CBS has officially made its move—and it’s a big one. In a sweeping renewal announcement, the network confirmed that NCIS, Tracker, Matlock, and seven additional shows will return for the 2026–2027 television season. For fans, this news lands like a warm reunion. For competitors, it’s a clear signal: CBS is doubling down on what works.
Let’s break it all down, unpack what this means for viewers, and explore why these renewals matter more than you might think.
CBS Locks In Its Power Lineup for the 2026–2027 Season
CBS isn’t gambling—it’s investing. By renewing ten shows well in advance, the network is reinforcing stability, brand loyalty, and long-term storytelling. This isn’t just about ratings; it’s about trust.
Think of it like a favorite neighborhood diner. You keep coming back because you know exactly what you’re getting—and you love it.
The Full List of CBS Shows Renewed for 2026–2027
Here’s the confirmed lineup that will continue lighting up CBS screens:
Returning CBS Shows
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NCIS
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Tracker
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Matlock
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FBI
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FBI: Most Wanted
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FBI: International
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Blue Bloods
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Fire Country
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The Equalizer
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Elsbeth
That’s ten shows, spanning crime procedurals, legal dramas, and character-driven action series.
Why CBS Is Making Renewals Earlier Than Ever
Early renewals are no accident. CBS is playing chess, not checkers.
Stability Beats Uncertainty
By renewing shows early, CBS:
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Locks in top talent
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Reduces production delays
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Builds advertiser confidence
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Keeps viewers emotionally invested
It’s like renewing your lease early—you know where you’re living, and you can finally relax.
NCIS Renewal: Still the King of Procedurals
Why NCIS Continues to Dominate
After more than two decades, NCIS remains a ratings juggernaut. Its secret?
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Strong ensemble cast
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Familiar yet evolving storytelling
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Loyal multi-generational audience
A Franchise That Refuses to Fade
While other long-running shows burn out, NCIS adapts. It’s television comfort food—reliable, satisfying, and always there when you need it.
Tracker’s Breakout Success Explained
Justin Hartley’s Star Power
Tracker came in hot and stayed hot. Justin Hartley’s magnetic performance combined with a high-concept premise made this show an instant hit.
Why Viewers Can’t Look Away
The show blends:
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Emotional stakes
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Case-of-the-week pacing
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Cinematic visuals
It feels like a streaming series—on broadcast TV. That’s a rare win.
Matlock’s Modern Reinvention Paid Off
A Classic Name With a Bold New Voice
Reviving Matlock could’ve gone wrong. Instead, CBS struck gold by modernizing the legal drama while respecting its roots.
Nostalgia Meets Fresh Perspective
Older viewers feel at home. Younger viewers feel intrigued. That overlap? Pure ratings magic.
FBI Franchise: CBS’s Ratings Backbone
Why FBI, Most Wanted, and International Are Safe Bets
The FBI universe delivers:
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Global appeal
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High-stakes storytelling
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Efficient, formula-driven episodes
Procedurals That Travel Well
These shows perform exceptionally in syndication and international markets—making them financial powerhouses.
Blue Bloods: Family, Faith, and Longevity
Why This Show Still Resonates
Blue Bloods isn’t just about police work. It’s about family dinners, moral debates, and generational values.
The Secret Sauce
Viewers don’t just watch it—they live with it.
Fire Country’s Continued Rise
Blue-Collar Stories That Hit Home
Fire Country connects with audiences through raw emotion and real-world stakes.
Why CBS Believes in Its Future
The show taps into:
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Redemption arcs
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Community-focused drama
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Underdog storytelling
That’s a recipe that ages well.
The Equalizer and Elsbeth: Strong Female-Led Wins
The Equalizer’s Action-Driven Appeal
Queen Latifah brings authority, heart, and grit. The show balances justice with compassion—and viewers respond.
Elsbeth’s Quirky Legal Charm
Elsbeth stands out by being smart, offbeat, and character-driven. It’s not loud—but it’s clever. And clever lasts.
What These Renewals Say About CBS’s Strategy
CBS isn’t chasing trends—it’s refining its identity.
Consistency Over Chaos
While other networks experiment wildly, CBS:
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Builds franchises
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Protects proven IP
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Serves loyal audiences
A Network That Knows Its Audience
And that audience shows up. Every. Single. Week.
How These Renewals Impact the 2026–2027 TV Landscape
Fewer Cancellations, More Long-Term Storytelling
Writers can plan arcs. Actors can commit. Fans can invest emotionally.
Stability Creates Better TV
When creators aren’t constantly worried about cancellation, quality improves. It’s that simple.
What Didn’t Get Renewed—and Why That Matters
Every renewal wave has its casualties. While CBS hasn’t finalized cancellations yet, these renewals quietly signal which shows are priorities—and which are on shaky ground.
Streaming vs Broadcast—CBS Is Still Standing Strong
Why Broadcast Isn’t Dead
CBS proves that:
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Live viewing still matters
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Procedurals still work
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Appointment TV still exists
The Hybrid Advantage
With Paramount+, CBS benefits from both worlds—broadcast reach and streaming longevity.
Fan Reactions: Relief, Excitement, and Loyalty
Social media reactions say it all:
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“NCIS forever!”
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“Tracker is the best new show in years.”
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“Matlock surprised me—in the best way.”
When fans celebrate renewals, that’s brand equity you can’t buy.
What’s Next for CBS Viewers?
Expect:
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Bigger story arcs
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Crossovers
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Deeper character development
CBS just gave its shows room to breathe—and grow.
Conclusion: CBS Bets Big on What Works—and Wins
By renewing NCIS, Tracker, Matlock, and seven other proven hits for the 2026–2027 season, CBS sends a clear message: consistency beats chaos. While the TV landscape shifts constantly, CBS stands firm—offering familiar faces, reliable storytelling, and shows viewers can trust.
In an era of endless scrolling, sometimes it’s nice to know exactly what you’re getting. And CBS delivers—week after week.
