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NBC Revives Pilot Season with Six New Dramas

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NBC has expanded its pilot orders for the 2026-2027 season to six, signaling a revived pilot season.
Two new crime dramas, Puzzled and What the Dead Know, are among the six.
Puzzled, created by Joey Falco, follows a college athlete with traumatic brain injury who helps solve crimes.
What the Dead Know, from Dick Wolf, features a death investigator collaborating with the NYPD.

History

Historical Context

The concept of "pilot season" emerged in the mid-1950s, allowing networks like NBC to produce numerous pilot episodes for potential series. By 2004, this practice intensified, with NBC creating over 40 pilots, reflecting a competitive landscape. The recent expansion of NBC's pilot orders for the 2026-2027 season highlights a commitment to innovative storytelling, particularly in crime dramas, shaping future audience engagement.

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Story summary

NBC has expanded its pilot orders for the 2026-2027 season to six, signaling a revived pilot season.
Two new crime dramas, Puzzled and What the Dead Know, are among the six.
Puzzled, created by Joey Falco, follows a college athlete with traumatic brain injury who helps solve crimes.
What the Dead Know, from Dick Wolf, features a death investigator collaborating with the NYPD.

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