The titans of primetime are officially holding their ground. In a move that has solidified the broadcasting landscape for the next year, CBS has announced the early renewal of its most formidable “Big Three”: the legendary NCIS, the ratings juggernaut Tracker, and the high-stakes procedural FBI. By locking in these cornerstone series for the 2026-2027 television season, the network is sending a clear message to both competitors and fans alike—stability is king, and the appetite for traditional, high-quality hero narratives has never been stronger. For millions of viewers who tune in weekly, this announcement is more than just a business update; it is a guarantee that the stories and characters they have invited into their living rooms will continue to thrive in an increasingly fractured media world.
Leading the charge is the indestructible NCIS, which continues to defy the laws of television gravity. As it enters its twenty-fourth season in the 2026-2027 cycle, the series remains a global phenomenon that shows no signs of fatigue. Even after several major cast transitions over the decades, the current ensemble—led by Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, and Gary Cole—has successfully captured the hearts of a new generation while retaining the loyal “legacy” audience. The renewal of the flagship series also secures the health of the wider NCIS universe, providing a sturdy foundation for the various spinoffs currently populating the schedule. The “NCIS Monday” tradition is now a permanent fixture of the CBS identity, proving that the blend of military mystery and found-family dynamics is a formula that transcends time.
Joining the veteran ranks is the new king of the mountain, Tracker. Starring Justin Hartley as the restless and resourceful reward-seeker Colter Shaw, the show has achieved rare “super-hit” status in record time. Since its explosive debut following the Super Bowl, Tracker has consistently occupied the #1 spot for entertainment programs, a feat that made its Season 4 renewal for the 2026-2027 season a foregone conclusion. The show’s success lies in its departure from the traditional “office-bound” procedural; by taking Colter Shaw across the rugged landscapes of America, it offers a visual and narrative variety that feels fresh yet familiar. Fans are particularly invested in the slow-burn reveal of the Shaw family mystery, and the renewal ensures that the writers have the runway necessary to peel back the layers of Colter’s traumatic past.
Not to be outdone, the FBI flagship series has also been secured, ensuring that the J. Edgar Hoover Building remains open for business through 2027. Despite recent fan anxiety regarding cast availability and the grueling nature of the production schedule, the renewal of FBI for an eighth season confirms its status as an indispensable asset for the network. The show, which serves as the anchor for the entire “FBI Tuesday” block, continues to deliver the kind of ripped-from-the-headlines intensity that Dick Wolf productions are famous for. The chemistry between Missy Peregrym’s Maggie Bell and Zeeko Zaki’s OA Valentine remains the emotional core of the series, and this renewal gives the creative team the opportunity to further explore the complex moral landscape of modern federal law enforcement.
What makes this trifecta of renewals so significant is the “halo effect” they provide for the rest of the CBS schedule. Having NCIS, Tracker, and FBI locked in allows the network to take creative risks on newer, experimental series, knowing they have these “giants” to act as lead-ins. It also provides a sense of continuity in a television era often defined by sudden cancellations and “limited series” pivots. For the 2026-2027 season, viewers can expect these shows to push the boundaries of their respective genres. Whether it is a massive crossover event within the FBI brand or a deep-dive character study in Tracker, the creative teams are now empowered to plan long-term arcs that reward viewer loyalty.
As the industry looks toward the future, the dominance of these three shows reinforces the power of the broadcast model. While streaming services battle for “viral” moments, CBS has built a fortress around consistent, reliable, and engaging storytelling. The giants are back, the budgets are set, and the cameras are ready to roll. For the fans, the message is simple: keep your remotes close and your calendars marked, because the best is yet to come from the most trusted names in television. The 2026-2027 season is shaping up to be a masterclass in primetime excellence, led by the shows that defined the genre.
