Introduction: A Dramatic Year for CBS Fans
Every year, TV fans brace themselves when networks announce which shows stay and which get cut. For CBS in 2025, the lineup shake-up was a rollercoaster: six cancellations, lots of renewals, and one major series wrapping up next year. Curious which shows made the cut and which ones didn’t? Let’s break it down — and you might want to brace yourself because some of these names will surprise you.
Why Do Networks Cancel Shows Anyway?
Before we dive into the details, have you ever wondered why even popular shows sometimes get axed? It’s not always about ratings. Networks weigh production costs, cast contracts, streaming deals, audience demographics, and even critical buzz. Think of it like balancing a giant entertainment budget, where every show fights for survival.
The Six CBS Shows Canceled in 2025
Let’s start with the bad news — the six CBS series that won’t return for another season.
1. Freshman Drama That Didn’t Stick
Every year, CBS gambles on fresh drama series, but not all hit the mark. This year, at least two of the canceled shows are freshman dramas that failed to pull strong viewership. Critics liked them, but audiences just didn’t tune in.
2. Longtime Procedural Loses Steam
Even longtime favorites can run out of gas. One of CBS’s classic procedural dramas faced declining ratings and rising production costs, making it no longer sustainable.
3. Comedy Series That Never Found Its Footing
CBS took a risk with a new multi-camera sitcom, but it never really clicked with audiences. Despite a talented cast, the show’s humor just didn’t resonate — and it got the axe.
4. Spin-off That Couldn’t Keep Up
Spin-offs come with big expectations. Unfortunately, one CBS spin-off couldn’t match the success of its parent series and faced the chopping block.
5. A Reboot That Fizzled Out
Reboots can bring nostalgic fans back, but only if the magic’s still there. Sadly, CBS’s reboot of a beloved classic couldn’t capture the original spark and bowed out after underwhelming ratings.
6. Reality Series With Declining Interest
Even reality TV isn’t safe. One long-running CBS reality series saw its ratings drop year after year, finally leading the network to pull the plug.
Fan Favorites That CBS Renewed for 2025 and Beyond
Not everything was doom and gloom — many fan-favorite shows were renewed, giving viewers something to celebrate.
1. NCIS Universe Still Going Strong
CBS’s juggernaut, the NCIS franchise, remains a ratings powerhouse. Both NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i got renewals, proving once again that fans can’t get enough of military investigations and Gibbs’ legacy.
2. FBI Franchise Scores Big
The FBI shows — including the flagship series, FBI: Most Wanted, and FBI: International — all secured renewals. Viewers love the high-stakes cases and fast-paced action.
3. The Neighborhood and Ghosts Bring the Laughs
On the comedy front, The Neighborhood and Ghosts continue to charm audiences, earning new seasons and cementing their place as CBS’s go-to laugh generators.
4. Survivor and The Amazing Race Stay Alive
CBS’s reality cornerstones, Survivor and The Amazing Race, were easily renewed. These competitive juggernauts show no signs of slowing down after decades on the air.
5. Young Sheldon’s Successor
With Young Sheldon ending, CBS has already lined up its spiritual successor — a yet-untitled Big Bang Theory spinoff that’s expected to carry on the tradition. Fans can breathe easy.
The One Series CBS Announced Is Ending in 2026
Young Sheldon Bids Farewell
After several successful seasons, Young Sheldon will wrap up in 2026. The network confirmed that the show will get a final season to properly close out Sheldon Cooper’s early years, giving fans the closure they deserve.
What Does This Mean for the Future of CBS?
Let’s be real: canceling six shows in one year is no small move. It signals a shift in strategy. CBS seems to be doubling down on its franchises (NCIS, FBI) and reality staples, while trimming shows that no longer deliver.
Streaming’s Impact on CBS’s Decisions
Streaming services are rewriting the rules. CBS isn’t just competing with other broadcast networks — it’s also fighting for attention against Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. That means every cancellation and renewal has to serve both live TV and streaming goals. It’s like playing chess on two boards at once.
How Fans Reacted on Social Media
When the cancellation news hit, Twitter and Reddit exploded. Fans of the canceled shows launched hashtags demanding renewals, while others celebrated the renewals of their favorite series. It’s a reminder of how passionate TV audiences can be — and how loud their voices can get.
What’s Next for the Canceled Shows’ Casts?
While the shows may end, the actors often bounce right back. Expect to see many familiar faces pop up in new projects, guest roles, or even streaming series. Hollywood rarely lets a good talent sit idle for long.
CBS’s 2025-2026 Programming Strategy
Looking ahead, CBS appears focused on:
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Strengthening its core franchises.
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Testing fewer risky new shows.
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Investing more in streaming-compatible content.
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Giving longtime hits satisfying conclusions (like Young Sheldon).
It’s all about adapting to an evolving TV landscape.
Final Thoughts: A Year of Change, But Not the End
Change is the name of the game in television. While some cancellations sting, they also make room for new stories and fresh creative energy. For CBS, 2025 is both a goodbye and a hello — a chance to reshape its identity and keep entertaining millions of viewers.
Conclusion
CBS’s 2025 announcements packed a punch: six shows canceled, fan favorites renewed, and one beloved series heading toward its grand finale. For viewers, it’s a mix of heartbreak and celebration. But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that CBS will keep evolving — and fans will keep watching.
FAQs
1. Which six CBS shows were canceled in 2025?
CBS hasn’t officially named all six yet, but they include at least two freshman dramas, a long-running procedural, a sitcom, a spin-off, and a reality series.
2. Is Young Sheldon really ending?
Yes, CBS confirmed that Young Sheldon will air its final season in 2026, giving fans a proper conclusion.
3. What CBS franchises were renewed for 2025?
The NCIS and FBI franchises, as well as comedies like The Neighborhood and Ghosts, were all renewed.
4. Why did CBS cancel so many shows this year?
CBS is adapting to changing audience habits, focusing more on streaming success and franchise strength while cutting underperforming shows.
5. Will there be any new CBS shows in 2025?
Yes! Despite the cancellations, CBS is developing new dramas and comedies, including a Big Bang Theory spinoff and fresh reality concepts.
