Let’s be real: in 2025, TV’s not about chasing after the newest release. It’s about whose shows actually endure, fight through streaming noise, and still have fans abuzz every week. NBC and Peacock are now front and center in that fight—weighing the balance between the legacy of broadcast TV and the nimbleness of streaming. Which shows are still standing? Here’s my top 10 list of the largest NBC and Peacock shows that continue to draw viewers and maintain the franchises.
10. Happy’s Place
Reba McEntire’s return to sitcoms is not driven by nostalgia—it’s worthwhile. Happy’s Place has become a Friday night staple, recording decent ratings and a strong supporter base. It demonstrates that traditional family sitcoms have a place in primetime, especially when it’s based on a brand name such as Reba. As long as NBC continues to stand behind its two-hour comedy block, this one is a no-brainer.
9. St. Denis Medical
Mockumentary collides with medical chaos. St. Denis Medical has slid in quietly into one of NBC’s biggest comedy hits, ranking second in multiplatform viewership. It even outranks some of NBC’s longest-running dramas in terms of streaming value. The network is clearly in its corner, giving it prime scheduling instead of sending it to Friday limbo. All signs are pointing to renewal.
8. Law & Order
Law & Order may not be NBC’s flashiest show, but its brand strength makes it a factor. Together with SVU on Thursday nights, the show performs solidly in linear viewership. Even if its streaming numbers are weak, NBC isn’t going to abandon one of its most recognizable franchises anytime soon.
7. Chicago Med
Now entering its eleventh year, Chicago Med remains a top player in the One Chicago franchise. Budget reductions have cut its episode order, and it’s the weakest of the three Windy City programs, but its numbers are stable enough to sustain it. The franchise angle is a big crutch in this case.
6. Chicago Fire
The oldest of the One Chicago shows, Chicago Fire, continues to smolder. Entering season 14, it still garners great ratings, running more episodes than most network dramas in a time when cost-cutting is a trend. Though it’s no streaming monster, its linear base and franchise foundation ensure its future.
5. Chicago PD
Of the Chicago dramas, Chicago PD is positioned best. A good syndication deal, stable ratings, and being an anchor on Wednesday nights make it NBC’s most reliable performer. It’s basically renewal-proof now.
4. Brilliant Minds
One of the surprise survivors at NBC, Brilliant Minds (hosted by Zachary Quinto and based on Oliver Sacks), survived despite underwhelming ratings. Its cheesy premise and multiplatform popularity gave it a boost when other dramas faltered. It’s not a huge success, but it’s kickin’ and alive—at least for now.
3. The Voice
NBC’s reality behemoth still has its zing. The Voice is still the ratings champion, launches new scripted shows, and acts as a megaphone for NBC’s brand. It’s a talent competition show as well as a promotion engine, placing it firmly at the center of the network.
2. Law & Order: SVU
Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson remains an icon of popular culture, and SVU just continues to climb. It’s NBC’s top streaming show and consistently generates strong multiplatform demo numbers. With syndication, international sales, and its loyal audience, this one is as renewal-proof as a scripted show can be.
1. Sunday Night Football
And then there’s the undisputed monarch. Sunday Night Football has owned primetime for 12 straight seasons, drawing nearly 20 million viewers and breaking records every year. It’s not just a show—it’s NBC’s crown jewel and television’s most powerful asset.
From medical comedies and sitcoms to crime behemoths and live sporting events, NBC and Peacock’s slate shows that longevity is more valuable than buzz. Here are the 10 shows that keep on giving, reminding us that in the constantly evolving world of TV, longevity is key.