CBS has officially pulled the curtain back on its 2026 renewed and canceled shows, and let’s be honest—this is the kind of TV news that sends fans straight to social media. Some renewals feel like a victory lap. Others? Total heartbreak.
If you’re wondering which CBS shows are coming back, which ones are ending, and why these decisions matter, you’re in the right place. This is the complete, up-to-date breakdown of CBS’s 2026 TV lineup, explained in plain English—with context, insight, and zero fluff.
So grab your coffee. Let’s break it all down.
Why CBS’s 2026 Decisions Matter More Than Ever
Network television is changing fast. Streaming platforms are eating into ratings, budgets are tighter, and audiences expect more—faster.
CBS’s renewal and cancellation choices for 2026 aren’t random. They’re strategic moves in a high-stakes game.
The Big Picture
CBS is balancing three things:
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Loyal legacy audiences
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Younger, streaming-first viewers
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Profitability in a crowded TV market
And yes, some fan-favorite shows paid the price.
How CBS Decides Which Shows Live or Die
Before we jump into the list, it helps to understand how CBS makes these calls.
Key Factors Behind Renewals
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Live + delayed ratings
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Streaming performance on Paramount+
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Production costs vs. ad revenue
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Cast contracts and scheduling
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Social media engagement and buzz
Think of it like a scoreboard. A show doesn’t need perfect numbers—just better numbers than its competition.
CBS Renewed Shows for 2026: The Winners Circle
Let’s start with the good news. These shows earned another season—and in some cases, a bigger spotlight.
Flagship Franchises That Are Safe (For Now)
NCIS (Season 23)
Still standing. Still dominating.
NCIS remains CBS’s crown jewel. Even after two decades, it continues to pull strong ratings and perform exceptionally well on streaming.
Why It Survived
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Massive brand recognition
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Strong international sales
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Reliable cross-generational audience
NCIS isn’t just a show—it’s a TV institution.
NCIS: Hawai‘i (Renewed)
The tropical spinoff lives to fight another season.
Despite some behind-the-scenes cast changes, NCIS: Hawai‘i continues to resonate thanks to its setting, ensemble cast, and solid streaming numbers.
FBI (Season 9 Confirmed)
No surprise here.
The FBI franchise remains one of CBS’s most dependable performers, consistently ranking high in live viewership.
Comedy Series That Earned a Return
Ghosts (Renewed for 2026)
Funny, clever, and wildly bingeable.
Ghosts has quietly become one of CBS’s strongest modern comedies. Its streaming success pushed it safely into another season.
What’s Working
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Family-friendly humor
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Strong ensemble chemistry
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High rewatch value
Young Sheldon (Franchise Continuation)
While Young Sheldon itself is nearing its end, CBS is clearly not done with the universe.
Spinoff discussions and franchise extensions remain very much alive.
Reality and Competition Shows That Made the Cut
Survivor
At this point, canceling Survivor would feel illegal.
It continues to outperform expectations and dominate unscripted television.
The Amazing Race
Consistent. Cost-effective. Still exciting.
That’s the magic formula.
CBS Canceled Shows for 2026: The Tough Goodbyes
Now for the painful part. These shows did not survive the cut.
Scripted Dramas That Didn’t Make It
So Help Me Todd (Canceled)
This one stings.
Despite a loyal fanbase, So Help Me Todd struggled with inconsistent ratings and limited streaming growth.
Why It Was Canceled
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Rising production costs
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Flat year-over-year ratings
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Scheduling challenges
East New York (Officially Axed)
A strong concept couldn’t overcome tough competition.
This cancellation reflects CBS’s shift toward franchises over standalone dramas.
Comedies That Fell Short
Extended Family
Promising start. Weak finish.
CBS gave it time—but the audience didn’t grow fast enough.
Reality Shows That Quietly Disappeared
Some unscripted series were quietly removed from the schedule without much fanfare.
This usually means:
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Low engagement
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Limited advertiser interest
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Better alternatives waiting in the wings
Surprise Renewals That Shocked Fans
Every year, there’s at least one decision that makes people say, “Wait… that got renewed?”
Mid-Tier Dramas with Strong Streaming Metrics
CBS leaned heavily on Paramount+ data this year, saving shows that looked weak on broadcast—but strong online.
Streaming matters now. A lot.
The Role of Paramount+ in CBS’s 2026 Strategy
This can’t be overstated.
Streaming Is the New Tiebreaker
If a show:
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Drives subscriptions
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Performs well internationally
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Encourages binge-watching
…it has a better chance of survival—even with modest live ratings.
CBS is no longer just a network. It’s a content pipeline.
What These Cancellations Mean for Viewers
Let’s be real—canceling shows isn’t just about numbers. It affects people.
For Fans
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Cliffhangers left unresolved
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Emotional investment cut short
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Communities suddenly displaced
For the Industry
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Fewer risks
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More franchises
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Safer storytelling
What’s Coming Next for CBS in 2026
Expect:
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More spinoffs
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Fewer experimental shows
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Heavier reliance on proven IP
CBS is playing defense—and offense—at the same time.
Will Any Canceled Shows Be Saved Elsewhere?
It’s possible.
Streaming platforms have revived shows before. But rescues depend on:
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Ownership rights
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Production costs
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Existing fan campaigns
Never say never—but don’t hold your breath.
How CBS’s 2026 Lineup Compares to Other Networks
Compared to rivals:
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CBS is more conservative
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NBC is experimenting
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ABC is restructuring
Each network is responding differently to the same problem: how to survive in a streaming-first world.
What Fans Can Learn from CBS’s 2026 Decisions
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this:
Loyalty matters—but numbers matter more.
Watch live when you can. Stream legally. Engage online. Every click counts.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Year for CBS Television
CBS’s 2026 renewed and canceled shows list isn’t just a lineup update—it’s a roadmap for where network TV is heading.
Franchises are king. Streaming is the judge. And viewers? We’re the deciding vote.
Love these decisions or hate them, one thing’s clear: CBS is reshaping its future—and television won’t look the same because of it.
FAQs
1. Which CBS shows were renewed for 2026?
Major renewals include NCIS, FBI, Ghosts, Survivor, and NCIS: Hawai‘i, among others.
2. What CBS shows were canceled in 2026?
Notable cancellations include So Help Me Todd, East New York, and several underperforming comedies and reality series.
3. Why does CBS cancel popular shows?
Even popular shows can be canceled due to high costs, declining ratings, or weak streaming performance.
4. Does Paramount+ affect CBS renewals?
Yes. Streaming data now plays a major role in renewal decisions.
5. Can canceled CBS shows return on streaming platforms?
It’s possible, but rare. Rescues depend on cost, rights, and fan demand.