A few weeks after NBC gave a full 22-episode order to “Blindspot,” the network is asking for one additional episode of its hot rookie drama, bringing it in line with returnees “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD” and “Law & Order: SVU,” all of which will also produce 23 installments, the network announced Tuesday.
“Blindspot” continues to be the strongest ratings performer among the new shows, averaging a 3.7 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.7 million viewers overall, according to Nielsen’s “most current” estimates; it has been an especially big gainer on video on demand and in DVR playback. Last month, it became the first new series of the 2015-16 season to get a back-nine order.
For “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD” and “Law & Order: SVU,” the additional episode is something of a formality, as each aired 23 hours last season as well. “SVU,” in fact, has produced at least 23 episodes since season 11. “Chicago Fire” didn’t kick off its fourth season until Oct. 13, so it will have plenty of fresh episodes during the second half of the season.
The order for additional episodes of “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD” comes a couple of weeks before the third show in the “Chicago” trilogy, “Chicago Med,” has its premiere.
