Podcast #1252: Broadcast Network Renewals and Cancellations for the Next TV Season
Release Date: 05/08/2026
Podcast #1253: Are the Low Cost Matter Compatible Devices From Ikea Worth It?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we take our first look at the new batch of Ikea smart home products that support matter. Are they worth the money? We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Are the Low Cost Matter Compatible Devices From Ikea Worth It? On this week’s show we take our first look at the new batch of Ikea smart home products that support matter. If you are in the Amazon, Apple, Google, Homey or Samsung ecosystem you can connect these devices directly to your home via matter. These are some of the lowest cost devices we have seen and they...
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Podcast #1252: Broadcast Network Renewals and Cancellations for the Next TV Season
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we do our annual Broadcast Network TV Renewals and Cancellations and also read your emails and look at the week’s news. News: Other: Broadcast Network Renewals and Cancellations for the Next TV Season It's that time of year where we look at the fate of broadcast network TV Shows. The following list is based on the latest available info. Note that The CW has largely shifted away from original scripted programming. ABC Strong stability for its drama and comedy slate. Renewed: (S10), (S2), (S6), (S23), (S3), (S9), (revival, S2/overall S11), (S3), ...
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Podcast #1251: The Most Effective ways to Circumvent Smart TV Spying
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show a listener asks for some help with keeping his audio in sync with his video. We also discuss how to turn off the ACR on your Smart TV. But first we read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Audio Sync in a Home Theater Byron’s request for answers to some specific questions on audio sync: I’d appreciate it if you guys could provide some “guiding principles” on syncing audio in a home theater setup. I have four questions: 1. Should the AVR be the ONLY place to mess with syncing settings (when everything runs through it, including ARC)? Yes,...
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Podcast #1250: Smart TVs Spy on What You Watch and Profit From Your Data
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look into how your TV may be spying on you so that manufacturers can profit off of what you watch. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Smart TVs Spy on What You Watch and Profit From Your Data Last week we read a news story about how some Smart TVs install apps that use your IP address and bandwidth to scrape the Internet to feed AI models. And if that isn’t enough to make you want to disconnect your TV from the Internet, smart TVs from nearly every major brand are actively spying on exactly what you watch—whether it's cable,...
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Podcast #1249:Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we take look at five underrated home theater picks that will set you back less than $500. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: a novel by Tyler Richardson Five Underrated Home Theater Gear Picks Under $500 In the world of home theater, the big brands usually grab all the attention. But some of the best-performing gear doesn’t have to break the bank while still delivering impressive sound, clear dialogue, and deep, immersive bass. If you're building or upgrading a home theater system on a budget, say less than...
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Podcast #1248: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we ask the question: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service?. We also read your emails and take a look at the news. There is also a standup comic bonus during the email segment. News: Other: Why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service? After reading John’s email, I thought: why does anyone still need a physical satellite TV service? So today, we’re comparing traditional satellite TV like DirecTV and DISH Network versus modern IPTV and live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV’s own...
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Podcast #1247: What Specs Matter and What Don’t When Buying a New HDTV
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we go beyond the hype to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere marketing hype, and we give you some tips for buying your next HDTV. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: What Specs Matter and What Don’t When Buying a New HDTV Last week the Brightside Home Theater Podcast did a panel discussion on the real factors that shape picture quality. Check it out when you have a chance, it's very informative (). So this week we are piggybacking on their discussion to tell you what specs matter most, what specs are mere...
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Podcast #1246: The Next Big Thing In Home Automation
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we countdown from an article at . and we do a deep dive into the Next Big Thing in Home Automation. Plus we read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: The Next Big Thing In Home Automation We have had a running gag that whatever the year, it was the “Year” of Home Automation. Today, we can say confidently that home automation is mainstream and with Matter hitting it's stride, it's easier than ever to automate your house regardless of which ecosystem you prefer. That got us wondering, what is the next big thing in...
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Podcast #1245: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we take a walk down memory lane and look at how the Set Top Boxes we all take for granted evolved from niche Netflix-focused or iTunes-centric devices to broad ecosystems. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news. News: Other: Set Top Boxes - From Niche Devices to Major Ecosystems Here's a chronological timeline of major set-top streaming boxes: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google (Chromecast, Android TV/Google TV devices). These devices evolved from basic media extenders to full smart platforms with app stores, 4K/HDR support,...
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Podcast #1244: Why are Radio Stations Disappearing?
HDTV and Home Theater Podcast
On this week’s show we look into why terrestrial radio stations are disappearing. We also read your emails and take a look at the news. News: Other: Why are Radio Stations Disappearing? A growing number of commercial AM and FM radio stations in the US are shutting down or surrendering their licenses. Over the past decade through late 2025, about 342 AM stations disappeared—a 7% drop—while commercial FM stations fell by 112, or roughly 2%. This decline stems from shrinking ad revenue, fierce competition from streaming services and podcasts, and changing listener habits, especially...
info_outlineOn this week’s show we do our annual Broadcast Network TV Renewals and Cancellations and also read your emails and look at the week’s news.
News:
- Fubo Lost Over 500,000 Subscribers in North America In The 2nd Quarter of 2026
- AMC Theatres Partners With Arena One For Live Music Concert Streaming
Other:
Broadcast Network Renewals and Cancellations for the Next TV Season
It's that time of year where we look at the fate of broadcast network TV Shows. The following list is based on the latest available info. Note that The CW has largely shifted away from original scripted programming.
ABC
Strong stability for its drama and comedy slate.
- Renewed: 9-1-1 (S10), 9-1-1: Nashville (S2), Abbott Elementary (S6), Grey’s Anatomy (S23), High Potential (S3), The Rookie (S9), Scrubs (revival, S2/overall S11), Shifting Gears (S3), Will Trent (S5).
- On the bubble: R.J. Decker (could go either way).
- Canceled/ending: Limited recent cancellations reported; some unscripted like The Bachelorette faced issues.
CBS
Very proactive with early renewals for its procedural-heavy lineup. Several new or recent shows got quick pickups.
- Renewed: Boston Blue (S2), CIA (S2), Elsbeth, FBI, Fire Country, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Ghosts, Marshals (S2), Matlock, NCIS (S24), NCIS: Origins (S3), NCIS: Sydney, Sheriff Country (S2), Tracker (S4), The Amazing Race, Survivor.
- Canceled/ending: DMV (after S1), Watson (after S2), TThe Neighborhood (final season, ending after S8).
FOX
Focus on animated comedies and a few live-action holds; some cancellations in the animated space.
- Renewed: American Dad! (through 2028-29), Animal Control (S5), Best Medicine (S2), Bob's Burgers (through 2028-29), Doc (S3), Family Guy (through 2028-29), Krapopolis (through 2027-28), Memory of a Killer (S2), The Simpsons (through 2028-29), Universal Basic Guys, Grimsburg (S3).
- Canceled/ending: The Great North, Going Dutch.
- On the bubble: Murder in a Small Town (safe bet).
NBC
The Chicago franchise remains rock-solid; some newer shows didn't make it.
- Renewed: Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Happy's Place (S3), St. Denis Medical (S3), Law & Order: SVU (S28), The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (S2).
- Canceled/ending: Brilliant Minds, Stumble.
- On the bubble: Law & Order (safe bet), The Hunting Party (long-shot).
The CW
Mostly wrapping up remaining originals.
- Ending: All American (S8 is final season).
- Canceled: Good Cop/Bad Cop (after S1).
- The network has minimized homegrown scripted shows in recent years.