<p>N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis has been a cornerstone in modern organic chemistry, traditionally facilitating transformations through electron-pair pathways. Recent developments have highlighted the potential of NHCs to engage in single-electron transfer (SET) processes, unlocking radical chemistry for versatile transformations. The combination of NHC catalysis with visible-light photocatalysis has emerged as a powerful tool to generate radical intermediates under mild conditions, enabling diverse bond-forming reactions. This review outlines key advances in photoredox NHC catalysis via radicals, including two primary categories: (1) radical addition reactions of enals via NHC-bound homoenolate and dienolate intermediates, and (2) radical-radical coupling reactions involving NHC-bound ketyl radicals. These synergistic methods provide access to complex carbonyl compounds and other value-added products with high efficiency, circumventing the usage of hazardous oxidants or reductants. These cooperative catalytic protocols hold tremendous potential for further applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science and natural products. Despite these significant strides, challenges remain, particularly in expanding the scope of photo-induced radical processes and manipulating stereocontrol in asymmetric radical reactions. Future research will likely focus on addressing current limitations through the rational design of new NHC catalysts and the exploration of novel reaction modes.</p>