3 CBS Fan-Favorite Shows Returning This Fall — And 2 Big Ones Saying Goodbye

CBS’s Fall 2025 Lineup — What’s Returning and What’s Not

Television lovers, brace yourselves — CBS just revealed its Fall 2025 primetime schedule, and it’s packed with surprises. Some fan-favorites are back in full swing, while others… not so much. The fall season is shaping up to be a mix of fresh starts, emotional goodbyes, and unexpected comebacks.

Let’s break down which 3 beloved CBS shows are returning this fall — and the 2 that won’t be back (at least, not in the way fans hoped).

 Why CBS’s Fall Schedule Matters More Than Ever

The TV landscape has changed dramatically since the pandemic, and networks like CBS are doubling down on big names, shared universes, and reliable viewer magnets. As streaming continues to grow, CBS is counting on returning favorites and brand-new spin-offs to pull people back to primetime.

So what survived? And what’s been left behind?

 The 3 CBS Shows Making a Triumphant Return

1. Fire Country (Season 4)

Time Slot: Fridays at 9 PM
Why It’s Back: Ratings, Ratings, Ratings

Fire Country is the firehouse drama that’s been burning bright since its premiere. Starring Max Thieriot as Bode Donovan, this series brings emotional stakes, action-packed rescues, and redemption arcs that hit deep.

CBS not only renewed Fire Country for a fourth season, but also greenlit a spinoff series titled “Sheriff Country”, starring Morena Baccarin.

Fire Country’s Spinoff: Sheriff Country

“Sheriff Country” will follow a rural California sheriff handling crime and crises in the same universe as Fire Country. It’s a bold move by CBS to expand this universe into a broader procedural franchise — and we’re here for it.

2. NCIS (Season 23)

Time Slot: Tuesdays at 8 PM
Why It’s Back: It’s practically TV royalty

The original NCIS is back for Season 23 — and it’s stronger than ever. With the rise of the NCIS franchise worldwide, CBS is making Tuesdays an all-NCIS lineup. That’s right — three shows back-to-back:

• NCIS (Season 23)

• NCIS: Origins (prequel series)

• NCIS: Sydney (Australian spinoff)

CBS is banking on its biggest crime brand to carry a full night of programming. We’re talking triple-threat action, mystery, and military drama. If you’re an NCIS fan, Tuesdays are about to become sacred.

 3. Matlock (Season 2)

Time Slot: Thursdays (exact time TBA)
Why It’s Back: Classic vibes, modern twist

Yes, Matlock is back — but not the one your grandparents watched. This modern reboot stars Kathy Bates as the whip-smart attorney who uses unconventional tactics to solve courtroom cases.

Fans loved the combination of legal drama and quirky detective work, so CBS renewed it for a second season, hoping to keep the Thursday legal drama block alive and kicking.

2 CBS Shows Not Coming Back This Fall

 1. S.W.A.T. (Canceled After Season 7)

Final Air Date: May 2025
Why It’s Gone: Budget cuts & franchise fatigue

Despite consistent ratings and a loyal fanbase, CBS pulled the plug on S.W.A.T. earlier this year. The show ended its 7-season run with a heartfelt finale — but fans weren’t ready to say goodbye.

The bright side? Shemar Moore isn’t done just yet…

 Shemar Moore’s Comeback — S.W.A.T. Exiles

Sony Pictures Television is working on a spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles, with Moore reprising his role as Hondo. This reboot will live outside CBS (possibly on streaming), so while the original S.W.A.T. is over, the spirit of the show lives on.

 2. FBI: Most Wanted & FBI: International

Status: Both Canceled
Why It’s Gone: CBS Overhaul

In a shock to procedural fans, CBS canceled both FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted to make room for newer properties. Only the flagship series FBI remains on the air.

These cancellations were likely due to budget concerns and schedule reshuffling. CBS needed more room for its spinoff-heavy future and, unfortunately, these shows didn’t make the cut.

CBS’s Fall 2025 Schedule at a Glance

CBS’s Strategy: More Universes, Less Risk

CBS is leaning into the shared universe strategy hard. Think Marvel, but for crime dramas:

• NCIS Universe: Anchoring Tuesday nights

• Fire Country Universe: Now has its own spinoff

• Blue Bloods Universe: Launching “Boston Blue”

It’s a safe move — and one that capitalizes on existing fandoms without needing to reinvent the wheel.

Fan Reactions — A Mix of Cheers and Tears

Fans are excited for the returns of Fire Country and NCIS, but mourning the loss of S.W.A.T. and the FBI spinoffs. On social media, hashtags like #SaveSWAT and #FBIFranchiseForever trended briefly after the cancellation news broke.

 Could Any Canceled Shows Come Back?

Never say never. CBS has a history of reviving canceled series if demand is high or if another network/streaming service wants to take the baton. Just look at S.W.A.T. Exiles.

 What This Means for Fall TV Fans

This fall is going to feel both fresh and familiar. You’ll see old favorites in new forms, brand-new faces, and deeper worlds than ever before. But there’s also an unmistakable sense of finality for some long-running hits.

Whether you’re into legal mysteries, fire rescues, or federal investigations, CBS has a universe for you this fall — just maybe not every universe you hoped for.

Conclusion: What’s In, What’s Out — And What’s Next

CBS’s Fall 2025 schedule is a blend of bold moves and safe bets. While we’re thrilled to see shows like Fire Country, NCIS, and Matlock return, we’re also saying goodbye to S.W.A.T. and the FBI spinoffs — at least for now.

With new spinoffs and extended universes dominating primetime, one thing’s clear: CBS isn’t just playing it safe — it’s planning for longevity.

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🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Q1: Why did CBS cancel S.W.A.T.?
A: CBS cited budget constraints and programming changes, though Sony is continuing the story with a spinoff titled S.W.A.T. Exiles.

Q2: Is Fire Country getting a spinoff?
A: Yes! It’s called Sheriff Country and will focus on rural law enforcement in the same universe.

Q3: Are any FBI shows still on CBS?
A: Only the original FBI remains; FBI: International and Most Wanted have been canceled.

Q4: What’s the CBS Tuesday lineup?
A: It’s a full NCIS night — NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and NCIS: Sydney.

Q5: Will Matlock be a full-season return or limited?
A: Matlock is set for a full second season airing Thursdays this fall.