Get ready to clear your calendar because CBS just revealed the official release dates for its most iconic series—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting TV seasons in years. Fan-favorite dramas like ‘NCIS’ and the newly rebooted ‘Matlock’ are leading the charge this fall, alongside a stacked schedule full of returning hits and fresh faces.
Whether you’re a procedural junkie, a courtroom drama fan, or someone who just lives for prime-time comfort TV, CBS is serving something for everyone in its Fall 2025 lineup.
‘NCIS’ Returns With Season 23 and a Lot of Buzz
Premiere Date Locked In
After an emotional and mysterious Season 22 finale, ‘NCIS’ Season 23 will officially premiere on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT. That’s right—Tuesday nights are once again NCIS territory.
What Fans Can Expect
Expect more character-driven storylines, an exploration of Agent Alden Parker’s backstory, and maybe even a multi-show crossover, hinted at by recent behind-the-scenes posts from cast members like Wilmer Valderrama and Brian Dietzen.
‘Matlock’ Reboot Finds Its Footing in Fall 2025
Kathy Bates Leads the Charge
CBS’s reimagined version of ‘Matlock’ returns this fall with Kathy Bates in the title role. It’s set to premiere on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT. The courtroom drama has been praised for bringing a fresh perspective while honoring the legacy of the original Andy Griffith-led series.
CBS Fall 2025 Premiere Schedule at a Glance
| Show Title | Season | Premiere Date | Day & Time Slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCIS | 23 | Oct 14, 2025 | Tuesday, 8 PM ET/PT |
| NCIS: Origins | 1 | Oct 14, 2025 | Tuesday, 9 PM ET/PT |
| Matlock | 2 | Oct 19, 2025 | Sunday, 9 PM ET/PT |
| FBI | 7 | Oct 15, 2025 | Wednesday, 8 PM ET/PT |
| Blue Bloods | 14 | Oct 18, 2025 | Friday, 10 PM ET/PT |
| The Equalizer | 5 | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday, 8 PM ET/PT |
| Fire Country | 3 | Oct 17, 2025 | Friday, 9 PM ET/PT |
New Shows Joining the CBS Family This Fall
‘NCIS: Origins’ Makes Its Debut
Premiering right after the flagship series, ‘NCIS: Origins’ tells the story of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs during his early years in the agency. Think of it as a gritty prequel that adds more depth to a legendary character.
‘Watson’ Adds a Twist to the Detective Genre
CBS is also debuting ‘Watson’, a modern spin-off of the Sherlock Holmes universe, focusing on Dr. Watson solving crimes post-Holmes. Premieres Thursday, October 16 at 10 PM.
What Makes CBS’s Fall 2025 Lineup a Must-Watch?
H3: Balancing Legacy with Fresh Energy
CBS has mastered the art of bringing back beloved shows while introducing original series that appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers. This year’s lineup proves that formula still works.
Big Names, Big Expectations
From Kathy Bates in ‘Matlock’ to young Gibbs in ‘NCIS: Origins’, and Queen Latifah continuing her run in ‘The Equalizer’, this season features Hollywood heavyweights at their best.
How CBS Strategically Scheduled Its Hits
CBS stacked Tuesdays and Sundays with its biggest IPs—placing ‘NCIS’ and ‘Origins’ back-to-back, and ‘Matlock’ in a prestige Sunday night slot. It’s a move that screams confidence in viewer loyalty and signals a ratings strategy built around trust and nostalgia.
Social Media Hype Is Through the Roof
#NCIS23 and #MatlockReboot Trending
After the premiere schedule dropped, fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok with reactions, predictions, and memes. Hashtags like #NCIS23, #YoungGibbs, and #KathyIsMatlock quickly began trending.
Cast Members Fuel the Fire
Actors like Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, and Brian Dietzen shared behind-the-scenes content that teased plot developments and built anticipation for October.
How To Watch the CBS Fall 2025 Lineup
You can catch all your favorite CBS shows:
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Live on CBS through your cable provider
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Streaming next-day on Paramount+
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On-demand via Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV
Quick Takeaways for Viewers
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NCIS is back and might be darker and more personal than ever.
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Matlock’s reboot isn’t just working—it’s thriving.
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CBS is betting big on nostalgia—and it’s paying off.
Conclusion: A Fall TV Season Worth the Wait
From courtroom showdowns in ‘Matlock’ to secret agent drama in ‘NCIS’, CBS’s Fall 2025 schedule blends the familiar with the fresh. It’s packed with high-stakes storytelling, powerhouse performances, and enough drama to keep viewers glued to their screens week after week.
Whether you’re excited for the return of a favorite or the debut of something brand new, CBS is clearly delivering the goods this fall. Mark those dates, grab your popcorn, and get ready—TV just got exciting again.
❓FAQs
1. When does ‘NCIS’ Season 23 premiere?
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT on CBS.
2. Who stars in the new ‘Matlock’ reboot?
Kathy Bates stars as the modern Matlock, bringing a fresh legal perspective to the series.
3. What’s new in the CBS Fall 2025 lineup?
CBS is debuting ‘NCIS: Origins’ and ‘Watson’, along with returning staples like ‘FBI’, ‘The Equalizer’, and ‘Blue Bloods’.
4. Where can I stream CBS shows if I miss them live?
All shows will be available next-day on Paramount+ and also through live TV streaming services like Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV.
5. Is a crossover event expected between NCIS shows this season?
There’s no official confirmation yet, but behind-the-scenes teases and cast interviews suggest a crossover could be in the works.
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