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NBC’s fall lineup returns with familiar franchises but notable cast shakeups that will change storylines and on-screen dynamics. As fans prepare for premieres, several longtime contributors are stepping away — some temporarily, others for good — while new faces slide into key roles.
NBC fall schedule and what viewers should watch first
The network’s calendar mixes live sports, reality series and scripted dramas. Early September opens with football and streaming momentum, while October brings back the One Chicago universe and Law & Order staples.
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- Wednesday, September 9 — Football Night in America, NFL Kickoff Game
- Sunday, September 13 — Football Night in America, Sunday Night Football
- Thursday, September 17 — The Traitors: New Blood
- Monday, September 21 — The Voice; Line of Fire
- Tuesday, September 22 — The Voice (second night)
- Friday, September 25 — Dateline
- Wednesday, October 7 — Chicago Med (8 p.m.); Chicago Fire (9 p.m.); Chicago P.D. (10 p.m.)
- Thursday, October 8 — Law & Order: SVU: New Blood (9 p.m.); Law & Order (10 p.m.)
- Friday, October 23 — Happy’s Place (8 p.m.); Newlyweds (8:30 p.m.)
- Monday, November 2 — St. Denis Medical (8 p.m.); The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (8:30 p.m.)
One Chicago’s evolving roster: exits, returns and new leadership
The One Chicago franchise will again spotlight turnover among its cast. These changes affect plot arcs across Chicago Fire, Med and P.D.
Joe Miñoso’s status
Joe Miñoso, known to fans of Chicago Fire, has been reported as leaving ahead of season 15. Still, sources indicate he will appear in several episodes when the season resumes.
Leadership changes on and off set
Andrea Newman, who helped steer the franchise behind the scenes for more than a decade, has departed. That creative shift arrives as productions adapt to new personnel.
Character reshuffling at Firehouse 51
Actor Dermot Mulroney, who briefly reappeared in the season 14 finale, will not continue with the series. His character, Dom Pascal, was absent for large stretches this past season. In his stead, Rob Morgan (Andre Hopkins) stepped into the chief role at Firehouse 51.
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Law & Order’s next season introduces a new detective pairing. The change comes as one actor exits by choice and another arrives to fill the senior role.
- Detective Theo Walker, played by David Ajala, will be paired with a new senior detective.
- Reid Scott will depart his role as Detective Vincent Riley after a brief arc. He will remain in a few episodes before leaving.
- James Badge Dale has been cast to replace Riley as the new senior detective, according to industry reports.
Reports describe Scott’s departure as amicable. The show did not kill the character off, leaving the possibility that Riley could return later.
How these cast moves might affect storytelling
Shifts in the cast often force changes to long-term plans. New chiefs, exited showrunners and swapped partners can redirect plotlines and open fresh character beats.
- Temporary returns, like Mulroney’s finale cameo, can set up future storylines.
- Offscreen departures from leadership roles often alter tone and pacing.
- Amicable exits keep options open for future guest appearances.
Key dates to mark in your calendar
Below are the major premiere nights for NBC’s fall slate so you can plan viewing or streaming nights.
- Sept. 9 — NFL Kickoff Game
- Sept. 13 — Sunday Night Football returns
- Sept. 17 — The Traitors: New Blood premieres
- Sept. 21–22 — The Voice resumes on consecutive nights
- Sept. 25 — Dateline (Friday night)
- Oct. 7 — Block night for Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.
- Oct. 8 — New Law & Order episodes and SVU spin-off
- Oct. 23 — Comedy double bill: Happy’s Place and Newlyweds
- Nov. 2 — St. Denis Medical and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins debut
