snook, adapts the bestselling novel by Andrea Mara.
- The Miniature Wife, led by Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen, promises twisted thrills in a small-scale domestic drama.
- Keke Palmer stars in The Burbs, a darkly comic reboot of the 1989 film about suspicious neighbours and suburban secrets.
From powerhouse franchises to bold new ideas, NBCUniversal’s slate shows no signs of slowing down. British viewers can expect many of these series to make their way across the pond and onto their streaming queues very soon!
-Janine Silver