NBC has ordered pilots for two new drama series, What the Dead Know from producer Dick Wolf and Puzzled, an adaptation of the Puzzle Master story by writer Joey Falco. The network made these moves as part of six pilot pickups announced this week for the 2026 season. The orders come from NBC's Burbank headquarters and target the 2026-27 broadcast lineup.
Background
Pilot season used to be a big deal for networks like NBC. Back in 2013, the major broadcasters ordered close to 100 pilots combined. They would pick up scripts, cast actors, and shoot test episodes from January through May. This led up to the upfronts where they pitched shows to advertisers. That system kept many writers busy with networks buying around 150 comedy and 150 drama scripts each year.
Things changed after that. Streaming services grew fast, and cable competition heated up. Networks shifted to straight-to-series orders, skipping the pilot step. By 2014, Fox executive Kevin Reilly said pilot season was dead. The industry moved to year-round development. This cut costs but also reduced chances to test ideas before full commitment.
The pandemic sped up these changes. Broadcast development slowed as streaming took over. Now, in 2026, NBC is bringing back pilots in a bigger way. The network plans five to seven this season, its largest investment since the disruptions started. This week marked the first orders of the year. Besides What the Dead Know and Puzzled, NBC picked up a reboot of The Rockford Files, a U.S. Marshals drama called Protection, an untitled crime drama, and a private investigator comedy from the Brooklyn Nine-Nine creators.
Dick Wolf has a long history with NBC. His Law & Order franchise has been a staple for decades. Shows like Chicago Fire and FBI spin-offs keep his name strong. Joey Falco brings experience too. He wrote for Charmed and Sleepy Hollow, both hits in their time. These creators give NBC familiar ground to build on.
Key Details
What the Dead Know comes from Dick Wolf's team. The project draws on his knack for crime and mystery tales. Details on the plot remain under wraps, but it fits Wolf's style of procedural dramas with twists. NBC sees potential in his track record. Wolf's shows often run for years and spin off into more series.
Puzzled adapts the Puzzle Master concept. Joey Falco penned the script. Falco knows supernatural and ensemble stories from his past work. The show centers on puzzles and likely mixes brains with suspense. It joins Universal Television's slate, the same studio behind Protection.
Other Pilots in the Mix
Protection focuses on U.S. Marshals. Josh Safran wrote it. He has credits in high-stakes dramas. The Rockford Files reboot revives the 1970s detective classic. An untitled crime drama rounds out serious entries. The PI comedy from Brooklyn Nine-Nine alumni adds humor with investigation beats.
These six pilots show NBC's mix. Reboots bring nostalgia. New ideas from proven writers lower risk. The network aims to test them before full series greenlights.
"The pilot process lets us see if a premise, team, and cast click before going all in." – Network development executive
NBC's push comes after lean years. Post-peak TV means tighter budgets. Networks buy fewer scripts now, focusing on what fits the next season. Pilots cost money but save more by spotting issues early.
What This Means
For NBC, more pilots mean a stronger lineup shot. They can tweak scripts, swap casts, or drop weak ideas before spending on full seasons. This old-school method returns as streaming costs rise and viewers return to broadcast.
Writers and producers get work. The old system supported hundreds yearly. Now, even a few pilots mean jobs for crews in Los Angeles and beyond. Casting directors, set builders, and editors gear up.
Viewers could see fresh shows soon. If pilots impress, they hit air in 2026-27. Success might spark more orders across ABC, CBS, and others. Fox sits out pilots this year after studio changes. The CW skips originals under new ownership.
The industry watches NBC closely. A hit pilot season could revive the frenzy. It signals broadcast's fight back against streamers. Ad dollars still flow to networks with live events and broad appeal. Wolf and Falco projects position NBC well.
Competition stays fierce. Streamers order series fast, but pilots give networks an edge in testing. NBC's six picks set a pace. More announcements likely follow as 2026 upfronts near.
This move fits broader trends. Fiscal caution rules after overspending. Networks pick trusted names like Wolf, whose shows draw steady numbers. Falco's puzzle angle taps mystery fans.
Protection's Marshals story adds action. Rockford reboot eyes older viewers. The comedy balances the slate. Untitled crime keeps options open.
NBC invests now to fill holes. Hits age out; new blood needed. Pilots bridge that gap smartly.
