The wait is over — CBS has officially released its Fall 2025 premiere schedule, and it comes with major changes to some of its flagship series. From NCIS shifting time slots to FBI facing a surprising delay, fans should brace themselves for a restructured (and re-energized) primetime lineup.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of crime procedurals or tuning in for the network’s growing drama roster, this fall’s schedule has something for everyone — just not necessarily where or when you expect it.
Let’s break it down.
CBS’ Fall 2025 Premiere Week – Mark Your Calendars
CBS will kick off its official Fall 2025 premiere week starting Monday, September 22, and it’s coming out of the gate strong. Premiere week includes returning hits, new dramas, and strategic time slot shuffles that signal CBS is ready to freshen up its primetime presence.
NCIS Gets a New Time Slot — And a Lead-In Twist
One of the biggest surprises of the CBS announcement? NCIS is moving to a new time.
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New Time Slot: Mondays at 8/7c
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Premiere Date: September 22, 2025
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Lead-In Show: A brand-new legal drama titled “District 12”
Why The Move?
CBS is reportedly giving NCIS an earlier slot to capitalize on its broad audience appeal and boost ratings for the new 9 PM show. It’s also a strategic move to avoid direct competition with other networks’ primetime crime dramas.
The series’ former slot at 9 PM will now go to District 12, a high-stakes legal thriller set in Washington, D.C.
FBI Delayed Until Midseason – Here’s Why
While NCIS is moving up, FBI fans will need to be patient. The entire FBI franchise (Original, International, and Most Wanted) is being held until midseason (early 2026).
The Reason for the Delay
CBS cited production scheduling conflicts and a desire to give newer series room to breathe in the fall. According to execs, FBI will return with “more explosive story arcs” and possibly longer episode orders in 2026.
In the meantime, CBS will fill the Tuesday slot with a new serialized thriller, “Crisis Code.”
New Shows Joining CBS This Fall
The fall isn’t just about returning favorites — CBS is debuting three major new dramas:
“District 12”
A bold new legal series set in the political underworld of Washington, D.C. It will air Mondays at 9/8c, directly following NCIS.
“Crisis Code”
A dark, fast-paced tech thriller exploring global cybercrime. Slated for Tuesdays at 9/8c.
“Trauma Bay”
CBS’s answer to Grey’s Anatomy meets SEAL Team — a gritty military-medical drama airing Wednesdays at 10/9c.
What About Returning CBS Hits?
Here’s how your other CBS favorites are scheduled:
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Young Sheldon (Final Season): Thursdays at 8/7c (Sept. 25)
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Blue Bloods: Fridays at 10/9c (Sept. 26)
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The Equalizer: Sundays at 8/7c (Sept. 28)
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Survivor: Back in its Wednesday slot, but now expanded to 90-minute episodes
NCIS Franchise Status Update
While FBI is delayed, the NCIS universe is expanding:
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NCIS: Sydney will return for Season 2 in early 2026
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NCIS: Hawai’i remains canceled
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Rumors of a new international spin-off (possibly in Europe) are heating up for 2026 development
Why CBS Is Reshuffling Its Schedule
Strategic Programming
CBS is leaning into audience flow — placing established juggernauts like NCIS at the top of the evening to lift new shows.
Making Room for New Hits
By delaying FBI, CBS gives its new series room to succeed. The move might be risky, but it shows confidence in its fresh programming slate.
What CBS Executives Are Saying
George Cheeks, CBS CEO:
“This fall, we’re blending trusted favorites with bold, new storytelling. These changes are about growth, not replacement.”
Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment President:
“Our goal is to energize Monday and Tuesday nights with a mix of action, drama, and fresh characters.”
Fan Reactions: Mixed, But Mostly Hopeful
🔥 Some Excited About the Changes:
“NCIS at 8 PM? I’m in! Love starting the week early with the team.” – @NavyNCIS4Life
😕 Others Not Loving the FBI Delay:
“No FBI until 2026? That’s brutal. Tuesdays won’t be the same.” – @FBIunitFan
Conclusion: A Bold Move Into a New Era
CBS is making bold, strategic moves this fall — reworking its schedule in ways that prioritize both fan-favorite series and exciting new content. With NCIS leading the charge in a new slot, and FBI taking a breather, Fall 2025 could be the most refreshing CBS season in years.
Love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: the network is keeping things interesting.
❓FAQs
1. What night will NCIS air in Fall 2025?
NCIS will now air Mondays at 8/7c, instead of its usual 9 PM slot.
2. Why is the FBI franchise delayed?
CBS is pushing the FBI shows to midseason 2026 to make room for new dramas and accommodate production schedules.
3. What’s replacing FBI on Tuesdays this fall?
A new serialized tech thriller called “Crisis Code” will air Tuesdays at 9/8c.
4. Is NCIS: Hawai’i coming back?
No. NCIS: Hawai’i has been officially canceled, though other spin-offs are in development.
5. What’s the premiere date for CBS’ Fall 2025 season?
CBS’s premiere week kicks off on Monday, September 22, 2025.
Now Streaming: Get ready for a bold new CBS lineup. Fall premieres begin September 22, 2025 — don’t miss the shake-up!
