The End of an Era: NBC Cancels ‘Brilliant Minds’ and ‘Stumble’

In a move that has left many fans disappointed, NBC has officially announced the cancellation of two of its scripted series: the medical drama Brilliant Minds and the mockumentary comedy Stumble. This decision comes as the network prepares for its upcoming upfront presentation, signaling a strategic shift in its programming for the next season.

Brilliant Minds: A Short-Lived Medical Journey

The medical drama Brilliant Minds, featuring a powerhouse performance by Zachary Quinto, will conclude its run after two seasons. Loosely based on the fascinating work of renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks, the show attempted to blend science with deep human emotion.

While the series garnered praise for its intellectual approach to medicine, it struggled to maintain a massive audience. For those wanting to catch the final chapters, NBC will air the remaining episodes throughout the summer, starting May 27.

Stumble: The Comedy That Didn’t Quite Stick

Joining Brilliant Minds on the chopping block is Stumble, a mockumentary centered around a college cheer squad and their coach, played by Jenn Lyon. Unfortunately, the comedy failed to find its footing with viewers and has been cancelled after just one season. The final episode of the series aired back in March, marking a quiet end for the cheer-focused satire.

The Numbers: Why Were They Cancelled?

In the competitive world of broadcast television, ratings are everything. Both shows found themselves at the bottom of NBC’s scripted leaderboard this season. Here is a glimpse at the linear viewing numbers (pre-streaming) that led to the decision:

n
• Brilliant Minds: Averaged just over 3 million viewers, making it the lowest-rated drama on the network this season.
• Stumble: Averaged approximately 2.24 million viewers.

What’s Next for NBC?

While these cancellations make room for new projects, the network still has several shows awaiting a verdict for the 2026-27 season. Viewers are still waiting for news on Law & Order, The Hunting Party, and the freshman comedy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.

NBC is clearly looking toward the future, having ordered eight new pilots—a surprisingly high number compared to recent years. This suggests that the network is aggressively searching for the next big hit to anchor its schedule.

For more updates on television renewals and cancellations, you can stay tuned to The Hollywood Reporter for the latest industry insights.