As NBC prepares to reintroduce NBA games into its schedule starting from the 2025-26 season, it has decided to discontinue three shows. The cancellations include Suits: LA, Lopez vs. Lopez, and The Irrational. Despite having a star-studded cast and high expectations, Suits: LA struggled with ratings and ended after one season. Lopez vs. Lopez, a sitcom exploring family dynamics, will not return for a fourth season. The crime drama The Irrational, inspired by behavioral economist Dan Ariely's work, was canceled after two seasons.
The decision to cancel these series reflects NBC's strategic shift in programming priorities. Among them, Suits: LA aimed to continue the legacy of the popular USA Network show Suits but failed to meet audience expectations. Similarly, Lopez vs. Lopez brought humor and relatable family issues to the screen, while The Irrational offered a unique blend of psychology and crime-solving. These shows were casualties of NBC’s need to accommodate more sports content.
Suits: LA, featuring familiar faces from the original series, did not resonate as strongly with viewers as anticipated. Despite its promising premise, the show could not sustain interest beyond its debut season. On the other hand, Lopez vs. Lopez provided comedic relief through its portrayal of familial bonds and conflicts, yet it lacked enough traction for renewal. Lastly, The Irrational combined academic theory with thrilling narratives, offering an innovative approach to crime dramas, but ultimately fell short of securing long-term success.
NBC's focus on integrating NBA games into its lineup required significant adjustments to its current offerings. This move underscores the network's commitment to enhancing sports coverage while streamlining entertainment options. By eliminating underperforming programs, NBC aims to create space for high-profile sporting events that appeal to broader audiences.
This transition highlights the challenges faced by networks balancing diverse content types. With increased emphasis on live sports, NBC hopes to attract larger viewer bases and improve overall ratings. The elimination of Suits: LA, Lopez vs. Lopez, and The Irrational signals a clear direction toward prioritizing sports over certain scripted series. As such, this decision not only impacts existing fans but also sets the stage for potential new initiatives centered around basketball and other athletic competitions.