The phrase "will the show" is one of the most common starting points for television viewers seeking clarity on the fate of their favorite programs. In the modern era of fragmented streaming services and fluctuating linear television ratings, the answer to whether a show will return is rarely a simple "yes" or "no." This report provides a comprehensive status check on the most searched series heading into the 2025 and 2026 seasons, clarifying which stories are continuing, which are reaching their final chapters, and which remain in the precarious "bubble" of uncertainty.

Understanding the Context of the Show Will

When searching for the fate of a specific program, some viewers are referring to the 2017 drama series titled Will. This period piece, which explores the young life of William Shakespeare in a stylized, punk-rock 16th-century London, originally aired on TNT.

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the status of the series Will remains unchanged: it is a single-season series consisting of 10 episodes. Despite its unique visual flair and exploration of historical figures through a contemporary lens, the show was not renewed for a second season following its initial run in 2017.

For those looking to watch or revisit the series, it is currently available through various digital platforms. In the United States, viewers can find Will on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home. It is also available via subscription on YouTube TV and TNT’s digital platforms, though its availability on specific cable-on-demand services like Spectrum often follows a rotating schedule. The show remains a cult interest for fans of historical drama who appreciate its "modern soundtrack" approach to the Elizabethan era, even though new episodes are not in production.

The Status of High-Profile Streaming Staples

For many others, the query is the beginning of a question regarding blockbuster streaming hits like The Morning Show or Outer Banks. These programs represent the backbone of their respective platforms, and their renewal cycles are closely monitored by industry analysts.

Will The Morning Show Get Renewed for Season 6?

Apple TV+’s The Morning Show has become a flagship for the platform, driven by the star power of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. As viewers look toward the future, the confirmation of Season 5 has already provided some relief. Apple officially renewed the series for a fifth installment in late 2025, with production following the platform’s established two-year rhythm.

However, the question of a Season 6 remains more complex. Showrunner Charlotte Stoudt has addressed the future of the series with professional caution. While there is no definitive "no," the path to a sixth season depends on three critical pillars:

  1. Narrative Necessity: The creative team is committed to ensuring that the story of Alex Levy and Bradley Jackson has a natural progression rather than being stretched indefinitely.
  2. Actor Availability: The lead actors maintain exceptionally busy schedules with other film and production commitments.
  3. Platform Investment: Apple TV+ evaluates its "prestige TV" lineup based on Emmy potential and subscriber retention.

Current projections suggest that if Season 5 premieres around September 2027, a decision regarding Season 6 would likely not be finalized until that season concludes. One confirmed change for the upcoming chapters is the exit of Greta Lee, who portrayed Stella Bak. Her departure, attributed to scheduling conflicts, signals the shifting ensemble nature of the show as it navigates long-term production timelines.

Outer Banks Season 5 and the Final Adventure

Netflix’s Outer Banks has followed a different trajectory. While fans have been eager to know "will the show continue," the creators—Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke—have provided a definitive answer. Season 5 will be the final season of the series.

This decision was not a sudden cancellation but rather the fulfillment of a long-term creative vision. From the show's inception, the creators imagined a five-season journey for the "Pogues." Currently, Season 5 is in production in South Carolina as of mid-2025.

Key details for the final season include:

  • Release Window: While a specific date is not set, Netflix has slated the premiere for 2026. Following recent trends for major hits like Stranger Things and Bridgerton, it is highly probable that Season 5 will be released in two separate batches.
  • Plot Stakes: The narrative will focus on the aftermath of JJ Maybank’s death in Morocco, with the Pogues seeking revenge against Chandler Groff. The search for the "Blue Crown" and the transition into adulthood for characters like John B and Sarah (who are expecting a child) will anchor the final episodes.
  • Cast Updates: J. Anthony Crane (Chandler Groff) and Cullen Moss (Sheriff Shoupe) have been promoted to series regulars, ensuring that the primary antagonists and local authority figures remain central to the endgame.

Fall 2025 Network Television Renewal Tracker

For broadcast television (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX), the renewal process is governed by a combination of traditional "Live + Same Day" ratings and multi-platform viewing data. As we move through the 2025 broadcast cycle, several fan favorites have already seen their fates decided.

ABC: Staples and Surprises

ABC has maintained a relatively stable lineup, leaning heavily on established brands and acclaimed comedies.

  • 9-1-1: Despite a 12% drop in ratings during its most recent season, the show remains a powerhouse with an average of nearly 3.9 million viewers. A renewal for Season 9 is considered highly probable, as it remains one of the network's most consistent performers in the 18-49 demographic.
  • Abbott Elementary: Quinta Brunson’s mockumentary continues to be a critical and commercial darling. While Season 5 saw a slight dip in linear ratings (averaging a 0.32), its strong performance on streaming platforms (Hulu/Disney+) and its award-winning status make Season 6 almost certain.
  • 20/20: As a pillar of ABC News for half a century, there is no indication that this program is in jeopardy. It continues to draw a loyal audience of approximately 2.3 million viewers.
  • Dancing with the Stars: Following a significant ratings surge in its 33rd season (peaking at over 7 million viewers for the finale), the show's future is secure.

CBS: The Ratings Giant

CBS consistently dominates the total viewer counts, and its 2025 decisions reflect a strategy of maintaining successful procedurals.

  • Elsbeth: The Good Wife spin-off has proven to be a breakout hit. Its performance has secured its place as a top-10 most-watched broadcast show, making further seasons a formality.
  • 60 Minutes: This news magazine remains the gold standard for Sunday night programming, often reaching over 9 million viewers. Its renewal is a perennial certainty.
  • 48 Hours: Despite shifts in the media landscape, 48 Hours remains a staple of the Saturday night schedule and is expected to return.
  • The Amazing Race: While Season 39 was filmed in late 2025, its placement on the schedule remains fluid. However, its lower production cost compared to scripted dramas makes it a reliable asset for the network.

NBC: The "One Chicago" Dominance and Medical Drama Shifts

NBC’s schedule is anchored by the Dick Wolf universe, though other dramas are facing more challenging paths.

  • Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.: The "One Chicago" block remains untouchable. Chicago Med currently leads with over 5.3 million viewers, followed closely by Chicago Fire. While Chicago P.D. has slightly lower ratings (4.19 million), the synergistic value of the three-show block ensures that all three are highly likely to return for the 2026-2027 season.
  • Dateline: Similar to its counterparts on other networks, Dateline is a cost-effective and high-performing true crime staple that will continue into its 37th season.
  • Brilliant Minds: This medical drama is currently on the "bubble." As one of the network's lowest-rated scripted shows (averaging 2.03 million viewers), its survival depends on a significant uptick in delayed viewing or international distribution success.

FOX: Scripted Scarcity

FOX has transitioned toward a schedule heavily reliant on unscripted content and animation, making its few scripted dramas more vulnerable.

  • Doc: Despite a limited scripted slate, Doc has seen a decent ratings bump in its second season. It is currently trending toward a "green flag" for a third-season renewal.
  • Animated Staples: While not part of the "will the show" queries for drama, series like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers have already secured renewals through the 2026-2027 season, providing a stable floor for the network.

Factors That Determine if a Show Will Be Renewed

To understand the fate of any program, one must look beyond simple fan enthusiasm. Television executives utilize a complex matrix of data to decide which stories get to continue.

The "Cost vs. Viewership" Equation

As a show progresses into later seasons, its production costs typically rise. Actors' salaries increase, and licensing fees become more expensive. A show that was a "hit" in Season 1 might become a financial liability by Season 5 if its viewership has plateaued or declined. This is why many high-quality shows are cancelled despite having a loyal, albeit small, audience.

The Impact of International Distribution

For many modern dramas, domestic ratings in the U.S. are only half the story. If a show is a massive hit in Europe, Asia, or Latin America, international distributors may provide the funding necessary to keep the show alive. This is often the case for historical dramas or action series that have universal appeal.

Scheduling Conflicts and Talent Contracts

In the era of "Prestige TV," many series are built around A-list movie stars. If a lead actor decides not to renew their contract or if their filming schedule for a major motion picture conflicts with the show's production, the show may be forced into an unplanned hiatus or a quiet cancellation. This is a primary factor currently affecting the timeline for The Morning Show.

Ownership and Vertical Integration

A show is much more likely to be renewed if the network airing it also owns the production studio. For example, Disney-owned ABC is more likely to renew a show produced by ABC Signature because the company retains all the backend profits from streaming and international sales. Shows produced by "outside" studios face much stricter ratings requirements.

How to Track Your Favorite Show's Status

For viewers asking "will the show return," there are several reliable methods to stay informed:

  1. Production Trades: Publications like Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety are the first to report official renewals and cancellations.
  2. Network Press Rooms: Most networks (like NBCUniversal or Warner Bros. Discovery) maintain press sites where they announce their upcoming "Upfronts" and seasonal schedules.
  3. Official Social Media: Verified accounts for shows often post "Season X is happening" graphics shortly after a deal is signed.

Summary of Upcoming Show Fates

  • The Morning Show: Confirmed for Season 5; Season 6 is under consideration but not guaranteed.
  • Outer Banks: Confirmed for Season 5, which will be the series finale.
  • Will (2017): Concluded after one season; no plans for revival.
  • 9-1-1 & Abbott Elementary: Highly likely to return for 2026.
  • Brilliant Minds: At high risk of cancellation unless viewership improves.

FAQ

What does it mean when a show is "on the bubble"? A show "on the bubble" is one whose ratings and production costs are so closely balanced that the network has not yet decided whether to renew or cancel it. These decisions are often made at the last minute during the May "Upfronts."

Why do streaming shows take two years between seasons? Streaming services like Apple TV+ and Netflix prioritize high production values and cinematic quality. Writing, filming, and extensive post-production (VFX and editing), combined with the busy schedules of top-tier talent, often result in an 18 to 24-month gap between seasons.

Can a cancelled show be saved by another network? Yes, though it is becoming rarer. Shows like 9-1-1 moved from FOX to ABC, and Manifest moved from NBC to Netflix. This usually happens when the show has a massive, proven audience that the original network could no longer afford or no longer fit its branding strategy.

Will the show Outer Banks have a spin-off after Season 5? While there are currently no official announcements regarding an Outer Banks spin-off, the creators have expressed a deep love for the world they built. Netflix frequently explores spin-offs for its major franchises, so a prequel or a sequel series remains a possibility in the future.

How can I find out where a show is streaming? The most efficient way to find the current streaming home of a show like Will or The Morning Show is to use a global streaming guide service, which tracks the availability of titles across various regions and platforms daily.