Mayday: Don’t miss the best network TV shows airing right now

Streaming platforms tend to dominate conversations, but network TV still delivers appointment viewing that cuts through the noise. The reminder lands especially well in May, when schedules shift and fresh episodes compete for attention. A quick scan shows strong options across the big four that reward tuning in live rather than catching up later. Here is a focused look at standout series, one per network, plus a glance at what is coming next.

ABC – Once Upon a Time

The fairy-tale drama wrapped its run on May 18, 2018, after seven seasons. The series finale, titled Leaving Storybrooke, closed the Hyperion Heights arc and left fans with a mix of closure and lingering affection for the sprawling cast. No revival has been green-lit, though cast interviews occasionally spark speculation. The show remains a useful case study in how network fantasy can blend serialized mythology with weekly escapism, and reruns still surface in syndication and on streaming libraries.

CBS – Tracker

Justin Hartley leads this hour-long procedural as Colter Shaw, a survival expert who tracks missing persons for reward money. The series has earned consistent renewal through multiple seasons, signaling strong viewer engagement in a crowded landscape. Episodes lean on rural locations, tense searches, and Hartley’s grounded charisma. CBS has leaned into the show as a reliable tentpole that pairs well with its established crime and investigative slate.

NBC – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

The long-running procedural continues to draw solid numbers and frequent mentions in year-end roundups. Mariska Hargitay remains the anchor as Captain Olivia Benson, guiding a rotating ensemble through headline-inspired cases. The series benefits from a familiar format that still allows room for character arcs and social-issue storylines. Its endurance on broadcast television underscores how procedural storytelling retains an audience when delivered with consistency and star power.

Fox – The Masked Singer

The celebrity-guessing competition keeps its colorful spectacle intact season after season. Elaborate costumes, live performances, and panel banter create a light, event-style viewing experience that contrasts with heavier dramas. The format has proven adaptable, incorporating timely guest stars and occasional twists while maintaining the core reveal mechanic. Fox continues to schedule the show prominently, treating it as a ratings-friendly counterpoint to its scripted offerings.

Upcoming 2026-27 Network Highlights

ABC is adding The Rookie: North to its lineup while continuing Grey’s Anatomy and The Rookie. CBS plans to bring back NCIS and introduce Eternally Yours. NBC will keep flagship procedurals in rotation, and Fox is developing a Baywatch revival alongside returning reality staples. These entries show networks still investing in both established brands and new concepts that can generate live viewing and social chatter. The mix suggests a continued push to balance comfort viewing with fresh hooks.

Network schedules reward viewers who check in weekly rather than binge months later. The shows highlighted here span drama, procedural, and reality, giving a snapshot of what broadcast television offers right now. Checking listings or setting reminders remains the simplest way to catch episodes before they move into the streaming queue. The landscape keeps shifting, but these series demonstrate that live network programming still earns its place on the weekly calendar.