NBC renews five dramas, including ‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘Grimm’

Despite its ratings challenges, NBC renewed five of its dramas for next season.

Among the returning shows are the sci-fi adventure series “Revolution” from J.J. Abrams and Eric Kripke; the fantasy series “Grimm,” the family drama “Parenthood,” the first-season breakout hit “Chicago Fire” and the long-running “Law & Order: SVU.”

Of the returning shows, “Revolution” and “Chicago Fire” are the newest, getting second seasons after performing relatively well in the ratings. “Revolution” was one of the season’s first big hits, with a premiere audience of about 24.2 million having watched all or part of it. It has since settled to a regular audience of about 11 million each week, making it one of the top-rated network dramas.

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“Chicago Fire” had a quieter debut but it has steadily grown its audience, and NBC has announced plans to develop a spinoff about Chicago’s police department.

“Grimm” will return for a third season and gets a better night. After establishing itself as a hit on Friday nights, NBC is moving the show to Tuesdays for the last few episodes of its second season, and it will likely remain there in the fall.

“Parenthood” will return for a fifth season. Despite never being a breakout hit, the series from “Friday Night Lights” writer Jason Katims has cultivated a loyal following and much critical acclaim.

The “Law & Order” spinoff “SVU” will continue for a 15th season. Though that’s impressive, the show has a ways to go before it surpasses its parent, “Law & Order” which ran on NBC for 20 seasons before ending in 2010.

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