It’s the headline no TV fan ever wanted to see — but industry insiders are whispering that CBS is planning a massive cleanup of its primetime lineup, and no one, not even its biggest hits, is completely safe.
According to multiple reports, the network is quietly reviewing contracts, production costs, and long-term performance data for its top franchises — including NCIS, FBI, Blue Bloods, and the breakout hit Tracker. One insider described the atmosphere at CBS as “the calm before the storm.”
“They’re preparing to make some of the hardest calls in years,” an anonymous executive revealed. “Shows that were once untouchable are now on the chopping block.”
The rumor that CBS might retire one of the NCIS spinoffs has already caused a frenzy online, but what really sent shockwaves through fandom was the mention of Tracker — the Justin Hartley-led drama that became the network’s highest-rated new show in over a decade.
Tracker’s Season 3 premiere broke viewing records, yet sources claim CBS is still “reassessing” its future due to rising production costs and Hartley’s increasing commitments to other projects. That, combined with whispers of CBS launching an all-new 2026 mystery-thriller series to replace one of its current dramas, has left viewers bracing for bad news.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans have been vocal:
“If they cancel Tracker, I’m done with CBS.”
“Not FBI AND NCIS! What’s even left?”
“They can’t touch Tracker — it’s literally their #1 show!”
Industry analysts suggest CBS could be heading toward a “brand reset,” focusing on limited series and high-impact streaming crossovers rather than multi-season procedural runs. Some even believe the rumored new show — code-named The Horizon — may secretly be a Tracker-universe spin-off in disguise.
For now, CBS remains silent, fueling more speculation than ever. The official 2026-2027 lineup announcement is expected early next year, but fans are already preparing for heartbreak.
Because if the rumors are true — and CBS really does pull the plug on even one of these shows — it won’t just be another scheduling change. It’ll be the end of an era.
