CBS is making significant programming decisions for the 2025-2026 season as it navigates the evolving television landscape, facing competition from streaming services and shifting viewer habits. While the network has renewed popular series like Tracker, Fire Country, and all three NCIS dramas, it has also canceled multiple shows, including two FBI spinoffs and, once again, the fan-favorite S.W.A.T. Meanwhile, four other series remain in limbo: The Equalizer, The Neighborhood, and two freshman shows, Watson and Poppa’s House. The uncertainty surrounding these programs has sparked frustration among loyal fans, who fear that CBS may prematurely end their favorite series. This situation highlights broader industry trends, as networks balance established hits, costly productions, and new content to stay competitive. Reports suggest CBS is also considering launching FBI: CIA, another potential spinoff in its crime drama franchise, adding further complexity to its programming strategy.
Among the at-risk shows, The Equalizer has built a strong following with its action-packed storytelling and social justice themes, led by Queen Latifah’s compelling performance. Though discussions about renewal are ongoing, the possibility of a final season or a franchise spinoff has been floated. The Neighborhood, a staple in CBS’s comedy lineup starring Cedric the Entertainer, faces rising production costs despite its cultural relevance and dedicated audience. Meanwhile, Watson, a fresh take on the medical drama genre starring Morris Chestnut, has enjoyed a promising start but remains vulnerable as a first-year series. Its survival may depend on whether it can maintain strong ratings, bolstered by its prime Sunday night slot following Tracker. As CBS weighs financial and strategic considerations, the fate of these shows will be a critical indicator of how traditional networks adapt to the changing entertainment landscape.