CBS Fall 2026 TV Schedule for New and Returning Shows: ‘Tracker,’ ‘Fire Country,’ ‘FBI’ and More

When fall hits, TV fans know it’s more than just cooler weather — it’s the return of primetime excitement. Every year, CBS stands at the center of that buzz with a lineup packed with fan-favorite dramas, fresh new launches, and strategic schedule shifts designed to dominate the ratings race.

While CBS hasn’t officially announced its Fall 2026 lineup, industry movement, production renewals, and network trends paint a clear picture of what viewers can expect. In this detailed preview, we break down the projected schedule, highlight the returning powerhouses like ‘Tracker,’ ‘Fire Country,’ and the unstoppable ‘FBI’ franchise, and explore the new shows that could shake up primetime. Get ready — this is your ultimate guide to CBS Fall 2026.

What to Expect From CBS in Fall 2026

CBS enters 2026 with more momentum than ever. After a run of hit seasons led by character-driven dramas, high-stakes procedural storytelling, and strong audience loyalty, the network is poised for another big year. And yes — some of your favorites are almost guaranteed to return.

Returning Hits Taking Over Fall 2026

These CBS juggernauts continue to anchor the lineup year after year. Let’s break down the biggest returning titles.

‘Tracker’ Season 4: The Network’s Power Player

‘Tracker’ has dominated CBS’s drama lineup since its debut, thanks to its engaging storytelling and charismatic lead character.

Why it’s returning:

• Consistent ratings

• Strong social buzz

• A format that’s easy to expand with new story arcs

Expect Season 4 to raise the stakes with bigger cases, deeper emotional beats, and more cross-state adventures.

‘Fire Country’ Season 5: The Heat Continues

‘Fire Country’ has become one of CBS’s fastest-growing hits.

Why fans love it:

• High-intensity rescues

• Character-driven conflicts

• Emotional family dynamics

Season 5 is expected to introduce new firehouse drama, higher-risk rescues, and new challenges for Bode and the crew.

‘FBI,’ ‘FBI: Most Wanted,’ and ‘FBI: International’ Return Strong

The FBI franchise remains one of CBS’s most dependable ratings engines.

What we can expect in 2026:

• Fresh cases ripped from the headlines

• Expanded character arcs

• Possible crossover events (fans always ask for them — CBS listens)

These shows continue to anchor CBS’s lineup because they offer consistency, tension, and weekly storytelling that keeps viewers coming back.

‘The Equalizer’ Keeps Its Sunday Strength

Queen Latifah continues to bring power, heart, and action to primetime.
Season 6 is projected to continue exploring justice-driven narratives, new adversaries, and a growing support team dynamic.

‘NCIS’ Franchise Staying Strong

Even with lineup changes over the years, the NCIS brand remains unstoppable.

Possible 2026 roster:

• NCIS (flagship): More high-stakes Naval investigations

• NCIS: Hawai‘i: Tropical crime-fighting and character-driven storytelling

• NCIS: Origins (if renewed): A prequel twist fans already love

New Shows Expected in CBS Fall 2026

CBS usually introduces two to four new dramas or comedies each fall. Based on pilots in development and industry chatter, here’s what might hit screens.

New Procedural Dramas

CBS thrives on procedural storytelling — and Fall 2026 is likely to follow that trend.

Projected new dramas could include:

• Medical-driven procedural (CBS hasn’t launched a new one in a while)

• Legal drama with a serialized twist

• High-tech crime series driven by digital forensics

These genres align perfectly with CBS’s brand and audience base.

New Comedies on the Horizon

Though CBS focuses heavily on drama, the network always keeps room for multi-camera and single-camera comedies.

Possible additions could include:

• Workplace comedy

• Family-centered humor

• A reboot or nostalgia-driven throwback

Reality and Unscripted Additions

CBS continues to lean into reality hits like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Big Brother.

New 2026 unscripted concepts may involve:

• Adventure-based competition

• Relationship-focused reality

• Social strategy spin-offs

Projected CBS Primetime Schedule for Fall 2026

While this is not the official schedule, here’s a realistic projection based on CBS patterns from past seasons.

Monday Nights

8:00 PM – The Neighborhood (or new comedy launch)
8:30 PM – New Comedy Series
9:00 PM – NCIS
10:00 PM – NCIS: Hawai‘i

Tuesday Nights — The Power Lineup

8:00 PM – FBI
9:00 PM – FBI: International
10:00 PM – FBI: Most Wanted

A franchise that continues to dominate Tuesdays.

Wednesday Nights

8:00 PM – Survivor
9:00 PM – New Drama Series
10:00 PM – The Equalizer

Thursday Nights

8:00 PM – Young Sheldon Spin-Off or Comedy Block
9:00 PM – Fire Country
10:00 PM – New Procedural Drama

Friday Nights — The Action Slot

8:00 PM – S.W.A.T. or Successor
9:00 PM – Blue Bloods (if continued) or New Drama
10:00 PM – 48 Hours

Sunday Nights

8:00 PM – The Amazing Race / Reality Rotation
9:00 PM – Tracker
10:00 PM – NCIS: Origins (if renewed)

Why CBS’s 2026 Lineup Is Built to Win

CBS’s fall schedule works because it balances familiar comfort with fresh innovation.

In 2026, that balance looks even stronger.

Here’s why:

• Returning hits anchor every night

• New shows add buzz and unpredictability

• Franchise power boosts loyalty

• Procedurals keep viewers hooked week after week

CBS knows its audience — and Fall 2026 appears built to satisfy them.

Major Themes We Expect to Dominate the 2026 Season

Television trends evolve, but a few big themes are poised to take over the 2026 CBS slate.

Character-Driven Storytelling

Audiences crave emotional connection, and CBS continues to expand character arcs in every major show.

Bigger Action and Higher Stakes

Dramas like Fire Country, Tracker, and NCIS will likely introduce:

• Larger-scale rescues

• Multi-episode arcs

• More dynamic villains

Crossovers and Shared Universes

With the success of FBI and NCIS crossovers, fans can expect more moments where worlds collide.

Diverse, Inclusive Storylines

CBS has made significant strides in broadening representation, and 2026 is set to continue that growth.

What Fans Are Most Excited About

If fan forums, social media chatter, and viewership patterns tell us anything, it’s this:

Viewers can’t wait for…

• New rescue sequences in Fire Country

• Fresh cases in FBI

• Deeper emotional arcs in Tracker

• Potential NCIS crossovers

• Surprises in CBS’s new series lineup

Fall 2026 might be the network’s most ambitious season yet.

Conclusion

CBS’s Fall 2026 projected TV schedule brings everything fans expect — action, emotion, humor, suspense, and characters we can’t help but root for. With returning icons like ‘Tracker,’ ‘Fire Country,’ and the full FBI franchise, plus new series poised to shake up primetime, the network looks ready to dominate another season.

While the official schedule is still to come, all signs point toward a lineup that blends audience favorites with bold new storytelling. If you love CBS dramas, buckle up — Fall 2026 is shaping up to be unforgettable.