NBC in Talks to Cut an Hour of Primetime Programming

NBC's 10 p.m. programming may soon be no more. 

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the network is discussing releasing its 10 p.m. primetime hour back to local affiliates. While nothing has been officially announced yet - they are still in early talks - this decision would have a serious impact on the broadcaster's current programming. Series like Law & Order: Organized Crime, Chicago P.D., and the upcoming Quantum Leap reboot would all need to find new timeslots. 

The proposed plan, which would ideally cut costs as ratings continue to decline, could take effect as early as Fall 2023. This shift could see The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon bumped up to an earlier airing time like 11 p.m. or 10:30 p.m., while Late Night with Seth Meyers and Saturday Night Live would move to times earlier in the evening, too. 

NBC has not commented on these reports, but in a statement to the Wall Street Journal, the broadcaster said "We are always looking at strategies to ensure that our broadcast business remains as strong as possible. As a company, our advantage lies in our ability to provide audiences with the content they love across broadcast, cable and streaming."

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.