đş Fall TV Schedule Shocker: 8 Big Shows Moving to New Nights in 2025
Television fans, brace yourselves. The fall lineup is in full shakeup mode, and several popular primetime showsâincluding CBSâs powerhouse FBIâare getting shuffled to new nights. Whether youâre loyal to crime dramas, thrillers, or sitcoms, the fall 2025 broadcast season is forcing many viewers to rearrange their weekly TV rituals.
But whatâs behind this massive scheduling pivot? Is it all about ratings, competition, or something else entirely? Letâs dig into the why, when, and how of this programming upheaval.
đ Why Are TV Networks Moving Shows This Fall?
TV isnât just about contentâtiming is everything. Networks move shows to boost viewership in weak time slots, avoid fierce competition, or pair programs strategically. With streaming services continuing to eat into network TVâs pie, scheduling has become more aggressive than ever.
đľď¸ââď¸ 1. âFBIâ Takes On a New Night
One of the biggest changes this fall? CBSâs FBI is officially on the move. The Dick Wolf-created procedural has been a Tuesday night staple, anchoring the night alongside its franchise cousins FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted.
New Air Night: Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Why the move? Sources say CBS is hoping FBI will strengthen its Wednesday lineup, which has been lacking punch against rival networksâ offerings.
đ 2. âFBI: Internationalâ Heads to Mondays
New Air Night: Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT
The global division of the franchise takes a bold leap across the calendar. CBS appears to be testing the showâs solo strength by placing it behind a new legal drama lead-in on Mondays.
đ¨ 3. âFBI: Most Wantedâ Switches to Fridays
New Air Night: Friday at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Traditionally seen as a tough night, Friday has slowly been reclaimed by dramas with loyal followings. CBS is betting FBI: Most Wanted will hold its own among a more mature, drama-loving Friday audience.
đĽ 4. âThe Equalizerâ Moves Back One Hour
Queen Latifahâs hit action-crime series The Equalizer isnât changing nights, but it is sliding back one hour.
New Time Slot: Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT
This places it squarely between 60 Minutes and the new reboot of Magnum P.I., a strategic move to retain viewers through the night.
đââď¸ 5. âTrackerâ Moves to Thursdays
Justin Hartleyâs breakout series Tracker is switching lanes from Sundays to Thursdays.
New Air Night: Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Why the switch? CBS wants Tracker to cap off a strong Thursday lineup following Young Sheldon reruns and So Help Me Todd.
đ§ââď¸ 6. âSo Help Me Toddâ Anchors Thursdays
So Help Me Todd, the legal dramedy with cult-like fan buzz, now holds down the 9 p.m. slot on Thursdays. CBS is reformatting the night to appeal to a lighter, comedy-drama crowd.
New Time: Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT
đ 7. âGhostsâ Jumps to Tuesdays
Ghosts, CBSâs supernatural comedy darling, is leaving its Thursday slot for a Tuesday spot.
New Air Night: Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT
This surprising shift is reportedly aimed at boosting comedy ratings on what CBS views as an underutilized Tuesday slot.
đŠď¸ 8. âNCIS: Hawaiâiâ Returns⌠On a Different Night
After rumors of cancellation, NCIS: Hawaiâi is not only returningâitâs changing days.
New Air Night: Sunday at 10 p.m. ET/PT
This positions it as a strong closer to CBSâs Sunday night block, especially after The Equalizer and Magnum P.I.
đ What Does This Mean for Your TV Routine?
This fall, your DVR might need a serious reprogramming. The ripple effect of CBSâs lineup shift will likely impact how you plan your weekday viewing. If youâre someone who organizes dinner around FBI Tuesdays, itâs time to adjust.
đ What Networks Hope to Achieve With These Moves
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Maximize Ratings: Time slots matter. A hit show at the wrong hour can tank.
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Counterprogramming: Competing against other networksâ biggest shows by offering something radically different.
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Fresh Pairings: CBS is trying to revitalize blocks by pairing new and returning series together.
đ§ Strategy or Desperation? Industry Analysts Weigh In
Some TV experts see these changes as innovative strategy; others call them a sign of desperation as linear TV battles streaming fatigue. Still, there’s no denying that bold moves like this are necessary to survive the ever-changing media landscape.
đ Early Audience Reactions Are Mixed
While some viewers welcome the shakeup, others are upset at having to adjust long-standing routines. Social media has been buzzing with reactions like:
âHow am I supposed to watch FBI and Chicago P.D. now? Theyâre on at the same time!â
This speaks to the tricky dance networks faceâtrying to optimize their schedule without alienating loyal fans.
đĄ How to Keep Up With the New Schedule
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Use TV Guide apps like TVTime or Zap2it to track updated air times.
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Set DVR series recordings instead of specific time slots.
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Follow official show accounts for last-minute updates or reschedules.
đş Will More Shows Be Moved This Season?
Almost certainly. If these moves workâand ratings jumpâyou can expect other networks to follow suit. NBC, FOX, and ABC are already eyeing their own lineup reshuffles depending on early fall data.
đŹ Final Thoughts: A New Era of Broadcast TV?
Network TV is no longer static. With streaming, digital, and on-demand competition breathing down its neck, broadcast television must evolve or vanish. These show movements signal not just a reshuffling of time slotsâbut a broader industry shift in how networks approach their audiences.
So whether youâre a diehard FBI fan or just trying to keep up with your favorite comedy, one thingâs for sureâyour fall 2025 viewing routine is getting a makeover.
â FAQs
1. Why did CBS move âFBIâ from Tuesdays?
CBS wants to use FBI‘s popularity to strengthen a weaker nightâWednesdaysâby anchoring it with a proven hit.
2. Whatâs the best way to keep track of all the schedule changes?
Use apps like TVTime or official network websites. Setting DVR recordings by show name instead of time helps too.
3. Is âNCIS: Hawaiâiâ really returning after cancellation rumors?
Yes! NCIS: Hawaiâi is officially part of the fall lineup, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
4. Will these changes impact streaming availability?
No. Most shows will still be available next-day on platforms like Paramount+ or Hulu, depending on the network.
5. Could more shows be moved later this season?
Absolutely. If ratings disappoint or exceed expectations, networks often adjust their schedules mid-season.
