NBC has followed in CBS’s footsteps by preempting some of its original programming in order to dodge the World Series. Tonight’s episodes of Law & Order: SVU, which focuses on Benson struggling with doubts about Sheila, and Chicago PD, centering on a family shot in their hope, won’t be airing; instead, they’ll be pushed to next week. Instead, a new episode of The Blacklist will be followed by repeats.
Last night’s sixth game of the World Series, which saw the Los Angeles Dodgers pull the series even at three games apiece, averaged over a 5.0 in the demo and helped knock every scripted original down at least one tenth. Considering this is the decisive game in a series with both teams in the top 10 in TV market size, with the Dodgers not having won a World Series in 30 years and the Astros still seeking their first ring, the ratings are sure to be gigantic, the broadcast becoming a magnet for casual viewers.
Presumably, CBS and NBC are leaving their 8:00 hours new, at least in part, because the World Series game doesn’t begin until 8:20 EST.
With NBC and CBS ducking the Series, the lone originals on broadcast tonight belong to ABC and The CW. There’s still time for both to make a move, though the latter will probably weather the storm (as they tend to stay in originals for things like political debates) and the former left their lineup original during the last World Series game seven.
Here’s a look at which episodes of SVU and Chicago PD will be repeating tonight:
9:00 Law & Order: SVU – “Gone Fishin'”
When Fin crosses international borders to catch a fugitive rapist, a political tug-of-war derails Barba’s legal case. Meanwhile, shocking allegations against Benson lead to the return of an old friend.
10:00 Chicago PD – “Reform”
The district is in a state of change – Lindsay has moved to New York- and the CPD is under scrutiny about the corrupt nature of its institution. Under the watchful eye of the city, the team attempts to bust a gun deal that quickly turns dicey when innocent civilians and children get involved. Tension erupts when Chief Lugo brings in Denny Woods to review the shootout, and Halstead becomes a key player in the outcome of the case.
