NBC has made its first cancellation decisions for the 2026-27 season, ending both Brilliant Minds and Stumble due to low viewership. The network announced these cancellations on May 1, 2026, following disappointing ratings that left both series struggling to find their audience.
Key facts about the cancellations:
- Brilliant Minds averaged just above 3 million viewers, making it NBC’s lowest-rated drama series.
- Stumble averaged only 2.24 million viewers during its single season.
- The final episodes of Brilliant Minds will air starting May 27, 2026, while Stumble concluded its run in March 2026.
- Brilliant Minds is loosely based on the work of neurologist Oliver Sacks and starred Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf.
The context surrounding these cancellations reveals a deeper trend within NBC’s programming strategy. Brilliant Minds aired its first season in September 2024 and followed up with a second season in September 2025. Despite the unique premise inspired by Sacks’ neurological insights, it failed to captivate audiences. Critics noted that the show experienced steep double-digit year-to-year declines in viewership.
That context matters because it highlights how even star power—like that of Zachary Quinto—cannot guarantee success if the storytelling does not resonate with viewers. Similarly, Stumble struggled to gain traction, spending its last few months on the bubble before ultimately being cut. Both shows were among NBC’s least watched scripted series of the season.
As NBC navigates this shifting landscape, it is still considering the future of other shows such as Law & Order, The Hunting Party, and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins. These decisions reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to changing viewer preferences and market demands.
The cancellations underscore a pivotal moment for NBC as it re-evaluates its lineup in pursuit of stronger ratings. With eight new pilots ordered for next season, the network seems poised to take risks on fresh content that could better engage audiences moving forward.