CBS is making serious moves this fall. From fan-favorite franchises like NCIS and FBI to new spins like Boston Blueand returning icons like Matlock, the network is doubling down on its signature drama-packed programming. Whether you’re into crime-solving geniuses or family-fueled sitcoms, CBS Fall 2025 has something that’ll grab your attention — and never let go.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
📅 Premiere Dates to Remember
🗓️ Sunday Specials Before the Big Week
-
Sept 7, 2025 – Video Music Awards (8 PM ET)
-
Sept 14, 2025 – 77th Emmy Awards (8 PM ET)
-
Sept 21, 2025 – A Grammy Salute to Earth, Wind & Fire (8 PM ET)
🚨 Premiere Week Begins: Sept 24–Oct 19
💣 Wednesday Kicks Off With ‘Survivor’
‘Survivor’ Season 49 Returns With a Two-Hour Event
Premiere Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 8 PM ET
The jungle is calling again. Survivor fans, clear your calendars — Season 49 is bringing bigger twists, higher stakes, and a fresh cast ready to outwit, outplay, and outlast.
🚗 Thursday Gets Competitive With ‘The Amazing Race’
The Amazing Race Season 38 Drops Into High Gear
Premiere Date: September 25, 2025
Time: 9 PM ET (90 minutes)
Jet-setters unite. A global thrill ride kicks off as teams race against time, culture shock, and each other for $1 million. New challenges, exotic detours, and drama await.
🕵️♀️ All Eyes on Tuesday: All ‘NCIS’ Night
‘NCIS’ Season 23 – Gibbs’ Legacy Lives On
Premiere Date: October 14, 2025
Time: 8 PM ET
Even without Gibbs, NCIS is still the king of Tuesday nights. The series returns with bold cases and deeper emotional arcs. McGee steps up — but is he ready?
‘NCIS: Origins’ Season 2 – A Look Back, With Bite
Time: 9 PM ET
This prequel digs deep into the early career of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Action, nostalgia, and untold stories — all in one compelling hour.
‘NCIS: Sydney’ Season 3 – Aussie Tension, Global Stakes
Time: 10 PM ET
International intrigue hits Down Under. Season 3 of this spinoff ups the ante with new agents, higher stakes, and a whole lot of attitude.
🔬 Monday Night: Science Meets Crime and Comedy
‘FBI’ Season 8 Returns With Real-World Relevance
Premiere Date: October 13, 2025
Time: 9 PM ET
FBI returns with explosive cases straight from the headlines. Expect more teamwork, tighter investigations, and new moral dilemmas.
‘Watson’ Season 2 – The Doctor Is In (And Under Pressure)
Time: 10 PM ET
After a standout debut, Watson comes back with more high-tech cases and psychological drama. Think Sherlock vibes, but make it modern.
👻 Thursday Is Hauntingly Good
‘Ghosts’ Season 5 Brings the Laughs From Beyond
Premiere Date: October 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Our favorite gang of quirky spirits returns. This time? Expect even weirder hauntings, awkward relationships, and comedic gold.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’ Season 2
Time: 8 PM ET
A fan-favorite Young Sheldon spinoff, this heartwarming comedy blends southern charm with growing pains and fresh romance.
⚖️ Classic Revivals on Thursday Nights
‘Matlock’ Season 2 – Legal Drama With Star Power
Time: 9 PM ET
Kathy Bates continues to own the courtroom in this reboot. Sharp writing, unexpected cases, and guest stars galore make Matlock a must-watch.
‘Elsbeth’ Season 3 – Quirky Yet Brilliant
Time: 10 PM ET
The detective with a flair for fashion and logic is back. Elsbeth uses her unconventional methods to unravel complex mysteries and charmingly win hearts.
🚓 Friday’s Lineup Gets Gritty
‘Fire Country’ Season 4 – More Than Just Flames
Premiere Date: October 17, 2025
Time: 9 PM ET
Expect emotional weight and explosive action. Fire Country’s mix of redemption stories and blazing drama will keep you hooked.
‘Sheriff Country’ – A Bold New Spinoff Begins
Time: 8 PM ET
A Fire Country spinoff, this show introduces us to a rural sheriff with complicated roots and even more complicated cases.
‘Boston Blue’ – Blue Bloods Gets a Spinoff
Time: 10 PM ET
Donnie Wahlberg leads this gritty Boston-based drama, blending family ties, moral decisions, and high-stakes police action.
🛰️ Sunday Reigns With Reality and Drama
‘Tracker’ Season 3 – Hunt or Be Hunted
Premiere Date: October 19, 2025
Time: 8 PM ET
Justin Hartley returns as the elite tracker solving mysteries across America. Season 3 promises darker cases and deeper character arcs.
‘The Road’ – A New Music Reality Show
Time: 9 PM ET
Think The Voice meets Amazing Race. Aspiring musicians tour the country while competing for fame. New format, fresh faces, total unpredictability.
💡 What Makes This Fall Lineup Different?
A Balanced Blend of Franchises, Freshness & Familiarity
CBS isn’t just leaning on old favorites. With original series like DMV and bold spinoffs like Boston Blue, the network is casting a wide net across genres, generations, and formats.
📌 Key Dates Quick Recap
| Date | Time | Show(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 24 (Wed) | 8 PM | Survivor S49 |
| Sept 25 (Thu) | 9 PM | Amazing Race S38 |
| Oct 13 (Mon) | 9–10 PM | FBI, Watson |
| Oct 14 (Tue) | 8–11 PM | NCIS, NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney |
| Oct 16 (Thu) | 8–10 PM | Ghosts, Matlock, Elsbeth |
| Oct 17 (Fri) | 8–10 PM | Sheriff Country, Fire Country, Boston Blue |
| Oct 19 (Sun) | 8–9 PM | Tracker, The Road |
🎬 Conclusion: CBS Is Dominating Fall 2025
This fall, CBS is clearly stepping on the gas. Whether you’re all-in for NCIS Tuesdays, laughing with Ghosts, or diving into the drama with Watson, there’s something on the schedule for everyone. It’s not just TV — it’s appointment viewing again.
So grab your remote. This fall is going to be binge-worthy.
🙋♂️ 5 Unique FAQs
Q1: When is NCIS returning in 2025?
A: NCIS Season 23 premieres on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 8 PM ET, followed by NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney.
Q2: Is Boston Blue replacing Blue Bloods?
A: Yes! Boston Blue is the spiritual and narrative follow-up to Blue Bloods, premiering Friday, October 17 at 10 PM ET.
