Overview and answer
Shades of Blue returned in 2018 for its third and final season, premiering on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on NBC. The season consisted of 10 episodes and concluded on March 11, 2018. The network renewed the series in May 2017, with production beginning in late 2017. This explainer tracks the key status, renewal, production, and air dates, clarifying when viewers could watch new episodes in 2018.
Renewal and green-light details
Renewal announcement and timing
NBC officially renewed Shades of Blue for a third season on May 14, 2017, during its 2017–18 upfronts. This decision followed strong but niche ratings and cast commitment, including Jennifer Lopez in the lead role. The green-light initiated development, writing, and pre-production activities that set the stage for a late-year launch.
Production timeline and key dates
Principal photography window
Production for Season 3 began in late 2017, with filming reported around October 2017 in New York City. Specific episode count and scheduling were aligned with the network’s winter programming plans. The season’s condensed 10-episode order reflected both creative focus and production timelines intended to deliver a concise, impactful concluding season.
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2017 | Renewal announced | Formal green-light for Season 3 |
| October 2017 | Principal photography start | Filming commenced in New York |
| January 7, 2018 | Season 3 premiere | First new episodes in 2018 aired |
| March 11, 2018 | Season 3 finale | Concluding episode of the series |
2018 broadcast schedule
Season 3 episode release dates
Episodes aired weekly on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, maintaining the established time slot from prior seasons. The schedule ensured a steady, predictable viewing window for audiences. No mid-season breaks or preemption-related date shifts were reported during the run.
- January 7, 2018: Episode 1 — premiere
- January 14, 2018: Episode 2
- January 21, 2018: Episode 3
- January 28, 2018: Episode 4
- February 4, 2018: Episode 5
- February 11, 2018: Episode 6
- February 18, 2018: Episode 7
- February 25, 2018: Episode 8
- March 4, 2018: Episode 9
- March 11, 2018: Episode 10 — series finale
Timeslot and lead-in context
Scheduled air time and programming
Shades of Blue occupied the 10 p.m. Sunday slot, positioned after successful NBC scripted series of the prior hour. Consistent scheduling helped maintain audience expectations and reduced viewer confusion. Overlaps with other seasonal launches were avoided to preserve clarity for returning viewers.
Promotion and on-air messaging
Marketing and premiere reminders
NBC ran teaser campaigns in mid-December 2017 and early January 2018 to highlight the return. Digital, cable, and late-night spots reinforced the premiere date and times. Inside promotions and social posts reminded audiences how to watch via live tuning or streaming on Peacock (where available under licensing terms).
Frequently asked questions
- Did the premiere move from a previously announced date? No; the January 7, 2018, premiere was consistent with early renewal announcements and was not delayed or shifted.
- Why only 10 episodes for Season 3? The concise order aligned with production schedules, cast availability, and a focused storytelling conclusion.
- Was there a mid-season hiatus in 2018? No; episodes aired weekly through March 11, 2018, the series finale.
- Where can I rewatch Season 3 in 2024? Licensed streams may appear on NBCUniversal platforms, subject to regional rights.
- Did the show move to a different night in 2018? No; the Sunday 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT window was retained for Season 3.
Key dates at a glance
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal date | May 14, 2017 | Network announcement |
| Production start | October 2017 | Industry reports |
| Season 3 premiere | January 7, 2018 | NBC schedule |
| Episode count | 10 | NBC season summary |
| Season 3 finale | March 11, 2018 | NBC schedule |
Conclusion
Shades of Blue returned in 2018 with its third and final season, premiering on January 7 and airing weekly through March 11. Key dates—renewal in May 2017, production start in October 2017, and a steady Sunday-night schedule—provide a clear, verifiable timeline. This timeline is useful for viewers revisiting the series arc and for context in legacy-performance analyses of the show’s concluding season.