In a decisive move to finalize its 2026-27 prime-time slate, NBC has officially pulled the plug on two scripted series: the medical drama Brilliant Minds and the freshman mockumentary Stumble. The announcement, made on May 4, 2026, follows months of speculation and marks the network’s first major cancellations of the season, leaving only two other returning shows on the “bubble.”
Brilliant Minds Fails to Find its Rhythm
Despite a high-profile lead in Zachary Quinto, Brilliant Minds will not return for a third season. The sophomore medical drama struggled to maintain its audience in the competitive Monday night slot following The Voice. NBC telegraphed this outcome back in February when the show was pulled from the schedule to make room for extended episodes of the singing competition. Recording the steepest year-over-year ratings decline for any NBC drama this season, the show will air its final six remaining episodes starting May 27, 2026, as a brief summer send-off for fans.
Stumble Falls Short Despite Critical Praise
The single-camera cheerleading mockumentary Stumble, starring Jenn Lyon, has also been axed after just one season. While the show enjoyed strong creative support internally and boasted impressive scores on Rotten Tomatoes (82% Critics, 96% Audience), the critical acclaim failed to translate into a viable linear audience. Originally paired with Reba McEntire’s Happy’s Place on Friday nights, the tonal shift between a traditional multi-cam sitcom and a mockumentary proved difficult for viewers, leading to a decline that ultimately made renewal impossible.
The Road Ahead for NBC
With these two shows off the board, industry eyes are now on the remaining unresolved scripted series as NBC prepares for its upfront presentations. Meanwhile, the television landscape remains crowded with new contenders. Over at HBO Max, the new comedy Rooster—co-created by Bill Lawrence and starring Steve Carell—is picking up massive steam as a potential Emmy juggernaut. As NBC clears its schedule, the competition for prestige and ratings continues to intensify across both broadcast and streaming platforms.