NBC has officially moved to expand its first-year crime drama Line of Fire, commissioning five additional scripts following a strong ratings performance since its September 21 debut. According to network and industry reports, the freshman series has become the first new broadcast show of the 2026-2027 television season to receive a backup script order.
Strong Early Ratings and Multi-Platform Growth
The series centers on the tight-knit but conflicted Hollingsworth family of federal law enforcement agents. It has posted solid numbers across both linear television and streaming platforms. NBC and Peac**k Scripted Content President Lisa Katz noted that the show’s rare week-to-week audience growth has exceeded expectations.
To date, the series premiere has drawn nearly 12 million cross-platform viewers, including on-air encores and DVR playback. In its competitive Monday 10 p.m. time slot, Line of Fire has substantially outperformed the network’s numbers from the previous year. Its same-day audience of 2.98 million viewers represents a 34 percent increase compared to its predecessor in the slot. This margin climbs to 47 percent when accounting for three days of cross-platform viewing.
What the Script Order Means for Season 1
While the network has ordered five additional scripts, executives clarified that this does not constitute an immediate full production commitment for filmed episodes. If NBC ultimately decides to convert the scripts into produced episodes, the show’s initial 13-episode first-season order could expand to 18 installments.
Industry insiders point out that an 18-episode structure fits well with modern broadcast models. It offers enough room for writers to fully explore the overarching mystery surrounding an unknown assailant targeting the Hollingsworth family without stretching the narrative too thin.
Inside the Hollingsworth Family Dynamics
Created by Joshua Safran, Line of Fire blends fast-paced procedural investigations with intense family friction. The series stars Peter Krause as Secret Service agent Mike Hollingsworth and Hope Davis as his wife, Jane, a U.S. Marshal. Their children work across various branches of federal law enforcement. The supporting cast includes Kat Cunning as FBI agent Clare, Tommy O’Brien as Secret Service agent Micah, Taylor Bloom as Department of Justice investigator Russ, and Charlie Barnett as Jack.
Produced by Universal Television with Safran, Jenna Bush Hager, and Ben Spector serving as executive producers, the drama has also found a dedicated audience on Peac**k, remaining firmly in the streaming platform’s top charts since its premiere.
As NBC continues to evaluate the series’ ongoing performance, the network plans to air a promotional run of the pilot episode on sister cable network Bravo to introduce the show to an even wider audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Line of Fire premiere on NBC?
Line of Fire made its series premiere on September 21, airing on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming next-day on Peac**k.
Who stars in Line of Fire?
The drama stars Peter Krause and Hope Davis alongside Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom, and Charlie Barnett.
How many additional scripts did NBC order?
NBC ordered five additional scripts for the freshman drama. This could potentially expand the first season from 13 to 18 episodes if greenlit for production.
Who created the series?
Line of Fire was created by Joshua Safran, who also serves as the showrunner and executive producer alongside Jenna Bush Hager and Ben Spector.
Where can I stream Line of Fire?
Episodes are available to stream on Peac**k in the United States, as well as on select international platforms like HBO Max.
