‘The Equalizer’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ on the Chopping Block Again? Here’s What We Know

If you’re a fan of CBS primetime favorites, you’ve probably noticed something missing: early renewal announcements. While other series are already celebrating another season, hit shows like ‘The Equalizer,’ ‘The Neighborhood,’ ‘FBI: Most Wanted,’ ‘FBI: International,’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ are hanging in limbo.

Is this just a case of CBS playing it close to the vest—or are these fan-loved series really in danger?

Let’s dig into what’s really happening behind the scenes.

What Does “No Early Renewal” Really Mean?

Not Canceled… Yet

When a show doesn’t get an early renewal, it doesn’t mean the end is certain. But in network TV language, it’s a red flag. Networks often renew top-performers early to lock in schedules and cast deals.

So when CBS doesn’t give a nod to The Equalizer or S.W.A.T. early? Something’s up.

A Look at the Shows in Question

 The Equalizer

• Starring: Queen Latifah

• Current Status: Canceled after Season 5

• Average Viewership: ~6 million

• The Problem: Ratings dipped and costs rose. Despite a solid fanbase, CBS ultimately decided not to move forward.

 The Neighborhood

• Starring: Cedric the Entertainer, Max Greenfield

• Current Status: Renewed for Season 8, but confirmed as final

• Why the Delay: Contract negotiations and budget evaluations caused the pause. The final season has been confirmed, giving fans one last chapter.

FBI: Most Wanted & FBI: International

• Current Status: Both Canceled

• Fan Reaction: Devastated

• Reason: CBS is cutting licensing costs and leaning more into in-house productions. These spinoffs, while performing decently, were expensive and produced externally.

 S.W.A.T.

• Starring: Shemar Moore

• Status: Canceled for the third time, despite fan outcry

• Drama Level: 🔥🔥🔥

• CBS’s Reason: Cost of licensing from Sony and falling ratings—even though it still pulled in over 4.9 million viewers.

 Why Is CBS Holding Back Renewals?

 It’s All About Ownership

CBS has shown a clear pattern: renewing shows it owns and saying goodbye to those it licenses. Series like Tracker, Ghosts, and Fire Country are all CBS-owned and were renewed early.

Meanwhile, S.W.A.T., FBI: International, and The Equalizer? All externally produced.

Budget Cuts in a Shaky Industry

TV budgets are tighter than ever. With streaming competition, ad revenue drops, and internal mergers, networks like CBS are being picky. Renewing a show costs millions—and CBS is asking if it’s worth it.

 What About Ratings? Aren’t These Shows Still Popular?

Absolutely. Let’s be real—most of these shows are still pulling solid numbers.

Clearly, this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ownership, cost, and strategy.

Fan Reactions Say It All

Social Media Isn’t Taking It Well

When The Equalizer and S.W.A.T. didn’t appear on CBS’s early renewal list, fans lost it.

• #SaveSWAT and #BringBackTheEqualizer started trending within hours

• Fans have flooded CBS and Paramount’s social media accounts

• Petitions on Change.org gained thousands of signatures in days

The Shemar Moore Effect

Shemar Moore didn’t stay silent. He took to Instagram, calling CBS’s decision “a slap in the face to loyal fans.”

The New CBS Strategy

CBS is focusing more on new IPs and cost-efficient franchises. These include:

• Tracker (a breakout hit with 17.5M viewers)

• Fire Country (another CBS-owned success)

• Elsbeth and Watson (quirky, in-house crime dramas with growing buzz)

• FBI: CIA and Sheriff Country (spinoffs in the works that CBS fully owns)

That strategy means the network is ditching expensive, externally produced content—even if fans love it.

Could Any of These Shows Still Be Saved?

 S.W.A.T. – Maybe?

This series already survived two near-cancellations. Fans rallied hard, and CBS reversed course once before. Could lightning strike again?

Possibly—but unlikely.

 FBI Franchise – Too Costly

Despite being Dick Wolf products (and those usually survive), the cost of maintaining Most Wanted and Internationalpushed CBS to cut ties.

Unless another network or streaming platform steps in, they’re likely gone for good.

 Could Streaming Platforms Step In?

Sure, but let’s be realistic. These shows are expensive to produce. Unless a platform sees major global value, it’s not a slam dunk.

For instance:

• The Equalizer: Low chance. No current buyer.

• FBI Spinoffs: Unlikely, due to NBCUniversal/Dick Wolf deals already in place elsewhere.

• S.W.A.T.: Moderate chance—Sony owns it, so they could shop it around.

 Is CBS Making a Mistake?

 It Depends on Your Perspective

If you value:

• Cost-cutting and control? CBS is making smart moves.

• Fan loyalty and emotional investment? They’re making major missteps.

Networks are businesses, yes—but TV is personal for viewers.

What This Means for the Fall 2025 Lineup

Expect your CBS schedule to look very different:

• New spinoffs and shows with in-house production will dominate

• Old favorites will fade away quietly unless major pressure changes the narrative

Final Thoughts — Is There Still Hope?

Let’s be real: hope is fading, but it’s not dead.

If fans keep showing up, and if shows perform well in delayed viewing or streaming, CBS might reconsider. But at this point, the network’s made its pivot—and it’s leaning toward fresh, budget-friendly content.

Conclusion

CBS’s silence on early renewals isn’t random—it’s strategic. And sadly, it may signal the end for fan favorites like S.W.A.T., The Equalizer, and FBI: International. While viewership has stayed strong, the math behind the scenes paints a different picture.

Still, fans have power. As past reversals have shown, loud voices can make a difference. So if you’re not ready to say goodbye to these shows, now’s the time to speak up.

FAQs

Q1: Why didn’t CBS renew these popular shows early?
A1: It came down to ownership and costs. CBS is focusing on shows it produces in-house to cut licensing expenses.

Q2: Is S.W.A.T. officially canceled now?
A2: Yes. It was canceled after Season 8, marking the third time CBS tried to end the series.

Q3: Are FBI: Most Wanted and International returning?
A3: No. Both have been canceled, with CBS shifting attention to a new spinoff, FBI: CIA.