Night Courtseason 4 is on the bubble of cancellation on NBC, according to a new report. When it premiered in January 2023, the multi-cam sitcom garnered more than 7 million viewers. Another two million viewers were added in the immediate aftermath, with delayed viewership being taken into account. Although theMelissa Rauch and John Larroquette-led reboothas performed solidly in the ratings since then, it hasn’t gone anywhere near the same highs.
A new report fromDeadlineputs the spotlight on NBC’s primetime schedule, zeroing in on the renewal decisions the network has to make. Although most of NBC’s shows have not gotten an early renewal, the comedy side is especially in flux. It’s already confirmed thatHappy’s PlaceandSt. Denis Medicalwill be back for season 2, andthe network has three comedy pilots that could be added to the schedule. This leavesthe fate ofNight CourtandLopez vs. Lopezin doubt, with both potentially facing cancellation.
What This Means For Night Court
NBC May Be Welcoming Other Comedies Instead
The fate ofNight Court, andLopez vs Lopezas well,may come to what NBC decides that it wants to do with other potential series. The network has three pilots in the pipeline, all of which are single-cam. Of those, the project led by Tracy Morgan from30 Rockcreative duo Tiny Fey and Robert Carlock has the strongest chance to move forward and gain a spot on the schedule.
Why Dan Fielding Is No Longer The Womanizer That He Was In The Original Series In His Night Court Revival Return
In the original Night Court, John Larroquette’s Dan Fielding was a notorious womanizer, but in the revival, he is a changed man for good.
Because of all the decisions that NBC has to make, it ispossible that the comedy slate will not be decided in time for the Upfronts in May. That is when networks, in addition to streaming platforms, present their programming schedules to advertisers and make deals on that basis. As it stands,Night Courtseason 4’s chancesare described as “50/50.” It could go either way, with the viewership forLopez vs Lopezskewing younger and more diverse.
Our Take On Night Court’s Renewal Chances
The Show Has Impressively Survived
After its big premiere, the numbers for the reboot have settled at around 2-3 million per episode. That number may be larger once streaming numbers and longer delayed viewership metrics are added in. It has been enough for three seasons, but with greater competition on the comedy side, it’s no longer a guarantee that theNight Courtreboot castwill make their way back for another round of episodes.
Night Courtseason 4airs Tuesdays at 8:30 PM ET on NBC and streams on Peacock
Night Court
Cast
Night Court is a 2023 series following optimistic judge Abby Stone, daughter of the late Harry Stone, as she oversees the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court, navigating a group of quirky and skeptical colleagues, including former prosecutor Dan Fielding.
