NBC Gives Line of Fire Extra Scripts After Strong Start
NBC has ordered five more scripts for Line of Fire, making it the first new broadcast drama of the 2026-27 season to secure more work beyond its initial order.
The pickup is for scripts only, not finished episodes. It is known as a back order, meaning the writers can keep working while the network decides whether to film more. If NBC converts the scripts to a full episodic order, season one would run to 18 episodes, according to Deadline.
Line of Fire follows a family of federal law enforcement agents caught up in a mystery. The series stars Peter Krause and Hope Davis and premiered on Sept. 21, 2026. It airs on Mondays at 10 p.m. after The Voice, a slot NBC set out at its May upfront presentation, as reported by Variety.
The early viewing figures explain the decision. The premiere grew to nearly 12 million viewers across platforms including encore showings. Episode two then rose 47% among adults 18-49 watching live or on the same day on NBC. The show has also lifted its time period by 48% in total viewers versus last autumn when measured across platforms after three days, Deadline reported.
What makes this stand out is how NBC is using broadcast and streaming together. Lisa Katz, president of Scripted Content for NBC and Peacock, told Deadline in an interview published on Oct. 12 that all five Wolf Entertainment Chicago and Law & Order series, plus Line of Fire, have sat in Peacock’s Top 10 since their premieres. For fans, this means a Monday night rating is only part of the picture. A place on the streaming chart counts too.
The order is also an early payoff from NBC’s return to pilots. The network made eight pilots in spring 2026 in a small revival of pilot season, the traditional system where networks film test episodes before choosing series. Four were picked up, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Alongside Line of Fire, the four series orders for 2026-27 included a Rockford Files reboot and the comedies Newlyweds and Sunset P.I., according to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. NBC had also signalled plans to keep making pilots in 2027.
NBC is giving Line of Fire another shop window this week. The pilot episode will get a promo run on the cable channel Bravo on Oct. 14. Longer term, the network has two milestones ahead. Law & Order: SVU will air its 600th episode on Nov. 12 with a reunion for Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, while Chicago Fire is approaching its 300th episode.
