The 2026 Winter Olympics, taking place in various locations across Lombardy and Northeast Italy, has led several major television networks to place numerous primetime shows on hiatus. The event, which runs from February 6 to February 22, has prompted networks to adjust their programming schedules in anticipation of viewers tuning into the global sporting spectacle.
NBC Takes Center Stage with Olympic Coverage
As the primary broadcaster of the Winter Olympics, NBC has made significant alterations to its lineup. The network has largely suspended new episodes of its shows during the two-week event. Viewers eagerly awaiting the return of popular series such as The Voice: Battle of Champions can expect a fresh episode on February 23, airing from 21:00 to 23:00 GMT.
Long-running favorites like Law & Order and its spin-off, SVU, will return on February 26. The One Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD, will culminate in a three-way crossover event on March 4. With the Winter Olympics dominating the viewing landscape, NBC has prioritized sports coverage over regular programming.
Other Networks Follow Suit
While CBS is not broadcasting the Winter Olympics, it has still opted for a cautious approach. The network has been airing reruns of its shows since December 2025. Following the Olympics, FBI will return on February 23, alongside the debut of its spin-off, CIA. Other CBS shows scheduled to resume include a range of Thursday and Friday night offerings, such as Ghosts and Fire Country, which will be back on air from February 26 and February 27, respectively.
The NCIS franchise, which includes NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney, will shift its return date to March 4 to accommodate Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
On the other hand, ABC has chosen to maintain a mixed approach. While The Rookie and Will Trent will continue their regular schedules, other popular series such as 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy will not return until February 26. The comedy Abbott Elementary will also be on hiatus during the Olympics.
In contrast, Fox will largely retain its original programming schedule. Most shows on the network will continue to air as planned, ensuring that fans do not miss out on their favorite series.
The adjustments made by these networks reflect a strategic decision to align with the massive viewership expected during the Winter Olympics. As fans eagerly anticipate the return of their favorite shows, the event provides an opportunity for networks to capitalize on the heightened interest in sports programming.
