Television fans are marking their calendars this month as broadcast and streaming networks roll out their season conclusion schedules. From long-running dramas to fresh comedies, May 2026 brings a mix of season finales and permanent series goodbyes across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and major streaming platforms.
The next four weeks are packed with last episodes. Some shows are simply taking a summer break before returning in the fall. Others are ending forever, with several beloved series airing their final episodes ever.
NBC Leads the Charge With One Chicago and Law & Order Finales
NBC has stacked its May schedule with heavy hitters. The action starts Thursday, May 7 with The Hunting Party Season 2 finale at 10/9c. The episode follows the team hunting escapee “Xander Wax,” a convict with a dangerous skill for poisoning.
Wednesday, May 13 is all about Chicago. Three shows from the One Chicago franchise wrap their seasons back-to-back. Chicago Med Season 11 finale airs at 8/7c, where Dr. Hannah Asher faces a high-risk delivery. Chicago Fire Season 14 follows at 9/8c with an episode called “Thank You,” featuring a surprise visitor for Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd. Chicago P.D. Season 13 closes the night at 10/9c with an episode where Officer Eva Imani must face her past.
The Law & Order franchise takes over Thursday, May 14. Law & Order Season 25 finale airs at 8/7c, titled “Liberty,” with ER star Anthony Edwards guest-starring as a judge. Law & Order: SVU Season 27 finale follows at 9/8c, where the team finally learns the full history of Chief of Detectives Kathryn Tynan.
Saturday, May 16 brings the Saturday Night Live Season 51 finale at 11:30/10:30c. Will Ferrell returns to host for the sixth time, with music legend Paul McCartney as the musical guest for his fifth appearance.
ABC Wraps Up Early With 911, Grey’s Anatomy and The Rookie
ABC is moving fast this month. Many of its biggest shows end during the first week of May.
Monday, May 4 features The Rookie Season 8 finale at 10/9c. Tuesday, May 5 brings Will Trent Season 4 finale at 8/7c.
Thursday, May 7 is ABC’s busiest night. 911 Season 9 finale airs at 8/7c, followed by 911: Nashville Season 1 finale at 9/8c. Then Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 finale closes the night at 10/9c.
Friday, May 15 sees Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 4 finale at 8/7c.
CBS Says Goodbye to Several Series Forever
CBS has the most emotional month ahead, with multiple shows ending their runs permanently.
Sunday, May 3 marks the series finale of Watson at 10/9c. The medical drama starring Morris Chestnut ends after two seasons. The final episode, titled “The Cobalt Fissure,” brings someone from Watson and Sherlock Holmes’ past to the hospital.
Monday, May 11 is a tough night for CBS comedy fans. The Neighborhood airs its series finale at 8/7c, ending an eight-year run. The show follows the Butlers and Johnsons, neighbors from very different backgrounds who become family. Right after at 8:30/7:30c, DMV also ends its run.
Tuesday, May 12 brings the NCIS double finale. NCIS Season 23 ends at 8/7c, followed by NCIS: Sydney Season 3 finale at 9/8c.
The final weeks of May belong almost entirely to CBS. Monday, May 18 features FBI Season 8 finale at 8/7c and CIA Season 1 finale at 9/8c.
Wednesday, May 20 is a huge night for reality TV fans. Survivor Season 50 airs its finale at 8/7c, wrapping a milestone season.
Thursday, May 21 has four finales. Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage Season 2 ends at 8/7c, followed by Ghosts Season 5 at 9/8c and Elsbeth Season 3 at 10/9c. Over on FOX, Next Level Chef Season 3 also ends that night.
Friday, May 22 features three CBS finales in a row: Sheriff Country Season 1 at 8/7c, Fire Country Season 4 at 9/8c, and Boston Blue Season 1 at 10/9c.
The month closes with Marshals Season 1 finale on Sunday, May 24 at 8/7c and Tracker Season 3 at 9/8c. Hollywood Squares Season 2 ends on Wednesday, May 27 at 8/7c.
FOX Wraps Animation and Competition Shows
FOX has a lighter schedule this month. Sunday, May 17 brings Family Guy Season 26 finale at 8/7c and Bob’s Burgers Season 16 finale at 8:30/7:30c.
Streaming Services Deliver Major Finales
Disney+ has two big finales in early May. Tuesday, May 5 marks the Season 2 finale of Daredevil: Born Again. Monday, May 4 brings the two-episode Season 1 finale of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.
Prime Video fans can watch the final season of Good Omens starting Wednesday, May 13. The show starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen ends with a super-sized finale, three years after Season 2 left viewers on a cliffhanger.
HBO Max closes out Iyanu Season 2 on Saturday, May 23. The animated series set in an African-inspired world follows a young hero discovering her divine powers.
Netflix premieres Nemesis on May 14, a new crime drama from the creator of Power. The same platform also wraps Love is Blind: Poland on Wednesday, May 6.
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UK Viewers Have Their Own Finales
Saturday Night Live UK ends its first season on Saturday, May 16. The finale will be hosted by Ncuti Gatwa, the star of Doctor Who and Barbie. The previous week’s episode on May 9 features Hannah Waddingham as host, with singer Myles Smith as musical guest.
All episodes air at 10pm on Sky One and stream on Sky and NOW. US viewers can catch episodes on Peacock the following day.
All times listed are Eastern Time. Streaming availability varies by platform and region. Most broadcast network episodes become available on their respective streaming services the day after airing.
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