CBS announced the fall primetime premiere dates for a number of your favorite shows, and we have a look at when Matlock, Elsbeth, Tracker, Ghosts, and Fire Country will be back for their respective seasons and when Sheriff Country will debut. But before we get to that, two big updates. First up, fans of Morris Chestnut-starring Watson will be getting the second season sooner than expected with a fall return on Mondays at 10 pm ET/PT, a move up from its originally planned midseason return. On the opposite side of that, the Tom Ellis (Lucifer)-starring “FBI” universe series CIA will now move to midseason.
In addition, Deadline Hollywood is reporting that CIA has undergone a change in showrunner. FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins was originally set as showrunner and to co-write the pilot with “FBI,” “Law & Order” & “Chicago” franchise boss Dick Wolf, but Hudgins has exited the series. As the series focuses on its midseason premiere, Warren Leight (Law & Order: SVU) has stepped up as showrunner for the series.
Here’s a rundown of when the shows we listed above will return. Make sure to keep in mind how the season premieres for Elsbeth and Matlock are working in terms of “CBS Premiere Week”: Sunday, October 12th, will feature Matlock (8:30-9:30 pm ET) and Elsbeth (9:30-10:30 pm ET) debuting their respective season openers with special “sneak peeks” before moving to their respective Thursday timeslots on October 16th with original episodes.
CBS has finally spilled the beans—and fans of “Tracker,” “Matlock,” “Elsbeth,” and more are buzzing. With Fall 2025 shaping up to be a powerhouse TV season, CBS is stacking its lineup with major premieres, long-awaited returns, and some fresh faces. If you’re already dreaming about cool evenings curled up in front of your favorite dramas, sitcoms, or crime procedurals, this guide has everything you need. Let’s break it all down—what’s coming, when it’s premiering, and why you really shouldn’t miss a minute.
CBS Fall 2025 Premiere Week: The Big Picture
CBS’s official premiere week kicks off Monday, September 22, 2025, and it’s packed tighter than a Thanksgiving plate. The network’s top-rated shows return with new episodes, while buzz-worthy reboots and spinoffs are ready to make their debut splash.
What to Expect From CBS This Fall
The 2025-2026 season isn’t just business as usual. CBS is doubling down on franchise power, fan-favorite formats, and compelling characters. Expect high-stakes drama, courtroom chaos, crime-solving brilliance, and just enough heart to keep you emotionally hooked.
“Tracker” Season 2 Premiere Date & Plot Tease
Premiere Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 9/8c
Justin Hartley returns as Colter Shaw, and Season 2 promises even deeper mysteries and personal stakes. After a jaw-dropping Season 1 finale, fans can expect darker twists and emotionally rich storylines as Shaw tracks the untrackable.
“Matlock” Reboot—When It Drops & Why You Should Watch
Premiere Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 9/8c
Kathy Bates steps into the iconic role of Madeline Matlock, a brilliant, retired attorney returning to law. With a clever blend of old-school legal tactics and modern drama, this reboot is already generating Emmy buzz before its debut.
“Elsbeth” Season 2—A Quirky Queen Returns
Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10/9c
Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni is back, and this time the cases are even stranger. Set in New York, Season 2 dives into more bizarre crimes with Elsbeth’s signature eccentric charm—and plenty of guest stars.
“NCIS” Universe Returns in Full Force
Premiere Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
CBS’s crown jewel franchise, “NCIS,” returns with:
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NCIS at 8/7c
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NCIS: Sydney at 9/8c
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NCIS: Hawai’i at 10/9c
Expect thrilling missions, emotional arcs, and major crossovers.
“Blue Bloods” Final Season Premieres
Premiere Date: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10/9c
The Reagan family’s final ride begins this fall. After over a decade, “Blue Bloods” wraps up with a season promising heartfelt goodbyes, explosive cases, and legacy-defining moments.
Full CBS Fall 2025 Premiere Schedule (So Far)
Let’s get specific. Here’s the night-by-night breakdown:
Monday, September 22, 2025
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8/7c — NCIS
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9/8c — NCIS: Sydney
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10/9c — NCIS: Hawai’i
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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8/7c — FBI
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9/8c — FBI: International
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10/9c — Elsbeth (Season 2 Premiere)
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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8/7c — Survivor
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9/8c — The Amazing Race
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10/9c — CSI: Vegas
Thursday, September 25, 2025
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8/7c — Young Sheldon (Final Season)
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9/8c — Matlock (Series Premiere)
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10/9c — Ghosts
Friday, September 26, 2025
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8/7c — S.W.A.T.
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9/8c — Fire Country
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10/9c — Blue Bloods (Final Season Premiere)
Sunday, September 28, 2025
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8/7c — 60 Minutes
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9/8c — Tracker (Season 2 Premiere)
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10/9c — The Equalizer
What’s New & What’s Ending
New Shows Debuting This Fall
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Matlock (Reboot)
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NCIS: Sydney (Expanded Season)
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Young Sheldon Spin-off Development (Coming Midseason)
Shows Wrapping Up
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Blue Bloods (Final Season)
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Young Sheldon (Final Season)
It’s bittersweet, but CBS is closing out some legacy shows to make room for the next big hits.
Fan Reactions Are Off the Charts
Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok are blowing up. The hype around “Matlock” and “Elsbeth” in particular is massive. Meanwhile, “Tracker” fans are already forming wild theories about Season 2 twists—and they might not be far off.
Behind the Scenes—Why CBS Made These Moves
CBS’s schedule reflects a smart strategy: lean into trusted franchises, reboot with purpose, and keep the audience engaged across genres. With the success of “Tracker” and “Elsbeth” last year, CBS is betting big on character-driven stories with a twist.
Midseason Premieres to Watch For
Though not part of the official fall lineup, keep an eye out for:
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Young Sheldon Spin-off (Missy-focused)
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More FBI Universe Episodes
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SWAT Extended Arc
Don’t Miss These Premiere Tips
Here’s how to stay ahead:
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Set calendar alerts for your favorite show’s return
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Subscribe to CBS streaming to catch episodes on demand
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Join online communities to discuss live as it airs
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Follow official cast social media for sneak peeks
Conclusion: Get Ready for a Blockbuster Fall on CBS
Fall 2025 isn’t just another season—it’s the season for CBS fans. Whether you’re craving legal drama, military missions, or quirky crime-solving, the network has your weekly lineup covered. From iconic returns to exciting reboots, this fall proves once again why CBS remains a primetime titan.
So grab your snacks, charge the remote, and prepare for some epic TV nights.
