Photo: Ralph Bavaro/NBC
NBC is rethinking its programming schedule.
The network is reportedly considering cutting back primetime programming from three hours to two and turning over the 10 p.m. ET hour to local affiliates, according toThe Wall Street Journal.
Although they did not offer any further comment on the report, NBC told PEOPLE in a statement: “We are always looking at strategies to ensure that our broadcast business remains as strong as possible. As a company, our advantage lies in our ability to provide audiences with the content they love across broadcast, cable and streaming.”
Although the move will likely not affect primetime sports packages, it might result in earlier airtimes forThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,Late Night With Seth MeyersandSaturday Night Live. Their late-night lineup currently airs at 11:35 p.m. ET on weeknights, whileSNLairs live at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 PT on Saturdays.
Upcoming programming during the 10 p.m. slot includesQuantum Leap(premiering Sept. 19),New Amsterdam(Sept. 20),Chicago P.D.(Sept. 21),Law & Order: Organized Crime(Sept. 22) and the last half ofDatelineon Fridays.
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty
As the network’s 2022–23 schedule is locked, the change would not go into effect until fall 2023 at the earliest.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, the network has not made any formal proposals to affiliate, but several major station groups would be happy to have the extra hour to program local news or syndicated programs.
NBC’s potential schedule change would also help the network save money as broadcast ratings continue to decline and media brands like NBCUniversal and parent company Comcast invest in streaming platforms.
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source: people.com
