We are more than ready for fall TV to come back, and now all the networks have set their return dates. Some of NBC’s premiere dates for our favorite crime dramas are later than we would usually expect, but this could work out on the other side.
A later start means that there are fewer weeks to fill before the finales. And since some of the shows will have fewer episodes per season, this is going to be important.
Chicago PD is being held until October
One of the most notable delays is that of Chicago PD and the entire One Chicago lineup. Most of the time, this Dick Wolf franchise will premiere in September. The main times in recent years that we’ve seen a delay were due to the pandemic and the writers and actors strikes of 2023.
Part of the delay could be linked to the fact that there are only 21 episodes to the season. However, we’ve seen September starts for shorter season orders, so that doesn’t make a lot of sense. It’s possible that the network is just looking at reducing the delays in the second half of the season.
The Hunting Party will no longer premiere in the fall
Another notable change is that The Hunting Party is no longer on the list of premiere dates. It was set for Thursdays after Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU during the May Upfronts, but now it’s being held for the midseason.
This could be a great thing for the crime drama, as it started off as a midseason series. It can benefit from NBC’s promotion push after big football games and the Winter Olympic coverage in February. Plus, a midseason start means that lower linear ratings aren’t too bad, so it makes the show a little safer.
NBC’s fall 2025 premiere dates for all crime dramas
We’re only including the crime drama premiere dates on this list. Of course, NBC is packed with other content, including Brilliant Minds and The Voice. We’re only concerned about the crime dramas, as that’s what you’re on this site for.
Thursday, Sept. 25
8 p.m.: Law & Order season 25
9 p.m.: Law & Order: SVU season 27
10 p.m.: Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5
Friday, Sept. 26
9 p.m.: Dateline NBC
Wednesday, Oct. 1
10 p.m.: Chicago PD season 13
As you will see, Law & Order: Organized Crime season 5 will get a linear outing. This is despite the show moving to Peacock for its fifth season. A lot of networks are starting to do this with streaming shows, especially if they’re looking to fill gaps in the broadcast schedule, so it’s not all that surprising or concerning.
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