The wait is finally over. After months of speculation, ratings analysis, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, CBS has officially announced its full list of renewed and cancelled shows for the 2026 television season. And let’s be honest—this year’s decisions hit hard.
Some fan favorites lived to see another season, while others were quietly shown the door. Whether you’re celebrating a renewal or mourning a cancellation, this complete breakdown gives you everything you need to know—without the fluff.
So grab your remote, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into what CBS has planned for 2025.
Why CBS’s 2026 Renewals and Cancellations Matter
TV renewals aren’t just corporate decisions—they’re emotional investments. Viewers spend years with characters, storylines, and weekly rituals. When CBS makes a call, it reshapes the network’s identity and your viewing schedule.
In 2025, CBS focused heavily on ratings performance, streaming engagement, production costs, and franchise longevity. The result? A strategic mix of safe bets and bold cuts.
How CBS Decides Which Shows Live or Die
Before we get into the list, let’s pull back the curtain.
Key Factors Behind CBS’s Decisions
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Live + Same Day Ratings
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Paramount+ Streaming Numbers
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Audience Demographics
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Production Costs
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Franchise Value
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International Syndication Potential
In short, it’s not just about popularity—it’s about profitability.
CBS Shows Renewed for the 2025 Season
Let’s start with the good news. These shows survived the cut and are officially coming back.
Flagship Dramas Renewed by CBS
NCIS (Season 23 Confirmed)
Still standing strong, NCIS remains the backbone of CBS. Even after cast changes, the franchise continues to deliver reliable ratings and loyal viewers.
Why it was renewed:
Consistency, brand recognition, and global syndication power.
FBI (Season 8 Confirmed)
Dick Wolf’s FBI universe shows no signs of slowing down. The flagship series continues to anchor Tuesday nights.
Why it was renewed:
Solid ratings and strong franchise expansion.
Blue Bloods (Final Extended Season)
Yes, it’s renewed—but with an asterisk. Blue Bloods will return for a final extended season, giving fans a proper goodbye.
Why it matters:
CBS chose closure over abrupt cancellation, respecting its long-time audience.
Procedural Spin-Offs That Made the Cut
NCIS: Sydney (Season 2 Confirmed)
The international gamble paid off. Viewers embraced the fresh setting and global tone.
Why it was renewed:
Strong Paramount+ performance and overseas appeal.
FBI: Most Wanted (Season 7 Confirmed)
Despite rumors of cancellation, this gritty procedural survives another year.
FBI: International (Season 6 Confirmed)
Filmed abroad and performing well digitally, this spin-off continues to justify its cost.
CBS Comedies Renewed for 2026
Ghosts (Season 5 Confirmed)
Still funny. Still clever. Still a ratings win.
Why it was renewed:
Strong live ratings and viral social media moments.
Young Sheldon (Special Continuation Projects)
While the main series ended, CBS confirmed expanded universe content tied to the franchise.
Translation:
The Sheldon universe isn’t done yet.
Reality and Competition Shows Returning
Survivor (Season 49 Confirmed)
At this point, Survivor is television immortality.
The Amazing Race (Season 37 Confirmed)
Still delivering adventure, emotion, and reliable numbers.
CBS Shows Cancelled in 2026
Now for the tough part.
Dramas That Didn’t Make the Cut
CSI: Vegas (Cancelled After Season 3)
Despite nostalgia, the reboot couldn’t sustain long-term momentum.
Why it was cancelled:
High production costs and declining ratings.
So Help Me Todd (Cancelled)
A cult favorite, but cult didn’t translate into numbers.
Why fans are upset:
Strong storytelling, weak viewership.
Comedies Axed by CBS
Bob Hearts Abishola (Officially Ended)
A respectable run, but CBS opted not to continue.
The Neighborhood (Cancelled After Final Season)
Once a strong performer, the comedy slowly lost steam.
Reality Shows Quietly Dropped
Tough as Nails (Cancelled)
While critically praised, it struggled to maintain consistent viewership.
New CBS Shows Still on the Bubble
Some shows haven’t been officially renewed or cancelled yet.
Wildcard Series Still Awaiting Decisions
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Midseason dramas
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New fall pilots
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Limited event series
CBS traditionally waits until early summer to finalize these calls.
What These Cancellations Say About CBS’s Strategy
CBS is clearly doubling down on:
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Established franchises
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Procedural dramas
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Streaming-compatible content
Riskier, experimental shows are facing shorter lifespans.
How Paramount+ Is Influencing CBS Renewals
Streaming numbers matter more than ever.
A show with average ratings but strong streaming engagement can still survive. CBS is no longer thinking in just Nielsen boxes—it’s thinking globally.
Fan Reactions: Cheers, Outrage, and Everything in Between
Social media exploded after the announcement. Some fans celebrated renewals, while others launched hashtag campaigns hoping to save cancelled shows.
Sound familiar? It’s TV’s version of emotional whiplash.
What This Means for the 2025–2026 TV Season
Expect:
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More franchise crossovers
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Fewer standalone experiments
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Bigger pushes toward streaming-first content
CBS is playing the long game—and not everyone makes the roster.
What Viewers Should Watch Next
If your favorite show was cancelled, keep an eye on:
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Streaming revivals
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Limited series spin-offs
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Potential network pickups
Television has a funny way of resurrecting the “dead.”
Conclusion: A Defining Year for CBS Television
CBS’s 2026 renewals and cancellations reveal a network focused on stability, scale, and proven success. While some bold voices were lost, the strategy is clear—CBS is betting on what works.
Love it or hate it, these decisions will shape prime-time TV for years to come.
