NBC’s ‘The Irrational’ Gets an Additional Episode: ‘Lopez Vs. Lopez’s order shortens as network wraps up its midseason schedule

EXCLUSIVE: NBC has increased its order for new drama series The irrational over one episode. Originally shot for 10 episodes, the series starring Jesse L. Martin will now produce 11 episodes in the first season. Meanwhile season 2 of the NBC comedy series Lopez against Lopez will consist of 10 episodes, instead of the previously ordered 13.

The tweaks come as NBC refines its midseason scheduling plans. The network is likely to announce midseason premiere dates last week, following CBS and ABC’s premiere announcements in recent days.

The irrational filmed seven episodes when the strike halted production. The drama continues next week in Vancouver. Originally the plan was to record the three remaining episodes, but the number has now grown to four.

The order increase follows strong debuts for both new NBC drama series this fall. The irrational And Got it. The latter ceased production before the strike, so no further episode orders are expected, but both series are seriously looking for a second season renewal.

Lopez against Lopez was extended in May after the WGA strike began. Filming for the new season of the multi-camera comedy starring George Lopez has not yet begun. The lower order reflects NBC’s scheduling needs for the remainder of the broadcast season.

The channel’s other multi-camera comedy, night courtyard, will produce 13 episodes. Before the strike, the company fired several shots and production resumed this week.

The irrational, by Arika Lisanne Mittman is based on the bestselling book Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. The show follows Alec Baker (Martin), a world-renowned professor of behavioral sciences who brings his expertise to a series of cases involving governments, law enforcement and corporations with his unique and unexpected approach to understanding human behavior.

Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi also star. Mittman is producing with Mark Goffman and Samuel Baum, while Ariely serves as a consultant. David Frankel directs and is also an executive producer. Martijn is a producer. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.

Lopez vs. Lopez, from creator/showrunner Debby Wolfe is a working class family comedy about dysfunction, reconnection and all the pain and joy in between. Starring George Lopez and his daughter Mayan Lopez, the comedy tells the story of an old-fashioned, working-class Latino who moves in with his modern Gen-Z daughter as they rebuild their dysfunctional relationship, argument by argument. It’s old against new, father against daughter, Lopez against Lopez.

Selenis Leyva, Brice Gonzalez, Matt Shively and Al Madrigal also star. Wolfe is producing with Bruce Helford, George Lopez, Michael Rotenberg and Katie Newman. The series is produced by Universal Television in association with Mohawk Productions, Travieso Productions, Mi Vida Loba and 3 Arts.