NBC is actively expanding its comedy programming, greenlighting two new multi-camera pilot projects. This move signifies a renewed focus on the pilot season, with the network now having eight pilots in development for the current season. These new additions promise fresh comedic narratives, featuring well-known talent and exploring diverse relationship dynamics.
NBC Expands Comedy Offerings with Star-Studded and Life-Stage-Focused Pilots
In a significant development for its upcoming programming, NBC officially announced on January 29, 2026, the order of two new multi-camera comedy pilots. This decision brings NBC's total pilot count for the current season to eight, surpassing the combined orders from all broadcast networks last year and signaling a robust investment in new content.
One of the highly anticipated projects is an untitled comedy crafted by Kari Lizer, the acclaimed creator of New Adventures of Old Christine. This series is set to star the celebrated actresses Jane Lynch and Katey Sagal, who will bring their comedic prowess to the small screen. The narrative, loosely inspired by the real-life bond between therapists Pepper Schwartz and Janet Lever (who are also serving as consulting producers), centers on two contrasting individuals, Ginger (Sagal) and Jill (Lynch). Described as "opposites that work best together," their story will explore how they navigate their past and envision their future, ultimately realizing the irreplaceable value of their unique dynamic. This project is a production of Paramount Television Studios, marking a notable collaboration as it's NBC's first pilot this year from an external studio. Kari Lizer will executive produce alongside Jane Lynch, Katey Sagal, Krista Vernoff, Andrew Stearn, and Alexandre Schmitt from Trip the Light Productions.
The second pilot, titled Newlyweds, is conceived by creator Gail Lerner, known for her work on popular shows like Will & Grace and Black-ish. This comedy delves into a "later-in-life love story," following the impulsive marriage of a free-spirited woman and a more reserved professor after a whirlwind romance. Universal Television is producing Newlyweds, with Gail Lerner writing and executive producing. She is joined in the executive production team by Jamie Lee Curtis, Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, Scott Schwartz, and Lionsgate Television.
These two new comedies join an existing pilot slate that includes an untitled single-camera comedy from Brooklyn Nine-Nine alumni Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, focusing on an L.A. private eye. Additionally, NBC has five drama pilots in development, including a reboot of Rockford Files, showcasing the network's revitalized approach to the traditional pilot season.
NBC's strategic expansion of its pilot development, particularly in the comedy genre, highlights a calculated effort to diversify its content and attract a broader audience. The inclusion of seasoned talents like Jane Lynch and Katey Sagal, alongside innovative concepts such as a later-in-life romance, suggests a commitment to both established and fresh storytelling. This invigorated pilot season signals a positive outlook for television enthusiasts, promising a range of compelling and entertaining shows in the near future.
